ISSN 2326-7291
Research Article
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 7 (7), pp. 001-011, July, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Epidemiological features of a GIS-supported investigation of cholera outbreak in Abeokuta, Nigeria
O. B. Shittu1*, I. Akpan1, T. O. S. Popoola1, J. A. Oyedepo2 and E. O. Ogunshola3
1Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
2Geographical Information System Section, Research and Development Centre, University of Agriculture,- Abeokuta, Nigeria.
3Department of Primary Health Care and Disease Control, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Nigeria.
Accepted 11 April, 2018
Abstract
This study seeks to assess the epidemiological features of a GIS supported investigation of a cholera outbreak in Abeokuta. Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria with an area of 1256 km2 and a population of 605, 451 people had an outbreak of cholera from 20th November, 2005 to 1st of January, 2006. The outbreak affected the Abeokuta North Local Government area where the municipal waterworks is located. Municipal water consumption was found to be associated with illness [McNemar’s Chi square (X2 = 20.5; p < 0.001) and Odds ratio 10]. The epidemiological surveillance data showed a total of one hundred and fifteen cases and 11 deaths with case fatality rate of 9.6%. Male specific and female specific case fatality rates were 11.9 and 7.1%, respectively. The age group of 15 years and above accounted for 68.3% of the cases and 90.9% of the deaths. Post epidemic environmental investigation showed progressive contamination along distribution points. Cholera is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality among youth and ageing population in Nigeria.
Key words: Cholera, epidemiological studies, outbreak investigation, Vibrio cholerae, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Shittu O. B*, Popoola T. O. S., Oyedepo J. A. and Ogunshola E. O, Akpan I
Page: 1 - 11
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJPHE/1087Research Article
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 7 (7), pp. 001-008, July, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Environmental risk factors and hospital-based cancers in two Nigerian cities
Godson R. E. E. Ana1*, Mynepalli K. C. Sridhar1 and Michael C. Asuzu2
1Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
2Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Accepted 12 April, 2018
Abstract
This ecologic study assessed disparities between environmental risk factors and cancers in two Nigerian cities. Environmental data were obtained for Port Harcourt (highly industrialized) and Ibadan(less industrialized) cities respectively. Ten- year cancer records were also obtained from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square and t-test statistics at 5% level of significance. Environmental risk factors particularly levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air was higher in Port Harcourt than Ibadan locality (p <0.05). Both skin and lung cancers were higher in Port Harcourt area (19.0 and 3.7%, respectively) than Ibadan (10.4 and 3.2%, respectively) for the combined group (p < 0.001). Therefore, people living in highly industrialized communities with increased environmental risk factors are likely to have a higher probability to develop cancers. In-depth studies are required to establish empirical links between the identified environmental risk factors and the prevalence of cancers.
Key words: Environmental quality, industrialized communities, cancer.
Mynepalli K. C. Sridhar and Michael C. Asuzu, Godson R. E. E. Ana*
Page: 1 - 8
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJPHE/1086Research Article
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 7 (6), pp. 001-012, June, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Adolescent suicidal behaviors, self rated health and multiple health risk behaviors: Exploring new perspectives in suicide prevention research
Stephen Nkansah-Amankra1*, Abdoulaye Diedhiou2, Ashley Dawn Walker1, Harry Agbanu3 and Alena Clark4
1Community health program, School of Human Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, USA.
2South Carolina Public Health Consortium, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
3Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana, Legon-Ghana.
4College of Natural and Health Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, USA.
Accepted 20 September, 2017
Abstract
We sought to evaluate the extent to which self-rating of health, gender, and the co-occurrence of other health risk behaviors were related to suicidal behaviors among adolescents. Cross-sectional survey data of Colorado middle and high school students aged 12 to 18 years were analyzed using logistic regression. Main outcome variables were suicide ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempt. Predictors included self-rated health, self-reported health behaviors, perception of body image, expression of sadness and hopelessness, self-reported sexual abuse, self-reported access to lethal weapon, and expression of school safety concerns. Adjusted results showed respondents with poor health rating had significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation (OR: 2.22), suicidal planning (OR: 1.35), and suicide attempt (OR: 2.23). Reporting of hopelessness was the most consistent predictor of suicidal behaviors with odds ratios ranging from 5.57 (for suicidal ideation) to 17.40 (for suicidal attempt). Factors associated with different adolescents’ suicidal behaviors were different for boys and girls. Findings suggest the need to consider gender differences as regards self assessment of health in order to improve the effectiveness of suicide interventions among adolescents.
Key words: Self-rated health, suicidal behaviors, suicide ideation, suicide attempt, suicide planning, adolescents.
Harry Agbanu and Alena Clark, Stephen Nkansah-Amankra*, Abdoulaye Diedhiou, Ashley Dawn Walker
Page: 1 - 12
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJPHE/1085Research Article
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 7 (6), pp. 001-010, June, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Community social capital and the use of health care services in Uganda
Bakeera S. K.1,2*, Petzold M.3, Pariyo G. W. 1, Galea S.4, Tomson G.2 and Wamala S.2,5
1Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
2Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
3Nordic School of Public Health, Göteborg, Sweden.
