October 2020

Prevalence of intestinal helminths and their effects on anthropometric, haematological and metabolic parameters among patients of two teaching hospitals in N’Djamena (Chad)

This study was to determine intestinal helminths and their effects on anthropometric, hematological and metabolic parameters among patients in two teaching hospitals in the region of N’Djamena (Chad). Patients consisting of 300 adults at the gastroenterology service of the National Reference Teaching Hospital (NRTH) and 112 children at the pediatric ward in Mother and Child Teaching Hospital (MCTH). Their ages...

Author(s): Hamit M. A., Issa R. A, Fombotioh Ndifor, Nack J., Kemba S., Ali M. M. and C. F. Bilong Bilong

October 2020

Could serum levels of calcidiol predict the onset of chronic inflammatory conditions?

Previous research studies had suggested that low serum calcidiol could lead to the onset of chronic inflammatory conditions (CIC). This study used the dataset of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 to investigate whether serum calcidiol can predict CIC. The linear correlation between serum calcidiol and body mass index (BMI) was explored for therapeutic purposes. A point prevalence of...

Author(s): Bruno Ela Ondo, John Doucette and Denise Gaughan  

November 2020

Mapping and characterization of Ijede community - A semi-urban population in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria

Demographic and health surveys provide household level data on population dynamics and health-related issues. Findings from a well characterized community can be used by relevant stakeholders to plan appropriate and acceptable health interventions for the benefit of the citizens. This project aimed to characterize Ijede community in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State, Nigeria in preparation for a more appropriate Demographic...

Author(s): Agatha N. David, Oluwatosin O. Odubela, Abideen O. Salako, Adeola Y. Olukosi, Oluwagbemiga Aina, Ajibaiye Olushola, Adesola Z. Musa, Baruwa Basit, Samson Awolola, Babatunde L. Salako,  

November 2020

Cluster of neonatal tetanus: Case series from one traditional birth attendant's home in Uyo, South-South Nigeria

Neonatal tetanus, a completely preventable disease, still contributes to morbidity and mortality in Akwa Ibom State, despite the fact that there should have been a global eradication many years back. It therefore still constitutes a public health problem. The aim of this work is to highlight the importance of continuous educational actions for pregnant women, mother and midwives with a view to preventing neonatal...

Author(s): Eno Etim Nyong, Jacob Jackson Udoh, Ibanga Jonah Inyang, Iso Precious Oloyede and Patience Aniekan Udoh  

November 2020

Which approach to modeling? Predicting infectious disease dynamics in epidemics

Disease outbreaks can be devastating to many nations. Interventions of all kinds are run alongside treatments or preventive measures. The effectiveness of the measures taken depends on the number of individuals who are susceptible, exposed, infectious or recovered. These in turn are a function of the nature of the disease: The mode of transmission, the risk of infection reproduction number and incubation period among...

Author(s): Reuben Cheruiyot Lang’at  

November 2020

Preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic response in a country emerging from an Ebola Epidemic: Assessment of health workers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guinea

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Scope (USPPI). The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical personnel on the prevention of Covid-2019. A cross-sectional study among front-line health workers in the health facilities in the city of Conakry was carried out. The knowledge and attitude score...

Author(s): Ibrahima Camara, Abdoulaye Touré,, Alioune Camara, Frederic Le Marcis,, Salifou Talassone Bangoura, Cécé Kpamou, Mamadou Saliou  Sow, , and Alpha Kabinet Keita,  

December 2020

Meteorological factors associated with a high prevalence of leishmaniasis in Nicaragua

Nicaragua has an alarmingly high prevalence of cutaneous (CL) and mucocutaneous (MCL) leishmaniasis in recent years with environmental factors creating a perfect habitat for vector-mammalian reservoirs and transmission of the parasite. The aim of this study is to identify environmental risk factors that may play a role in the high prevalence of CL in Nicaragua. The epidemiological, clinical, and tissue sample diagnosis...

Author(s): Santiago E. Hernandez, Jeegan Parikh, Gerardo Blass-Alfaro, Marissa Anne Rickloff and  Benjamin G. Jacob  

December 2020

Risk factors of under nutrition among indigenous children under five years in developing countries: A scoping review

Undernutrition is a leading cause of child mortality, especially among indigenous peoples worldwide. Understanding associated predictors is essential for mitigation strategies. This review was undertaken to identify existing literature on the determinants of undernutrition among under-five indigenous children in developing countries, and to reveal existing knowledge gaps. Using relevant terms, we searched for relevant...

Author(s): Florence Titu Manjong, Vincent Siysi Verla, Thomas Obinchemti Egbe and Dickson Shey Nsagha  

December 2020

Effectiveness of the medical response teams to the 2014 Ebola outbreak: African immigrants’ perceptions

During the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak, international medical response teams were sent to help contain the virus. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the medical response teams from African immigrants’ perspectives. Qualitative data was gathered through the use of a semi-structured interview guide. Participants included thirteen African immigrants, ages 18 and above living in California....

Author(s): Ogbochi Mckinney, Dominick Sturz, Pamela Mukaire, Lindsay Brown, Heather Toki and Ellen Van Druten