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Research Article
Attitude and Perception of Congolese and LGBT on Homosexuality and the Profession of Homosexuals: Cross-Sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
227-232
Received:
22 June 2024
Accepted:
23 July 2024
Published:
13 November 2024
Abstract: Introduction: Worldwide, 72 countries criminalize homosexuality. Only one country in Africa recognizes homosexuality. While 10 countries criminalize it, against only one that protects it. Exceptionally, the DRC does not have legislation against or for homosexuality. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and perceptions of Congolese and sexual minorities on homosexuality. Methods: This study was cross-sectional and analytical, conducted from February the 1St, 2021 to March the 30th, 2022, in the homosexual, bisexual and transgender population of Kinshasa town. The selection was made in homosexual associations and the snowball method was used to constitute the sample. The statistical significance level is P<0.05. Results: Almost half of the respondents (44.3%) were met with rejection by those around them. The majority (57.8%) have been victims of homophobic harassment. For Congolese population, homosexuality was perceived as a spiritual possession (90.5%). Homosexuality was not perceived as a handicap to undertake a profession (76.0%), although respondents with employment commitment represented just 15.3%. Conclusion: The Congolese population has a bad perception of homosexuality, with an attitude of rejection and harassment towards LGBT people; in the other hand, homosexuals have a good perception of their homosexuality.
Abstract: Introduction: Worldwide, 72 countries criminalize homosexuality. Only one country in Africa recognizes homosexuality. While 10 countries criminalize it, against only one that protects it. Exceptionally, the DRC does not have legislation against or for homosexuality. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and perceptions of Congolese an...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Vaccination Coverage Against COVID-19 Among Postpartum Women at the Gaspard Kamara Health Center in Senegal in 2020
Mamadou Makhtar Mbacké Leye,
Amadou Oury Touré*
,
Brigitte Mendy
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
233-241
Received:
23 July 2024
Accepted:
20 August 2024
Published:
18 November 2024
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world and the rapid delivery of vaccines against the virus has raised many questions. Doubts have been raised about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine in pregnant and breastfeeding women, hence the need to assess vaccination coverage of postpartum women at the Gaspard Kamara health center. We therefore carried out a cross-sectional analytical study from May 31 to June 28, 2022 on all women who gave birth at the Gaspard Kamara health center. Exhaustive recruitment was carried out and the data were analyzed using the SSP software version 2022. In total, 235 women participated in the study, with a mean age of 28.22 ± 5.96 years and extremes 16 and 44 years old. More than half of the patients (68.94%) had given birth vaginally. Those with secondary education accounted for 72.34%. Less than a quarter of women (7.23%) tested positive for COVID19 and 96.60% of them received information on the fight against COVID19, with the media being their main source of information. Less than half (40.43%) knew the vaccines available in Senegal, Johnson & Johnson being the best known. The majority of women (82.55%) believe in the effectiveness of vaccination to eradicate the disease. Age (30 years), lack of information on the fight against COVID19, lack of knowledge of the risks of serious forms in FE, knowledge of the availability of the vaccine in Senegal and vaccination of the spouse were statistically associated with vaccination against COVID19 among women in this country. study. Conclusion: The results of this study show the need to strengthen awareness and communication on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines among pregnant women, particularly those under 30 years of age. Let women know that they can be vaccinated at any age and during any trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world and the rapid delivery of vaccines against the virus has raised many questions. Doubts have been raised about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine in pregnant and breastfeeding women, hence the need to assess vaccination coverage of postpartum women at the Gaspard Kamara health center. We therefore ...
