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Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3489
The right to health and access to health care are basic human rights, yet the relationship between poverty, marginalization and access to services is often misunderstood or overlooked in health policies and in development actions. To build equitable health systems a rights-based approach to reform and planning is needed. This involves a wide range of interventions, all of which should ensure that investments in the health system will bring benefits to all members of society, especially the poorest and most marginalized
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-690X.jfm-18-2088
Background: Despite liberal abortion laws and wide availability of contraceptives in Ghana, declining Post Abortion Contraception remains a public health challenge due to early unplanned pregnancies and recurrent abortions. The development of this model was therefore to address challenges of low contraception following induced abortion in health facilities within the capital city of Ghana. Method: The development of this model was an outcome of a nested study title: ‘decision making for induced abortion in Accra metropolis, Ghana’ in 2014. This model was piloted for four years using Marie Stopes, Ipas and Ghana Health Service trained abortion providers with family planning skills in one hundred purposively selected health facilities comprising 90 private and 10 Non-Governmental Organization mandated by law to provide safe abortion care services in the capital city of Ghana. The model mainly focused on contraceptive products, pricing, placement, promotion and people. Results: There was an increase (90% average) in Post Abortion Contraception across the selected facilities following the intervention using the model. Conclusion: The study concludes that an integration of products, pricing, placement, promotion and people with options counselling prior to an induced abortion are key considerations for an improved post abortion contraception uptake in developing countries.
Dec 2025
Background Fast food consumption is the major cause of obesity and overweight in worldwide affecting more than 2 billion people, especially developing countries and low income countries. It can lead to hyperinsulinemia and development of insulin resistance, high energy density, high glycemic index, and fatty acid composition of fast foods may increase the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors Objectives The main aim of this study was, to assess fast food consumption and its association with overweight /obesity among undergraduate students of University Hargeisa, Somaliland, 2023. Methods The study was carried out from May 01 to July 20, 2023 at University of Hargeisa using an institutional based cross-sectional study design to among 260 students. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was prepared based on review literatures and dig out from related studies. The anthropometric data was taken by data collectors to measure weight and height using a stadiometer. Data was entered and checked for errors using EPI-info version 7.1.5.0 and then, data were exported to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 21 and STATA software version 14 for data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics such as; frequencies, means and proportion was used for present the findings. A variable with P-values of less than 0.25 in the binary logistic regression analysis was entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of stunting. Finally, variable at P-value less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression analysis was considered as a statistically significant variable. Results In this study, the majority 235 (90.4%, CI: 86.5- 93.8) of the study participants were fast food consumers. The study revealed that, from the total study participants 46(17.7%),127(48.8%),84(32.3%), 3(1.2%) were underweight, normal, overweight and obese respectively. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. On multi-variable logistic regression model educational level of the students (AOR = 12.45 (95% CI: 1.7, 14.6)) and frequency of fruit (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.7, 0.8)) and vegetable consumptions (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.47, 0.575)) were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions (p < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, of the total 90.4% number of fast food consumers. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. Educational level of the students and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumptions were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions. Effort should be made to increase access to fast food-related information and counseling.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-24-4935
Promoting responsible energy usage in student hostels and residential buildings plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development. By implementing cost-efficient strategies for managing and conserving energy, both students and homeowners can not only reap economic and social benefits but also mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with energy consumption. Unfortunately, student hostels and residential buildings in developing countries like Ghana are falling behind in the adoption of energy efficiency and management practices, thereby missing out on valuable implementation opportunities. This study investigates the potential for energy efficiency and conservation measures in student hostels, specifically the GETFUND hostel of the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana. The hostel's monthly energy consumption is approximately 64,929.458kWh, which translates to $5,667.20. The objectives of the study include analysing the current electricity consumption pattern, identifying energy misuse, and recommending measures to save energy, as well as calculating the financial benefits of implementing energy management practices. The methodology employed is an energy audit approach. The results of this study can contribute to overall energy conservation efforts in Ghana and may be applied to other university residence halls in sub-Saharan African countries with similar climatic and energy-use characteristics. In a broader sense, the primary objective of this study is to enhance the energy efficiency of the GETFUND hostel and minimize energy wastage, resulting in substantial financial savings.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-23-4532
Camels are a significant source of income for nomadic populations in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. Camels are well adapted to dry and semi-dry regions, providing income, food security, and transportation. However, camel production and productivity are constrained by infectious diseases, such as brucellosis, which is a highly infectious bacterial disease that affects camels and humans worldwide. Brucellosis causes significant economic losses due to abortion, low herd fertility, and decreased milk production. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of camel brucellosis varies depending on factors related to the host, agent, climate, and management system, with a reported prevalence ranging from 0.5% to 11.9%. Accurate diagnosis of camel Brucellosis is essential for herd-based screening of animals. Although culturing the pathogen is the preferred method for diagnosis, serological tests such as Rose-Bengal plate test (RBPT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Complement fixation test (CFT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been developed. Implementing effective diagnosis and surveillance systems to control the spread of brucellosis in animals and humans is very important, on top of awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and suitable laboratory establishment recommended. Continued research is essential to maintain the health and productivity of camel populations, particularly in pastoral areas where camels play a significant role in the livelihood of communities. Therefore, the present paper views the seropositive prevalence and potential risk factors associated with camel brucellosis in Ethiopia.
