International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (8), pp. 001-007, August, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Meta-analysis of the prognostic role of p53: Playground for solution or source of confusion?

Georgia Levidou*, Paraskevi Fragkou, Efstratios Patsouris and Penelope Korkolopoulou

Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece

Accepted 09 March, 2019

Abstract

Deregulation of the p53 gene is considered to be a prognostic marker in patients with tumours. In this review we are summarizing the results of meta- analyses dealing with the prognostic role of p53 status published in the literature. We found 7 studies examining 5 different tumours (osteosarcoma, ovarian carcinomas (OC), astrocytomas, urothelial bladder carcinomas and non-small lung cell carcinomas (NSCLC)). Significant results are reported in four of the studies (OC and NSLCC). However, most of the studies found significant heterogeneity, particularly those that reported significant results, whereas the majority used the results of univariate survival analysis for quantitative synthesis. Despite the significant information published the last decades regarding the role of p53 alterations in the clinical course of patients with malignant tumours, it could be argued that there is a huge amount of studies that cannot be combined in order to provide more valid and aggregated results.

Key words: Overexpression, tumours, p53 protein, immunohistochemistry.

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (8), pp. 001-010, August, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Reasons for incomplete vaccination and factors for missed opportunities among rural Nigerian children

Abdulraheem I. S.¹*, Onajole A. T.², Jimoh A. A. G.³ and Oladipo A. R.⁴

¹Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

²Department of Community Health College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.

³Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Accepted 14 March, 2019

Abstract

Mothers play an important role in immunization of their children. A target of 95% immunization coverage is necessary for the sustained control of vaccine preventable diseases. Partial immunization coverage against vaccine preventable diseases is a significant public health problem especially in rural areas in Nigeria. The reasons for partial immunization and factors responsible for missed opportunities are poorly understood and little data is available to explain the phenomenon that could support the decision making. This study aimed at finding out the reasons for partial immunization and factors responsible for missed opportunities for immunization in children less than one year of age. Mothers of children within one year of age were the study subjects using a cross-sectional study design. The immunization card was utilized to check for completeness and correctness of immunization schedule, and also for identifying the appropriate use of all available opportunities for immunization. About two-third (62.8%) of the children were not fully immunized by one year of age, 33.4% had experienced a missed opportunity for immunization and 36.4% were partially and incorrectly immunized. Parents objection, disagreement or concern about immunization safety (38.8%), long distance walking (17.5%) and long waiting time at the health facility (15.2%) are the most common reasons for partial immunization. Missed opportunities for immunization and partial immunization need to be avoided in order to enhance the fully immunized percentage for those children who reach the health facility, especially in rural areas where the immunization coverage is below the expected national coverage (minimum 80%).

Key words: Incomplete vaccination, reasons and factors, rural Nigerian children.

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (7), pp. 001-005, July, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The pattern of skin disorders in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

D. D. Atraide, M. R. Akpa and I. O. George*

Departments of Medicine and Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Accepted 18 March, 2019

Abstract

We analyzed the data of patients with skin disorders attending the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria with the aim of identifying common skin disorders in our community. All patients attending the Dermatology Clinic of the UPTH, Nigeria from January 2005 to December 2008 were included in this retrospective analysis. The medical records of the patients (dermographics, history, physical examination and laboratory investigations) were analysed to ascertain the diagnosis. All patients were evaluated by qualified dermatologists. A total of 1,333 patients attended the Dermatology Clinic of UPTH. There were more females 812 (60.9%) than males 521 (39.1%). More than three quarter of the cases were aged above 16 years while less than a quarter were children below 16 years. Infectious diseases 317 (23.8%), mostly fungal 207 (15.5%) were the most common cause for attendance, followed by dermatitis 207 (15.5%) and pigmentary disorders 98 (7.4%). Preventable skin diseases are common in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Health education is therefore necessary to curb their spread, reduce the associated morbidity, and improve the health status of the population. Effort should be made to train health workers in the diagnosis and treatment of the more common dermatologic conditions.

Key words: Pattern, skin disorders, infectious diseases, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (7), pp. 001-010, July, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Concurrent sexual partnerships among Chinese men: Evidence from a national population-based survey

Wenjuan Wang¹*, Cheng Huang², Ha Nguyen³ and Henry Mosley⁴

¹International Health and Development Division, ICF Macro, Calverton, Maryland, USA.

²Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

³International Health Division, Abt Associates Inc. Bethesda, MD, USA.

⁴Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore MD, USA.

Accepted 15 March, 2019

Abstract

We sought to determine the pattern of the concurrent sexual partnerships among Chinese men and its correlates with individual, partnership and community factors. Using data from the Chinese Health and Family Life Survey, we examined the prevalence and distribution of sexual concurrency of 1689 men. A two-level logistic regression was employed to assess variables associated with sexual concurrency. Nine percent of men had concurrent sexual partnerships in preceding year. Sexual concurrency was associated with higher income (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.48), longer traveling time (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.44 to 2.87), and more frequent socializing activities (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.30). Men who perpetrated domestic violence (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.08) and perceived partners having other concurrent partners (OR, 4.19; 95% CI, 1.95 to 9.02) were more likely to have concurrent sexual partnerships. Tolerant community attitude towards sexual behavior and community education level showed effects on men’s concurrency involvement. The results contribute to a better understanding of the potential role of concurrent sexual partnerships in the spread of HIV and other STIs in China.

Key words: Concurrent sexual partnerships, risk factors, human immunodeficiency virus prevention, Chinese men.

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (7), pp. 001-007, July, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Visceral fat with its risk factors amongst the Indonesian Javanese elderly

Fatmah, Yusran

Department of Public Health Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Depok 16424, West Java Province, Indonesia. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel/Fax: +62-21-7863501.

Accepted 26 March, 2019

Abstract

Direct and indirect risk factors are implied in increased elders’ visceral fat level, namely socio-economic, gender, age, workload, physical activities and eating pattern. The aim of study was to get the information on visceral fat level and its risk factors amongst The Indonesian Javanese elderly. A total of 812 elder’s (517 women and 295 men) participated in the cross sectional study. Results showed that 12.8% of respondents with high level of visceral fat and 26.7% almost reach high level. Rural and urban areas, educational background, workload when aged 25 and 55 years, and physical activities aged 25 and 55 years had significant correlation with the visceral fat. Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, and height had a significant association with the visceral fat whereas the highest on the BMI (r = 0.896). A decreased visceral fat pattern following reduced weight and height according to sex. Mild physical workload aged 55 years had the opportunity of 2.29 times greater than those who had the heavy workload level at the same age. Nutrition education for elderly should include advice to increase physical activity in order to reduce high level of visceral fat.

Key words: Visceral fat, risk factors, elderly, physical activity, workload.

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (7), pp. 001-008, July, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Physical violence among intimate partners in Nigeria: A multi level analysis

Yusuf O. B.¹*, Arulogun O. S.², Oladepo O.² and Olowokeere F.¹

¹Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Health promotion and Education, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 March, 2019

Abstract

Gender based violence is gaining more and more recognition, the world over. The prevalence and factors associated with physical violence as it affects both men and women taking into account the hierarchical nature of the data was reported in this study. A descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out on adult women and men in three selected states of Nigeria. A random effect logistic model was fitted. More female respondents had experienced physical violence compared with males. Behavioural factors of partners were found to greatly influence domestic violence against females such as young age and partner’s smoking and drinking status. These results would provide more insights into the determinants of violence in developing country settings.

Key words:  Physical violence, intimate partners, multilevel analysis, determinants.