scholarly journals Morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurice M Nigo ◽  
Peter Odermatt ◽  
David Wully Nigo ◽  
Georgette B. Salieb-Beugelaar ◽  
Manuel Battegay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Liver Parenchyma ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Spleen Enlargement

AbstractBackgroundControlling morbidity is the main target of schistosomiasis control. Yet, only rarely do we assess morbidity linked to Schistosoma sp. infection. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and particularly in the northeastern Ituri province, morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection is unknown. For this reason, we aimed to assess intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri province.Methods / Principal FindingsIn 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 13 villages in Ituri province, DRC. S. mansoni infection was assessed with a Kato-Katz stool test (2 smears) and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test in urine. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and information about experienced intestinal morbidity. Each participant underwent an abdominal ultrasonography examination to diagnose hepatosplenic morbidity. Of the 586 study participants, 76.6% tested positive for S. mansoni. Intestinal morbidity, such as abdominal pain (52.7%), diarrhoea (23.4%) and blood in the stool (21.5%) in the previous two weeks, was very frequent, as was hepatosplenic morbidity, such as splenomegaly (60.1%), hepatomegaly (23.2%) and abnormal liver parenchyma pattern (52.6%). Hepatomegaly (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–3.26, P=0.003) and splenomegaly (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.17–2.45, P=0.005) were positively associated with S. mansoni infection at the individual level. At the village level, S. mansoni prevalence was positively associated with the prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Higher S. mansoni infection intensities were associated with diarrhoea, blood in the stool, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and with liver parenchyma, pathology pattern D-E. Four study participants were diagnosed with ascites and five reported hematemesis.Conclusions/SignificanceOur study documents a high burden of intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection status in Ituri province. The results call for targeted interventions to address both S. mansoni infection and related morbidity.Author SummarySchistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is of great public health importance in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that control efforts aim to reduce morbidity through large scale intervention programmes. However, intestinal and liver morbidity is rarely assessed in such control programmes. Hence, little is known about (i) the magnitude of the intestinal and liver morbidity burden in a given community, or about (ii) the morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection, specifically. We conducted a (cross-sectional) study in which we assessed intestinal morbidity by questionnaire and liver morbidity by abdominal ultrasonography. Further, we determined the infection status of the study participants using standard diagnostic procedures (Kato-Katz technique and point-of-care cathodic circulating S. mansoni antigen [POC-CCA] test in urine). Among 586 study participants, six years and older, from 13 villages in Ituri province, DRC, we observed a high degree of intestinal (e.g. 23.4% with diarrhoea, 21.5% with blood in stool) and hepatosplenic morbidity (e.g. 60.1% with enlarged spleen, 23.2% with enlarged liver). S. mansoni infection was associated with liver and spleen enlargement. Likewise, S. mansoni infection intensity was linked to diarrhoea, to liver and spleen enlargement and to pathological changes in the liver parenchyma. At village level, we observed that the prevalence of enlarged liver and spleen among patients increased with the prevalence of S. mansoni infection. We conclude that the population of Ituri province carries an alarming burden of intestinal, liver and spleen morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection. Therefore, a comprehensive control programme to address this infection and disease burden is urgently required.

scholarly journals Morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0009375
Author(s):  
Maurice M. Nigo ◽  
Peter Odermatt ◽  
David Wully Nigo ◽  
Georgette B. Salieb-Beugelaar ◽  
Manuel Battegay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Liver Parenchyma ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Study Participants