Jul 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1977.jd-23-4588
Introduction Acute diarrhea remains one of the major health problems in developing countries. According to the WHO, rotavirus contributes to approximately 40% hospitalizations and is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children 0-5 years old. The objective was to determine the prevalence of rotavirus and the sociodemographic and clinical profile among children with diarrhea in 4 hospitals in the DRC. Methods This study is documentary, retrospective and analytical taking two periods, before and after introduction of the vaccine, i.e. January 2017 to December 2018 and January 2020 to December 2021 in 4 hospitals, i.e. 2 in Kinshasa and 2 in Lubumbashi. Results Total 1872 children, 924 (49.4%) of whom were enrolled before the introduction of the vaccine and 948 (50.6%) after. Only 1737 had performed serology, of which 875 (50.4%) were rotavirus positive and 862 (49.6%) were negative. Positive results, a reduction of 30.6% is noted since the introduction of the vaccine. The predominant age range was 6 to 11 months. The male gender was predominant at 56.7%. Diarrhea was found in 88.5%, vomiting in 73.7% and fever in 73.9%. Before vaccination, the risk was more: 11 times to have diarrhea, 9-10 times the frequency between 3-10 times a day, 9 times vomiting, 2 times fever and 2 times to have a positive result. Conclusion From this study, we note a reduction frequency due to diarrhea unlike previous years, probably attributable to the vaccine.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-22-4259
Asthma is a chronic disease of airways; that is widely characterized by an increased responsiveness to a large variety of stimuli, airway inflammation and obstruction. It is the most common respiratory disorder disease in developed and developing countries. The study was aimed to assess the factors that contribute for the cause of asthma disease in Ambo town and cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather information from March to April 2022. 30 respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique for interview and data collections. According to the study the more affected age group were 22-32(53%) and the major risk factor for the disease was air pollution (53%). The pollution is due to domestic wastes that are discharged to the environment. Therefore, the government and extension health workers should aware the community about the risk factors of asthma and proper waste disposal mechanisms.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1977.jd-22-4378
Typhoid or enteric fever is caused by Salmonella serotype typhi and paratyphi. It is one of the major public health problem in developing countries including Nepal. In recent years, increased urbanization and growing population within Kathmandu valley, attributed mainly to improper sanitary condition and fecal contamination of drinking water. These all factors contributes to a very high prevalence of typhoid fever through out the country. Methods This study was laboratory based study carried out six month period from march 2017 to August 2017 at microbiology lab in Nepal Medical college. Results and conclusion In the present study, the prevalence of enteric fever is mainly caused by Salmonella. Typhi than Salmonella Paratyphi A was observed.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4313
Data quality is defined as a measure of data status that fulfills the following elements: accuracy, completeness, consistency, reliability, and if the data is current. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that only 40% of all countries have an adequate system to collect information on birth and deaths. Even though the system is there, vital registration systems are inaccurate and incomplete in developing countries. In Rwanda, maternal health related data was over-reported more than other indicators. These are the main reasons for conducting the study to investigate the data quality of four maternal and newborn health indicators reported by Rwandan Western Province health centers. This concurrent-mixed method study included 61 data managers and 12 key informants. Routine data quality assessment tool and structured interview guide were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to get proportion of respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. The analysis was done for assessing median of data quality index. The results show that 55.7% of data managers were male while 58.3% of responsible of maternity were female. Majority (58.9%) of participants was in age’s category from 33-42, 61.6% have A1 education level and 53.4% have experience less than five years. Data quality index of one out of four (25%) MNH indicators was found below 95% accepted by WHO. The main reasons for insufiscient quality of data are lack of data validation meetings (57.5%) and incompleteness of reporting tools (36.4%). Monthly data validation meetings chaired by HC leaders are important to contribute to high-quality data in healthcare settings. Supportive supervisions done in data quality and management have to be organized in a supportive, and educative way.
Sep 2022
Background Cardiovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease (IHD), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the very elderly patients worldwide. In the developing countries like Bangladesh it has been increasing with time. Due to life style, food habits and urbanisation. These patients represent a rapidly growing cohort presenting for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), now constituting more than one in five patients treated with PCI in real-world practice. Materials and Methods From July 2020 we included 152 patients with IHD purposively in Cardiology department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka, Bangladesh undergone PCI who were divided into 2 groups according to age: e” 75 years (n = 51) and <75 years (n = 101). Baseline clinical characteristics, indications for coronary intervention, in hospital outcomes were obtained. Study endpoint was Renal impairment, MI, LVF, emergency revascularization and death. Results Very elderly patients were more frequently male (86.2%) and nonsmoker at present (41.1% vs. 63.3%, p=0.003), had higher prevalence of hypertension (60.7% vs. 50.4%, p<0.13), and more often presented with NSTEMI (54.9% vs. 23.7%, p<0.001). Elderly group had higher incidence of TVD and LM disease (37.2% vs. 26.7% and 9.8% vs. 2.9%, p=0.07) and more incidence of ostial (17.6% vs.5.9%,p=0.007) and calcified lesions (31.3% vs. 14.8%, p=0.004). Procedural success (TIMI III) were high in both groups, but still lower in the elderly as compared to younger group (96% vs. 97%, p=0.65). Very elderly patients had higher incidence of post PCI bleeding, CIN, MI, LVF and death (9.8% vs.5.9%, 7.8% vs.3.9%, 5.8% vs.5.9%, 9.8% vs. 4.9% and 5.8%vs.3.9%,p=0.07), whereas emergency revascularization were higher in younger group (5.8% vs. 6.9%, p=0.07). Conclusion Very elderly patients aged ≥80 years face more vascular site complications during PCI, usually have more LM and TVD with more ostial and calcified lesions in comparison with younger group. Though procedural success is similar with younger group, they face more post PCI CIN, LVF and MI. Repeat revascularization was higher in younger group.