4University of Columbia, New York, USA.
5National Public Health Institute, Östersund, Sweden.
Accepted 16 November, 2017
Abstract
Evidence mainly from high and middle income countries shows that community social capital is associated with positive health outcomes. The current policy interest in social capital stems from the anticipation that investing in it will enhance improvements in population health and some governments in high income countries have promoted initiatives to enhance its generation. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence from low income countries on the utility of social capital for health outcomes. Therefore, the study objective was to assess the role of social capital in the use of health care services in Uganda, a low income country. The study sample included nine hundred and thirty six febrile children with complete data on place of treatment, caregiver social capital and socio-demographic variables; child demographic variables and household socioeconomic status were selected from the Iganga-Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance Site data base. The association for each dimension of social capital and use of a public health facility was explored using bivariate and multivariable regression models, controlling for potential confounding factors and other social capital variables at the individual caregiver and community levels. The study found that high levels of trust (OR 2.75, 1.50 to 5.02) and medium levels of informational support (OR 1.68, 1.12 to 2.50) were positively associated with the use of a public health facility. In contrast, high levels of reciprocity (OR 0.69, 0.49 to 0.97) were associated with non- use of a public health facility. This exploratory study shows an independent effect of community social capital on treatment choices made by child caregivers in a predominantly rural area of a low income country. This observation places social capital amongst the other contextual level factors that influence use of health care services in this setting. Such information can be used retrospectively or prospectively by health planners to enhance the response of communities to new policies and strategies.
Key words: Social capital, health care service use, children, community, Uganda.
Galea S, Tomson G and Wamala S, Pariyo G. W, Petzold M, Bakeera S. K*
Page: 1 - 10
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJPHE/1084Research Article
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 7 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Vaginal douching practice in Eskisehir in Turkey
Didem Arslantas1*, Hatice Karabagli2 and Filiz Koc1
1Department of Public Health, Medical Faculty, Eskisehir-Osmangazi University, Meselik-Eskisehir, 26480, Turkey.
2Family Health Care Center (No. 2) Eskisehir, Turkey.
Accepted 22 January, 2018
Abstract
The objective of the study was to identify the vaginal douching habits and the factors that would have a connection with this practice in women from Eskisehir Province in Turkey. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 May to 30 June, 2005. In present study, any sampling technique was not used. The subjects were women belonging to the 15 - 49 age groups who were admitted to No. 2 Family Planning Center and Sultandere Primary Health Care Center. A survey containing such questions about the socio -demographic and reproductive characteristics was conducted on these women via a face-to-face interview method. Among the statistical tests, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were utilized. A total number of 503 women with an average age of 33.18 ± 7.50 were attended at the health center. Vaginal douching was performed in 47.7% women and the most common the method was cleansing (66.6%) and post-intercourse (71.8%). The information about these methods was obtained mostly from their mothers (31.6%). In accordance with the results obtained from the study, the vaginal douching practice is a widespread conventional attitude among women and should be given the necessary importance. It was concluded that it is necessary to provide health education for women who state that they get information concerning the practice mostly from their mothers and this wrong attitude change needs to be corrected. Since vaginal lavage is directly linked with low education levels and the state of unemployment, it is resolved that such measures should be taken to increase the socio-economic levels of women. It is also concluded that special importance should be attached to the health education of the primary health care profession concerning the vaginal lavage.
Key words: Vaginal douching, practice, attitude, knowledge, Turkish women.
Didem Arslantas*, Hatice Karabagli and Filiz Koc
Page: 1 - 7
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJPHE/1083Research Article
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 7 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Sustainability problems and bacteriological quality of rural water supply in Alabata community, South-western Nigeria
Shittu O. B.1*, Akpan I.1, Popoola T. O. S.1, Oyedepo J. A.2 and Oluderu I. B.1
1Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
2Geographical Information System Section, Research and Development Centre, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Accepted 23 October, 2017
Abstract
Alabata is a community with no electricity and comprehensive topographic or administrative map. They also depend on a fuelled generating set to power the pumping machine for the UNICEF assisted borehole. The citizens often had to resort to an unsafe alternative water source for domestic purposes. In March 2006 an observational study trip through which data on sanitation, health and water sources were acquired was made to Alabata community. Coordinates of relevant facilities and water sampling points were taken and plotted in a Geographic Information System (using ArcView 3.2a GIS software). A base map for the study area was generated from satellite imagery (IKONOS). Sample points of water were overlaid on the base map that was produced from the satellite image. Water was collected from alternative water sources and analysed for bacteriological quality in the Microbiology laboratory. The bacteriological analysis of the different water sources with the exception of deep protected well with no recorded growth, showed that coliform count (> 1100 MPN/1000 ml), total Escherichia coli count (3-6 log cfu/ml), and total heterotrophic count (3-5 log cfu/ml). In all, the water samples generally exceeded the WHO and EPA standards of acceptable limit for drinking and domestic use.
Key words: Geographical information system (GIS), rural water, sustainability problem, South-western Nigeria.
Oyedepo J. A and Oluderu I. B, Popoola T. O. S, Akpan I, Shittu O. B*
Page: 1 - 7
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJPHE/1082