Background Reducing morbidity is the main target of schistosomiasis control efforts, yet only rarely do control programmes assess morbidity linked to Schistosoma sp. infection. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and particularly in north-eastern Ituri Province, little is known about morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. For this reason, we aimed to assess intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri Province. Methods/Principal findings In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 13 villages in Ituri Province, DRC. S. mansoni infection was assessed with a Kato-Katz stool test (2 smears) and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine test. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and information about experienced intestinal morbidity. Each participant underwent an abdominal ultrasonography examination to diagnose hepatosplenic morbidity. Of the 586 study participants, 76.6% tested positive for S. mansoni. Intestinal morbidity reported in the two preceding weeks was very frequent, and included abdominal pain (52.7%), diarrhoea (23.4%) and blood in the stool (21.5%). Hepatosplenic morbidity consisted of abnormal liver parenchyma patterns (42.8%), hepatomegaly (26.5%) and splenomegaly (25.3%). Liver pathology (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.37, p = 0.005) was positively and significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Hepatomegaly (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 0.99–2.32, p = 0.053) and splenomegaly (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.73–1.72, p = 0.619) were positively but not significantly associated with S. mansoni infection at the individual level. At the village level, S. mansoni prevalence was positively associated with the prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. High-intensity S. mansoni infections were associated with diarrhoea, blood in the stool, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and liver parenchyma (C, D, E and F pathology patterns). Four study participants were diagnosed with ascites and five reported hematemesis. Conclusions/Significance Our study documents a high burden of intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection status in Ituri Province. The findings call for targeted interventions to address both S. mansoni infection and related morbidity.

scholarly journals Minimum acceptable diet among children aged 6–23 months in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo: a community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Mbusa Kambale ◽  
Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka ◽  
Joe Bwija Kasengi ◽  
Sarah Niyitegeka ◽  
Boss Rutakaza Cinkenye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
South Kivu

Abstract Background Suboptimal child nutrition remains the main factor underlying child undernutrition in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months old. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study including 742 mothers with children aged 6–23 months old was conducted in 2 Health Zones of South Kivu, Eastern DRC. WHO indicators of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) regarding complementary feeding practices were used. Logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the association between sociodemographic indicators and adequate minimum acceptable diet for both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Overall, 33% of infants had minimum acceptable diet. After controlling for a wide range of covariates, residence urban area (AOR 2.39; 95% CI 1.43, 3.85), attendance postnatal care (AOR 1.68; 95% CI 1.12, 2.97), education status of mother (AOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.20, 2.77) and household socioeconomic status (AOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.14, 2.59) were factors positively associated with minimum acceptable diet. Conclusion Actions targeting these factors are expected to improve infant feeding practices in South Kivu.

scholarly journals Undernutrition and associated factors in orphan children aged 6–59 months in Gambella Southwest, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e045892
Author(s):  
Solomon Feleke ◽  
Gudina Egata ◽  
Firehiwot Mesfin ◽  
Gizachew Yilak ◽  
Abebaw Molla
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Orphaned Children ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Children Under 5

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and associated factors in orphaned children under 5 years old.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingGambella City, Ethiopia.ParticipantsA sample of 419 under 5 orphaned children included in the study. Eligible households with orphans had selected using a systematic random sampling method. The lottery method was used when more than one eligible study participants live in the household. An OR with 95% CI was performed to measure the strength of association between each dependent variable and independent variables. Variables with p<0.05 were declared statistically significant.Primary outcomeThe main outcome of this study was the prevalence of undernutrition among orphaned under 5 and its associated factors.ResultsPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in orphan children under 5 were 12.2%, 37.8% and 21.7%, respectively. The prevalnce of wasting peaks among age group of 36–47 months (42.5%), whereas underweight peaks in 48–59 months (27.7%). Food insecurity, wealth index, family size, vitamin A supplementation, diarrhoea, fever 2 weeks before the survey, children under 5 and parents’ death were associated with undernutrition.ConclusionThe prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among orphan children under 5 was significantly high. Multisectoral collaborative efforts towards access to health services, improving income-generating activities, micronutrient supplementation and social support and protection targeting orphan and vulnerable populations have to be built up.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a multi‐center facility‐based cross‐sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maru Mekie ◽  
Dagne Addisu ◽  
Minale Bezie ◽  
Abenezer Melkie ◽  
Dejen Getaneh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
South Gondar