Aug 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3379.jwc-22-4233
Man’s activity and/ or inactivity continually impedes the environment in many ways. Sometimes, these impediments could be negative with catastrophic consequences. Emission of greenhouse gases, desert encroachment, deforestation, global warming, and general environmental degradation by different human practices poses a lot of threat to this planet. It has therefore become imperative to explore novel ways or technologies in checkmating hazards emanating from these disasters. Biotechnology which simply refers to the use of living organisms or their parts particularly microorganisms to produce materials for human and animal consumption comes in handy. The aim of this paper is to do a brief review on the merits of applying this technology in mitigating hazards arising from climate change. Focus will be centered on agricultural and industrial biotechnology more as a result of their involvement in land and environmental related matters. Manipulation of crops via genetic engineering for varieties with stress resistance, phytoremediation, tissue culture of orphan crops, and so many other biotechnological practices will be examined so as to highlight their role in stemming disasters caused by climate change. In conclusion, the paper will attempt to explain the reason why developing countries like Nigeria should also join the global race in curtailing this menace via her indigenous biotechnology.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3360.ijco-21-3995
Proceeding to hospital immediately stroke occurs is important for early intervention that would minimize the consequences of stroke. But most stroke patients in developing countries prefer herbal centers than hospital. Reasons for this attitude have not been established. Two well-trained assistants were used to interview 117 stroke survivors who attended Bebe Herbal Center (BHC) in Nigeria for at least two visits. The survivors self-reported their experiences in hospitals visited and at BHC. Data obtained were analyzed using Independent t-test, Pearson’s chi-squared test, on SPSS package version 23. Significant value was set at p<0.05. Results showed the survivors comprised 48.7% males and 51.3% females, with mean age 63.98±10.41 years (range: 40-84 years). Following onset of stroke, 61.5% went firstly to hospital, 21.4% to traditional healing places, and 17.1% to BHC. Eventually all survivors went to BHC and 99.1% said they were satisfied with treatment received at BHC. Seventy-nine (68.1%) said they experienced substantial recovery under one month, 25.9% between 1-6 months. All the survivors who went firstly to hospitals said they received inadequate care in them. None of the hospitals they visited had CT or MRI equipment. Pearson’s chi-squared test showed that the impact of stroke had a significant difference between males and females regarding checking of blood pressure after stroke (χ2=7.62; df=3; P<0.05). The inadequate care received in hospitals and the early satisfactory recovery in BHC influence stroke patients in Nigeria to reject going to hospital.
Sep 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-3926
Background The nutritional situation in prisons of developing countries and the health status of inmates remain a major human rights concern. The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of inmates jailed in a prison of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-month period in the Central Prison of Mbuji-Mayi, DRC. Three hundred inmates were selected according to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Severe malnutrition was defined according to Buzby index and Nutritional Risk Index (NRI). Data were analyzed by Stata™ (version12.0). Results The inmates were aged between 18 and 70 years and primarily males (88.7%). Of them, 24% were suffering from severe malnutrition and 62% of moderate malnutrition as based on the NRI. At the time of study, 88% of inmates were incarcerated for more than 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors independently associated with severe malnutrition were incarceration of more than 6 months (OR=5.1; 95% CI (1.5-17.4)), origin of food (prison vs. family or NGO) (OR=4.7; 95% CI (1.6-13.8)) presence of tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus and/or intestinal infections (OR=2.6; 95% CI (1.4-4.7)). Conclusions The nutritional situation in the Central Prison of Mbuji-Mayi is precarious. There is urgent need to supply enough nutrient-rich food to improve health of inmates.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3897
Background Water-related diseases are water-related disorders of the body. They are a public health problem as they are responsible for 60% of infant mortality in our developing countries. There are few studies in South Cameroon on the subject. Overall Objective of this work was to study the explanatory behavioral factors of waterborne diseases in children aged 0 to 5 years in the health area of the urban dispensary in Ebolowa in Cameroon in 2020. Methodology This was an analytical cross-sectional study comparing two groups of children (group 1: children affected by waterborne diseases group 2: children unaffected by waterborne diseases) within the health area of the Ebolowa urban area. It lasted 21 months and the study period was from 28 December 2020 to 22 January 2021. We included children aged 0 to 5 years present in households where parents/guardians gave their informed consent. Sampling was probabilistic and cluster sampling. Using the Kelsey formula, we obtained a sample of 420 households and 566 children. Data was collected using a questionnaire and stored in the Excel spreadsheet and analyzed with CDC USA's epi info software 7.2.2.6. The calculation p value was done with Stat Calc at the significance threshold of 0.05. Bold The proportion of waterborne diseases was 97% (549/566) among the children aged 0 to 5 years surveyed. The most common reasons for using the health service for children aged 0-5 years were diarrhea 78.62% (IC75.06-81.80), and malaria 78.09% (74.09-81.30). The median age of children suffering from these pathologies was 36 months (24; 60). The gender ratio (Boys/Girls) was 2.06/1. Conclusion We propose to increase the awareness of mothers/guardians on good practices; also, to increase health promotion in the fight against waterborne diseases.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-21-3851
Background The rapid and ongoing spread of antimicrobial-resistant organisms threatens the ability to successfully prevent, control, or treat a growing number of infectious diseases in developed and developing countries. This study was designed to convey more insight on the profile of antimicrobial resistance and the capacity of laboratories conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing in Cameroon. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 in the Deido Health District. Laboratories that carry out culture and sensitivity testing within the Deido Health District were identified and assessed to determine their capacity as well as the quality of results from microbiological investigations. Information on antimicrobial susceptibility of various isolates was collected using tablet phones in which the study questionnaires had been incorporated. Results Gaps identified in antimicrobial susceptibility testing that cut across laboratories included; insufficient standard operating procedures, inadequate records on personnel training and competency assessment, lack of safety equipment such as biosafety cabinet, stock out and non-participation in external quality assurance program. The turnaround time for antimicrobial susceptibility testing ranged from 3 – 7 days. Out of the 1797 samples cultured, 437(24.3%) had at least one isolate. A total of 15 different isolates were identified with Candida albicans being the most frequent 178 (40.7%), followed by Escherichia coli 80(18.3%). Among the 15 classes of antimicrobial drugs used in this study, the overall resistance of the isolates showed that five classes had class median resistance above 40% (Cephalosporins, Penicillins, Beta-lactam, Macrolides, and Polyenes). Conclusion This study has shown the need to develop a coordinated national approach to fight antimicrobial resistance. Scaling-up of antimicrobial susceptibility testing will, therefore, require strengthening the microbiology units of laboratory systems as well as ensuring the use of laboratory data for decision making.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-20-3501
Background A well-functioning drug supply management is the corner stone for any meaningful health service. However, Pharmaceutical supply systems in many developing countries have severe problems, including inefficient selection, procurement and use of drugs. The magnitude and extent of the problem is huge and chronic in the Ethiopian health care system for a long time. Objective To evaluate auditable pharmaceutical transaction service process in Seka primary hospital, Jimma zone south west Ethiopia. Evaluation Methodology Case study design involving both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted in Seka primary hospital. The focus of this evaluation was on the process of Auditable pharmaceutical transaction service. The evaluation was focused on process part of the program with dimensions; availability, compliance and client satisfaction in the dimension of accommodation. Resource inventory, document review; key informant interviews and observations were conducted. Client satisfaction was assessed through exit interview; with sample size of 326. The qualitative data was analyzed manually using thematic analysis and quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 software. Results In Seka primary hospital, percentage availability of the 32 selected Key medicinewas 10.7(82.0%) and there were no expired drugs found on their shelves. The availability of 17 of the required 20(85%) professionals was adequate according the Auditable pharmaceutical transaction service. The average lead time was found to be less than five days. The average counselling and dispensing time were 5:43 minutes and 1:17 minutes, respectively. The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.0. The 1154(97.9%) of drugs prescribed by generic name and 1175(99.7%) of prescribed drugs on Essential Drug List indicates prescribers ‘adherence to facility specific List. Conclusion This evaluation revealed that (based on the pre-set judgment criteria) the achievement of the Auditable pharmaceutical transaction service in Seka primary Hospital was GOOD 82.6 % (achieved 355.2 of 430 weight given), i.e. even though it is Good achievement ,there are areas that needs improvement. Areas for improvement identified were: Pre- and in-service training for all health workers involved in store room and dispensary to improve on the medium counselling time, poor record keeping and the extremely poor labelingof drugs which this all improve the overall client satisfaction.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3526
Background Self-medication (SM) can be defined as the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. A number of individuals in developing countries do not attend physicians for their illnesses; instead they commonly use self-medication. Self-medication could be using drugs existing in home like over the counter (OCT) drugs, traditional medicine, prescription only drug. Self-medication is not always bad, hence for the over the counter drugs it is beneficial. Inappropriate storage and use of medicines at home could have a direct influence on public health, the environment and the health-care services and it increases the risk of self-medication. Objective To assess the practice of self-medication and drug storage among South Sudanese community in Addis Ababa. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study design was conducted in Addis Ababa city from April 22 to April 26/2019. Data was collected by semi structure-questionnaire consisting questions on general demographic, socio-economic as well as on perceived illness/ symptoms in the past four weeks and actions taken for it. The data collected was screened before it is analyzed. Data analysis was done by using calculator. Results From the total 297 respondents 286 (96.2%) had reported self-medication in the last one month before the study period. The most common types of ailments for which the respondents reported to have practiced self-medication were cough, cold and sore throat 90(30.3%), followed by headache 66(22.2%), diarrhea 52(17.5%) ,abdominal pain 47(15.8%), fever 21(7.07%) and vomiting 10(3.3%). The reasons given for self-medication were; the illness was minor 226(76%) and previous experiences with similar ailments 31 (10.4%) were found to be the two major reasons given by the respondents for self-medication in this study. The majority of the respondents 242(81.4%) who practiced self-medication obtained information on self-medication from friends and 29(9.7%) obtained information from family members. The most frequently used group of drugs used for self-medication were analgesics/antipyretics 177(59.5%) and antimicrobial which account 75(25.2%) each followed by antihelmenthics 24(8.08%).The main source of drugs for SM was in pharmacy 220(74.07%) followed by leftover drugs 41(13.8%) while drug retail outlet, and neighbors and relatives were the suppliers to 12.13% respondents each. Conclusion and Recommendation A significant number of respondents (96.2%) use S/M from those perceived illness. Majority of the self-medicated individuals used due to minor illness. The most common category of drugs used was analgesics/antipyretics and antimicrobials. And the reason reported for using S/M was minor illness and previous experience with the illness. Most of respondents obtained drugs easily from pharmacy. So, pharmacies are the major sources of drugs used for S/M. The increased of drugs storage to treat similar illness/symptom and drugs left over from previous use contribute to the increase in the S/M practice. Common drugs store reported by respondents who store modern drugs were analgesic/antipyretic. Most of the respondents stored the drug in locked cabinets. A lot is need to be done in educating the public including the health care providers on the type of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated, the type of drugs to be used for S/M, and the proper use of drugs. During dispensing of drugs emphasis should be given to all drug consumers and dispenser because of resistance and side effects of drug is the main challenging problem even in the world. Food, Medicines and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA) needs to effectively implement laws on drug handling and dispensing so as to take necessary measures on illegal providers of drugs.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-1201.jsn-20-3554