Abstract Background Preeclampsia has the greatest impact on maternal mortality which complicates nearly a tenth of pregnancies worldwide. It is one of the top five maternal mortality causes and responsible for 16 % of direct maternal death in Ethiopia. Little is known about the level of knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia in Ethiopia. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was implemented in four selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone among 423 pregnant women. Multistage random sampling and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the study participants respectively. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 while cleaned and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval were used to identify the significance of the association between the level of knowledge on preeclampsia and its predictors. Results In this study, 118 (28.8 %), 120 (29.3 %) of the study participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards preeclampsia respectively. The likelihood of having good knowledge on preeclampsia was found to be low among women with no education (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI (0.06, 0.85)), one antenatal care visit (ANC) (AOR = 0.13, 95 % CI (0.03, 0.59)). Whereas, those who booked for ANC in the first trimester (AOR = 6.59, 95 % CI (1.43, 30.33)), gave the last birth at a health facility (AOR = 2.61, 955 CI (1.03, 6.61)), and experienced a complication during previous births (AOR = 3.67, 95 % CI (1.78, 7.57)) were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Conclusions No formal education and not attending four ANC visits were associated with poor knowledge of preeclampsia. While participants who visited health facilities during the first trimester, who gave birth at health facilities, and those who experienced a complication in previous births were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Improving the numbers of ANC visits and encouraging facility delivery are important measures to improve women’s knowledge on preeclampsia. Health education regarding preeclampsia risk factors, symptoms, and complications shall be emphasized.

scholarly journals Vaccine temperature management in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Heliyon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. e07342
Author(s):  
Tomomi Kitamura ◽  
Viraneth Bouakhasith ◽  
Kongxay Phounphenghack ◽  
Chansay Pathammavong ◽  
Anonh Xeuatvongsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Temperature Management ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lao People’S Democratic Republic ◽  
Lao People's Democratic Republic

scholarly journals Low prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kessete Ayelgn ◽  
Tadesse Guadu ◽  
Atalay Getachew
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Active Trachoma ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. Objective To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Method A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1–9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5–13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5–8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.

scholarly journals Revisiting Konzo Risk Factors in Three Areas Differently Affected by Spastic Paraparesis in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Discloses a Prominent Role of the Nutritional Status—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2628
Author(s):  
Marius Baguma ◽  
Espoir Bwenge Malembaka ◽  
Esto Bahizire ◽  
Germain Zabaday Mudumbi ◽  
Dieudonné Bahati Shamamba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cyanide Poisoning ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to better understand the respective contributions of protein malnutrition and cassava-derived cyanide poisoning in the development of konzo. We compared data on nutritional status and cyanide exposure of school-age adolescent konzo-diseased patients to those of non-konzo subjects of similar age from three areas in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our results show that konzo patients had a high prevalence of both wasting (54.5%) and stunting (72.7%), as well as of cyanide poisoning (81.8%). Controls from Burhinyi and those from Idjwi showed a similar profile with a low prevalence of wasting (3.3% and 6.5%, respectively) and intermediate prevalence of stunting (26.7% and 23.9%, respectively). They both had a high prevalence of cyanide poisoning (50.0% and 63.0%, respectively), similar to konzo-patients. On the other hand, controls from Bukavu showed the lowest prevalence of both risk factors, namely chronic malnutrition (12.1%) and cyanide poisoning (27.6%). In conclusion, cassava-derived cyanide poisoning does not necessarily coexist with konzo outbreaks. The only factor differentiating konzo patients from healthy individuals exposed to cyanide poisoning appeared to be their worse nutritional status. This further suggests that, besides the known role of cyanide poisoning in the pathogenesis of konzo, malnutrition may be a key factor for the disease occurrence.

scholarly journals Domestic violence and coping strategies among married adults during lockdown due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in India: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Priyanka Sharma ◽  
Anita Khokhar
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: There has been a reported increase in cases of domestic violence during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, however systematic research data is still unavailable. This study was conducted to find out domestic violence prevalence and coping strategies among married adults during lockdown due to COVID-19 in India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among married men and women in the month of April 2020. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, domestic violence and coping strategies employed during lockdown was collected thorough google forms. 97.9% forms were completely filled by the respondents. Descriptive analysis was done. Results: Out of 94 study participants, about 7.4% (n=7) had faced domestic violence during lockdown. Out of these 7 participants, about 85.7% (n=6) reported increased frequency of domestic violence during lockdown. About half of the victims chose to ignore it (57.1%, n=4) or used yoga/meditation (42.9%, n=3) to cope. Conclusion: With about 7.4% study participants facing domestic violence during lockdown, it is necessary to study its detailed epidemiology in pandemics so that interventions like helpline numbers, screening of patients during tele-consultation, etc. which can be delivered even during lockdown with the help of healthcare and frontline workers could be devised to address this problem.

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