Background Traumatic brain injury is an expanding major public health problem and the leading cause of death of the young and productive part of the world’s population. Research is mainly done in high-income countries where only a small proportion of the worldwide fatalities occur. Only few studies have examined prognostic factors of traumatic brain injury outcome in developing countries including Ethiopia. This study was aimed at defining the peculiar demographic and other associated factors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcome among patients treated for head injury at Nekemte Referral Hospital. Objective The main purpose of this study was to describe the magnitude of TBI outcome and assess factors associated with unfavourable outcome of TBI among patients treated for head injury at the surgical side in Nekemte Referral Hospital from July 8, 2016 to July 7, 2018. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional document review was conducted among TBI patients treated for head injury from July 8, 2016 to July 7, 2018 at Nekemte Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a pre-tested data collection format. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were computed and association between the dependent and independent variables were assessed by using logistic regression. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were computed. Significant association was declared when the p value was <0.05. Results In this study, out of 378 cases 95 (25.1%) were discharged with unfavourable outcome of which 37(9.8%) were neurologic deficits and 58 were deaths giving overall mortality rate of 15.3%. Patient age>60years (AOR: 15.13; 95%CI: 3.575-64.028), time interval from injury to treatment (AOR: 16.054; 95%CI: 5.832-44.194), low GCS (AOR: 18.224; 95%CI: 4.167, 79.695), conservative management (AOR: 20.774; 95%CI: 6.106-70.681), pupils abnormality (AOR: 9.078; 95%CI: AOR: 2.996-27.509) were associated with unfavourable outcome. Conclusions A quarter of patients treated for TBI at Nekemte Referral Hospital are discharged with unfavourable outcomes. Old age, delayed presentation to the hospital, low GCS, conservative management, and pupillary abnormality increase the odds of unfavourable outcome. Timely management of TBI before patients develop secondary brain injury and use of surgical intervention based on CT scan diagnosis will reduce the occurrence of unfavourable outcome.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3180
Background Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death world-wide. There is a steady increase in incidence over the past four decades in developing countries. This has been partly attributed to increasingly low intake of vegetables among other causes. Aims Therefore this study aims to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Ocimumgratissimum (OG) leaves (a staple vegetable) on experimental model of colon carcinogenesis induced with 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH). This is compared with celecoxib (a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) which is used in the chemoprevention of colon cancer. Methods Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: A to F, n=10. Group A was the normal control, Group B was given only DMH weekly for 16 weeks,Groups C, D and E were given graded doses of OG for two weeks prior to cancer induction by DMH. After which both OG and DMH were given for 16weeks. Group F received celecoxib daily for two weeks prior to cancer induction. Colonic wall was analysed grossly, histologically and biochemically. The induced lesions were staged investigated and staged using Duke’s Staging method. Results The result showed tumour incidence in groups B and C while no evidence of primary colonic tumour was observed in groups A, D, E and F. There was a dose dependent increase in the goblet cell count in the groups treated with OG with group E being statistically higher than group F. There was a significant reduction in collagen staining intensity (F = 129.74, p < 0.0001) for the colonic wall in group B when compared to other groups. There was a decreased nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio in groups C, D, E and F when compared to group B. There was a significant increase in the concentration of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2in group B when compared to other groups D, E and F. Conclusion In conclusion, this research showed a protective effect of Ocimumgratissimum leaves on 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer which further corroborated its ethno-medicinal use.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-5915.jafs-20-3204
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing criminal activities in contemporary age. The first recorded cybercrime happened in France in the year 1820. It was not as sophisticated as cybercrime we know in our world today, but, still, that was a crime. Cybercrime has evolved globally as the online platform is progressing. While progress is made in the battle against cybercrime there still remains a wide gap in the consistency of laws across international borders. The main objectives of this study are to explore the nature of cybercrime in developing countries, find out the cyber threats for terrorist activities and explain cybercrime and threats from criminological aspects. This is a descriptive study which is based on secondary data. This study is based on previous researches & studies. this paper discusses the nature of cybercrime in developing countries. It could allow developed countries to understand better the national and international effects of that cyber threats, to determine the conditions of current regional and international agreements, and to help countries create a sound legal framework. And then we notice the impact of cyber threats all over the world. At last, we discuss cybercrime from criminological point of view. Cybercrime is not limited to two neighboring countries and cross-border conflicts; an attempt could be conducted from another world. It is fearful to see cyber wars as the easiest way to carry out sabotaging rather than wars such as cold war, chemical and biological wars, terrorist wars or jihadist attacks. The international legal framework aims by the International Criminal Court to keep offenders accountable for their actions. The government has by far the biggest burden and obstacle in raising knowledge of cybercrime among the people.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-19-3119
Introduction The objective of this study was to compare the availability and prices of locally produced and imported medicines, in particular after one year from medicines importation restriction and to answer the key questions, did local manufacturers able to coverage national needs of medicines and what is the patient prices for locally produced compared to imported medicines in different sectors and regions of Sudan. Methodology The WHO/HAI methodology survey tool was adapted to measure the availability and price of locally produced and imported medicines. Patient price and availability were collected from capital cities of 6 states as per WHO/HAI methodology. Data were collected and analyzed for 50 medicines from the 104 medicines restricted to local manufacturer. Availability was based on whether the medicine was in stock on the day of data collection at the surveyed facility. Prices were expressed as median price ratio (MPR). Results Availability of locally manufactured medicines (LMM) was much better than imported medicines (IM), in the public, (47.2% vs. 14%, respectively) and private (63.9% vs. 23.5%, respectively) sectors. Based on median price ratio (MPR), public sector patient prices for locally manufactured medicines were lowered priced and had a median MPR of 2.4 (n=42) than imported medicines which had a median MPR of 4.99 (n=20). In private sector patient prices for locally manufactured medicines were also lowered priced and had a median MPR of 2.76 (n=45) than imported medicines which had a median MPR of 5.53 (n=27). Thus; patients were paying about 52% less for locally produced than for imported medicines in both sectors Conclusion The survey showed low availability of the basket of medicines surveyed in the public and private sectors for imported medicines (I.M), while not achieving WHO’s target of 80 % for locally manufactured medicines (LMM). In developing countries a lot of barriers are well known to business and industrial need to be resolved in order to maintain availability and self-reliance in drug production as a mean of increasing access to medicines.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-19-3114
Background During the last two decades, the polymorphism of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene has been extensively studied among different human populations. In humans, several studies have shown the relationship between this polymorphism and the risk of many serious diseases with a heavy burden of health in developing countries. After analyzing the polymorphism in the population, the present study was also concerned with the investigation of an eventual association between hypertension, stroke, cancer prostate and I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene. Materials and Methods Our study population included 163 Baka (pygmy) and 158 Fang (Bantu) from Gabon to evaluate the polymorphism in the country. Concerning the diseases, we included 105 patients and 120 controls for hypertension, 37 patients stroke matched with 50 controls and 97 patients with prostate cancer were recruited. All participants in the study were genotyped for the ACE I/D polymorphism obtained by polymerase chain reaction amplification on genomic DNA. Results Our analysis showed that the ACE D allele DD genotype frequencies were highest of all the data so far in human populations. We obtained a frequency of 0.138 for I allele and 0.862 for D allele among pygmy and the frequencies of 0.313 and 0.687 respectively for the I and D alleles. This difference was significant (p<0.05). In patients, we revealed the predominance of D allele and DD genotype for hypertension (0.27 for I allele and 0.73 for D allele), for stroke (0.15 for I allele and 0.85 for D allele) and 83% of individuals with cancer prostate carry the D allele. D allele and DD genotype are associated with risk to hypertension whereas allele I seem protective at the occurrence of stroke (p<0.05 between healthy and controls). Conclusion We show that the D allele and DD genotype were higher in this population. Also theses two signatures may be associated at genetic risk of hypertension, stroke and prostate cancer in this country deprived of human resources for quality care of many patients.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-19-3038
Background Persistent diarrhoea is a commonly observed phenomenon both in Bangladesh and all over the developing countries. It is the single most important cause of diarrhoea related deaths in the community, accounting for over half of them. If associated factors are properly identified & treated, it is possible to prevent most cases of persistent diarrhoea. Objective This study was undertaken to find out the possible risk factors associated with persistent diarrhoea in children below 5 years of age. Methods This was a prospective analytical case control study carried out in a tertiary care hospital, Dhaka. A total of 30 consecutive cases of persistent diarrhoea and 60 consecutive acute diarrhoea controls (matched for age and sex) under 5 comprised the study subjects in this study. Children beyond the age and whose parents didn’t give written consent were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a standered case definition of acute & persistent diarrhoeawere adopted. Data were later processed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science version 12) in the year 2012. Results were considered statistically significant when p value was <0.05. Results According to the study, 56.6% of cases and 63.3% of controls were in the ‘6 to 12 months’ age group and about two-third of the participants in both cases 20 (66.7%) and controls 39 (65.0%) were males.Strong association was found with ‘bottle feeding’ RR=2.2556; 95% CI: 1.259, ‘presence of blood/mucus’ RR=2.5038; 95% CI: 1.4129, ‘WAZ≤ 2)’ RR=2.8867; 95% CI: 1.7202 and ‘early complementary feeding [RR=4.67; 95% CI: 2.5017-8.7175 and OR=7.8858; 95% CI: 3.6791-16.9 Conclusion In the present studyfour factors showed some association with persistent diarrhoea, namely: ‘use of animal milk’; ‘antibiotic use during acute diarrhoea’; ‘history of diarrhoea in previous 3 months’ and ‘pre-lacteal feed’. Strong association was found with ‘bottle feeding practices’ ‘presence of blood &/or mucus in stool’, WAZ <-2 and ‘early complementary feeding
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2953
Breast cancer has high incidence in women from both developed and developing countries. Approximately 2 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. In Asia, unfortunately Pakistan leads the highest number of breast cancer patients. Various treatment strategies are present but they are not well developed. There is a great need to develop effective methods for early detection and treatment of the disease. For cancer treatment chemotherapeutic interventions have always been a method of choice. One of the mechanisms involved in cancerous cell proliferation is Mevalonate (MVA) pathway. It is hypothesized that arresting MVA pathway leads to cell death hence cancer cell growth is suppressed. Various inhibitors of MVA pathway have been studied that can suppress cell proliferation. Nitrogen containing bisphosphonates are MVA pathway inhibitor and clinically used for treatment of bone diseases. Their anticancer efficacy is also reported. Current study focuses on alendronate, a nitrogen containing bisphosphonate to examine their anticancer effect on breast cancer cell line. Results of this study may help in addition of new anticancer drug for breast cancer.
Jul 2019
Co-infection of HIV with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a common event, particularly in developing countries. The emergence and spread of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an increasing public problem in India. The drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains are posing a significant challenge to TB control. This study used PCR to characterize mutations inside the rifampicin resistance-determining region (RRDR) of the rpoB gene in the rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis co-infected with HIV. All the rifampicin-resistant strains had missense mutations. Sequence analysis detected a single or multiple hotspot mutations in the RRDR region of the rpoB gene at codons 516, 512 and 531, in most strains. Furthermore, mutations also occur at codons 512, 514, 517 and 526. The results suggest that hotspot mutations in the rpoB gene are not the sole contributors to MDR-TB co-infected with HIV.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-19-2602
Vision impairment and blindness remain a challenge in developing countries, especially in rural communities. Notwithstanding, VISION 2020 global initiative seeks to eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020. This community-based cross-sectional study aimed at determining the accessibility of ophthalmic services and barriers to its utilization in rural communities in the Upper Denkyira West District, Ghana. One-hundred and seventy participants from 5 randomly chosen rural communities in the district were included. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic information, information regarding accessibility, utilization, and barriers to eye care services were obtained. Descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS version 23. The Chi-squared test was employed to determine associations. P-values less than 0.05 at a confidence interval of 95% were considered significant. Only 21.8% of participants had had eye examination within the past 3 years, with over half of the examinations undertaken at screening grounds and health centres. Significant associations were found between ophthalmic services utilization and increasing age (p = 0.004), female gender (p = 0.027) and those who had a past history of eye problem(s) (p = 0.0010. The study found gross inadequate utilization of ophthalmic services mainly due to unavailable ophthalmic services in the rural district. Public health education and eye care interventions should prioritize and target rural populations. Key Messages This study found gross inadequate utilization of ophthalmic services mainly due to unavailable ophthalmic services in the rural district. Rural dwellers were thus compelled to resort to harmful eye care practices. Public health education and eye care interventions should prioritize and target rural populations
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-18-2470
Background: Acute diarrheal diseases are the leading cause of preventable childhood death, especially in developing countries. It is the second leading cause of death in under-five year children nest to pneumonia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of diarrhea in under-five in Harena Buluk district. Methods: A community based Cross sectional study was conducted in February, 2018. A two stage stratified sampling method was done to select the eligible households. Data was collected by trained data collectors using pretested questionnaire list which was prepared based on EDHS and WHO core questionnaires related to diarrhea. Data was entered in to a computer using Epi data 3.1 and exported to SPSS V.20 for further analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine level of association with 95% CI. A p-value <0.05 in the final model were considered as significant. Result: The two weeks period magnitude of diarrhea among under-five children was 28.4% with 95% CI (14.5-20.8) which was associated with households with one under five children (AOR: 0.268, 95% CI(.08,0.90)), living in the home with single room ((AOR = 6.01, 95% CI(1.01,36.01)), clean latrine/faces not seen around the pit or on the floor of latrine(AOR: 0.298, 95% CI(0.097,0.92)), long time take to fetch water from source (AOR: 0.046,95%CI(0.01,0.22)), home based water treatment ((AOR = 0.15, 95% CI: (0.04, 0.62)), living with animal in the same house(AOR: 8.31, 95% CI(2.46,28.06)), children who took gruel type of food(AOR: 0.24, 95% CI(0.07,0.81)), hand washing practice before cooking food (AOR: 0.195(0.066, 0.574)). Conclusion: The two weeks period magnitude of acute under-five diarrhea was relatively high and number of under five children in the household, cleanness latrine, time taking from the source of water, home based water treatment, number of rooms in the home, live with animal in the same house, type of food child take, hand washing before food preparation had significant association with the occurrence of under-five diarrhea. Improve community about home and environmental sanitation and hand practices were recommended.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2228
Introduction: Organophosphate (OP) pesticide poisoning is a major challenging public-health problem in developing countries. Vitamin D deficiency is pandemic, yet it is the most under-diagnosed and under-treated nutritional deficiency in the world and it has been reported to be clinically correlated with psychiatric illness and manifestation of severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome like ARDS. Thus vitamin D deficiency may affect clinical course and outcome in cases of OPP. Aim: To evaluate status of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level in OP poisoning and its correlation with outcome of such patients. Materials and Methods: Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured at the time of hospitalization by electro-chemiluminescent Assay in 96 patients (76 male and 20 female) suffering from OP poisoning. Diagnosis of OP poisoning was made by history of poisoning including container of the poison brought by patient’s relative, clinical examination and measurement of serum butyrylcholinesterase activity. All patients were evaluated as per Performa and follow up till discharge. Results: Mean level of 25(OH)D in our cases was 24.57±9.91ng/ml and 66.7% had low levels of 25(OH)D. Our study shows linear relationship between 25(OH)D level and duration of hospital stay. All cases of OP poisoning who developed severe manifestations like ARDS, Intermediate syndrome (IMS) were having significant 25(OH)D deficiency. Our study also shows lower levels of 25(OH)D were associated with poor outcome (11.27±3.21vs 27.02±8.54, p<0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in OP poisoning is associated with longer hospital stay, more requirement of ventilator support and high prevalence of complication (ARDS and IMS) and poor outcome. Awareness of 25(OH)D level in patients with OP poisoning may be important to improve outcome.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-18-2223
Marijuana utilization among school aged adolescents is major public and mental health concern in Ghana and other developing countries, with the rate of usage soaring high among school going adolescents. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of marijuana utilization among selected Junior High School (JHS) students in the Central Region of Ghana and explore the relative impact of psychosocial factors accounting for its usage. Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design with the Global School Based Survey GSHS questionnaire, a sample of 1400 school going adolescents students were drawn using multistage sampling procedure. Frequencies, percentages and binary logistic regression results indicated marijuana utilization prevalence of 9% (n = 122). Statistically, gender (OR = 0.52, 95% CI= 0.35 - .765, p = 0.001), religious affiliation (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.0 - 2.95, p = 0.034), socioeconomic background (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.33 - 1.23, p = 0.004) and geographical location (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.31 - .886, p = 0.016) significantly predicted marijuana utilization among school aged adolescents. No statistically significant variations were found in the odds of students’ marijuana usage for age (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.69 - 1.88, p = 0.590), parental communication (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.56 - 1.23, p = 0.348) and academic performance (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.66 -1.80, p = 0.744). Findings suggest that school based research should reflect and perhaps replicate existing prevalence, patterns of marijuana and other drug use through multiple school surveys nationwide. This pathway may provide useful information towards the design, evaluation and implementation of drug prevention cognitive-behavioural interventions and the development of stringent drug regulative standards.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-18-2059
Extant epidemiological and social diagnosis information shows an alarming upsurge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the last decade in developing countries including Ghana. Despite literature on the dangers and associated risk factors of these two health related constructs is well-written and documented, there seems to be a distinct knowledge gap on cultural influences that may trigger the onset of overweight and obesity, and related comorbidities. This review paper provides a general overview on overweight and obesity, and presents a supportive evidence of their rising prevalence as well as associated overall implications on public health in Ghana. Additionally, the paper explores how indigenous cultural perceptions, beliefs and norms impact on dietary and physical activity behaviours of the people. Based on available evidence, the complementary role of behaviour modification towards the management of overweight and obesity is suggested. The PEN-3 model as an appropriate cultural framework is proposed for future empirical investigations. This would afford programme planners to assess how to design culturally underpinned appropriate intervention programmes that would positively influence long term behavioural practices of the local people.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-17-1750
Background The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is escalating at an alarming rate in many developed as well as developing countries. Irisin is a novel muscle and adipose drived chemokine that is, proteolytically processed from the product of the FNDC5 (fibronectin type ш domain containing 5) gene. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of three kind of training on irisin in sedentary obese women. METHODSː33 obese women (medium age: 37.99 ± 3.7 year, height: 1.55 ± 0.03 meter, BMI: 34.6 ± 5.07 kg/m2) participated in the study, on three groups, including endurance, resistance and concurrent. Results After 8 weeks exercise we did not find significant differences in fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and irisin between the groups (P>0.05), but glucose and insulin in resistance groups and irisin in all groups had significant changes (P<0.05). Conclusions In summery in this study in contrast to hypothesis there were no difference between groups of training. It can be hypothesise that the increase of irisin in obese people is one of the preventing ways against of obesity's side effects. Exercise could improve the signaling pathways and consume the fat accumulations, therefore at the end of exercise duration, irisin decreased.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-17-1738
Myasthenia is a rare neurological condition with risk of death in case of inappropriate management. The outcome of this pathology is very bad in developing countries with inadequate technical Platform. We underlined the main difficulties of diagnostic and the management of Myasthenie and antisynthetase antibody syndrome in a 44 years-old Togolese man.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-16-1354
Tanzania is among the developing countries experiencing rapid growth of an ageing population, which has an implication in healthcare expenditure especially in resource poor settings where majority of elderly people cannot afford to pay for the cost of accessing health services. The country has developed the Tanzania National Health Policy (2007) and National Ageing Policy (2003), which, among other things, recognize the importance of having a healthcare system that provides free basic services to the vulnerable elderly population. This study aimed at exploring health service providers’ and managers’ perspectives on the factors facilitating or prohibiting access to health services among elderly people in Tanzania. The study adopted a qualitative approach and data were collected using semi-structured interviews. A total of 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with district healthcare managers, heads of public healthcare facilities, and health service providers. The data generated were analysed for themes and patterns. The results show that Tanzania’s healthcare system has made some efforts to implement the national exemption policy to ensure better access to health services for the elderly. Some of these efforts include: having in place a system to identify and exempt elderly people from paying for health services and giving them special priority during treatment. However, there are some barriers hindering elderly people’s access to health services. Among others include: lack of specific consultation rooms and doctors for serving the elderly, and lack of sufficient drugs and other medical equipment in most government-owned healthcare facilities. In summary, the healthcare system has created a good environment for the implementation of exemption policy aiming at enhancing accessibility of health services among the elderly population in the country. However, such environment cannot function effectively without addressing the identified barriers. It is recommended that the government should allocate adequate human and non-human resources to the healthcare system to enable it to function effectively, including the provision of health services to the elderly.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-16-1279
Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare neurological condition with risk of death in case of inappropriate management. The outcome of this pathology is very bad in developing countries with inadequate technical Platform. We underlined the main difficulties of the management of CCF in a 43 years-old Togolese woman with a fatal outcome.
Apr 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-943
Unlike developed countries, monitoring of the alimentation quality is important in developing countries. In recent years, several methods of assessing food consumption using simple tools the 24-hour diet recall have been proposed. This individual dietary diversity score (IDDS) is a simplified method for assessing the quality of diets, defined as the number of food groups represented in the diet over a period of time. We conducted an individual qualitative food consumption survey based on the 24 hours recall method. It was an Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information.The classification terciles of Dietary Diversity score was obtained from the 14 food groups recommended by FAO. 200diabetic and 200 hypertensive patients regularly followed in the same hospital (University hospital of Treichville) were included in this study without any distinction about treatment. The average of individual dietary diversity score was to 5.6 ± 1.58 for diabetic against 6 ± 1.94 food groups consumed the day before by hypertensive. Hypertensive patients in our study seemed o better diversity their diet with 8% of them who had a high score against 0.5% for diabetic. The food groups most consumed by our population were cereals, white tubers, other vegetables, fish and oils and fats at the expense leafy vegetables, vitamin A fruits, other fruits and legumes, nuts and seeds. In terms of anthropometric factors, we found the influence of waist circumference on food diversification in diabetic and not from hypertensive. Considering the importance of dietary diversity to nutrition and health, these results show the need to mobilize efforts for ensuring that people have better access to and knowledge about adequate nutrition. Despite the fact that this study has to be performed and that comparisons with other countries are required to harmonize the methodology, our results show the interest of the use of a simple tool to assess the quality of the food within the population. Using of this tool is certainly a future solution for a rapid diagnostic of diets quality.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-15-828
Introduction Working with people who are HIV positive is a herculean task and relevant theories to assist them medically, psychologically, economically, socially and otherwise are necessary. People who are living positively with HIV and AIDS are usually ridiculed, discriminated against, rejected and isolated. Using theories to work with them will help to cushion the negative impacts of HIV and AIDS, especially stigma which has been identified as a major barrier to health care and quality of life in illness management. The fundamental human rights of people living positively with HIV and AIDS should be protected since majority of such rights are usually trampled upon. The review aimed at discussing the potential benefits of using theories to assist people living positively with HIV and AIDS to cope with their various and varying situations in life. Materials and Method: Information for this study was collected by extensive review of recent literature on theories for assisting people living positively with HIV and AIDS. The paper reviews theories that influence long-term behaviour change among people living positively with HIV and AIDS. It assesses the need for using these theories to improve HIV and AIDS intervention in developing countries including Nigeria. In this study, eleven behaviour theories were reviewed. Result It was noted that some of the theories promoted adherence as well as helped to explain the benefits of adherence to HIV and AIDS medication. Also a good number of the theories assisted researchers in designing effective intervention strategies. Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine the effective theories that will increase adherence to long-term treatment regimens of HIV and AIDS. Such theories can be used to alleviate the potential burnout of Caregivers and people living positively with HIV and AIDS who travel long distances for diagnostic procedures and work long hours without adequate remuneration, support and supervision.