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Research Article
Microbiological Profile of Vaginal Swabs from Infertile Women in the Cities of Ngaoundere and Garoua, Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
242-256
Received:
19 September 2024
Accepted:
16 October 2024
Published:
20 November 2024
Abstract: Genital infections are a real public health problem in developed countries. They have serious consequences such as ectopic pregnancy (EP), chronic pelvic pain, premature delivery, miscarriage, cervical cancer and even infertility. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and microbiological profile of genital infections among infertile women in the cities of Ngaoundéré and Garoua. This descriptive study was carried out in the Protestant and regional hospitals, as well as the military and regional hospitals serving the cities of Ngaoundéré and Garoua, over a period of five months, from August 2020 to January 2021. Women of reproductive age (15 to 45 years) who met the inclusion criteria, gave their informed consent, and had at least one consultation in the gynecology department of the aforementioned hospitals for infertility made up our population. Thus, the study included 100 women, or 50 women per city. A pre-tested questionnaire was employed to get data from the subjects. Blood samples were taken for chlamydia testing, and cervical-vaginal samples were taken for microbiological analysis (PCV+ATB and mycoplasma testing). The gathered information. SphinxPlus. V5 was the program used to analyze the data that were collected. Ninety-six percent of the 100 women who participated in this study had a vaginal infection. The infertile women's modal age range was 26–35 years old, with a mean age of 29. Of the women, 54% were housewives, 33% had completed their elementary; education, and 55 were in monogamous marriages. At 65%, secondary infertility was the most prevalent type. 5.15 years was the average length of infertility. Abortions accounted for 41% of the patients' histories, whereas genital infections made up 69%. When the infertile women's vaginal pH was analyzed, the majority (69%) had a pH > 4.5. Chlamydia trachomatis (28.41%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (22.63%), Candidas albicans (20.58%), Gardnerella vaginalis (14.40%), Mycoplasma hominis (9.46%), Candidas spp (1.65%), Staphylococcus (1.64%), Trichomonas vaginalis (0.82%), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (0.41%) were among the microbiological analyses of the samples. The etiological identification of genital infections and infertility of infectious or tubal origin, which can be avoided with early intervention, is greatly aided by microbiology.
Abstract: Genital infections are a real public health problem in developed countries. They have serious consequences such as ectopic pregnancy (EP), chronic pelvic pain, premature delivery, miscarriage, cervical cancer and even infertility. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and microbiological profile of genital infections amon...
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Research Article
Utilization of Adolescent-Friendly Health Services in Mathare Informal Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya: Cross-sectional Study
Domitila Musau,
Harun Kimani*,
Isaac Mwanzo
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
257-265
Received:
30 September 2024
Accepted:
29 October 2024
Published:
26 November 2024
Abstract: Adolescent-friendly health services are essential for addressing the unique health needs of young people, particularly in informal settlements where access to quality healthcare is often limited. This study examined the utilization of AFHS among adolescents in the Mathare informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on socio-demographic characteristics, health system factors, and adolescents' perceptions of service quality. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of adolescents aged 15-19 years. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while logistic regression identified factors associated with AFHS utilization. Results showed significant associations between adolescent education level (χ2 = 4.54, p=0.033), type of school attended (χ2 = 24.05, p=0.001), religion (χ2 = 16.32, p=0.001), parent’s living status (χ2 = 28.71, p=0.001), and parent’s occupation (χ2 = 24.76, p=0.0001), as well as father’s (Fisher's exact p=0.001) and mother’s education levels (Fisher's exact p=0.001) with AFHS utilization. Health system factors, including waiting time (Fisher's exact p=0.049) and staff communication (χ2 = 63.22, p=0.0001), were also significantly associated with AFHS use. Additionally, the opportunity to ask questions in nearby health facilities was linked to higher utilization (χ2 = 20.42, p=0.0001). Perceived health risks among adolescents were significantly associated with AFHS use (Fisher's exact = 0.004). Key barriers identified included limited accessibility, insufficient healthcare worker training, and concerns about confidentiality. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, comprehensive policies by the MOH, improved resource allocation, and specialized training for healthcare workers. The study recommends the use of mobile clinics, awareness campaigns, and peer education programs to enhance service utilization. Collaborative efforts between AFHS centers, community leaders, schools, and youth organizations are essential for improving access and addressing socio-economic barriers in informal settlement
Abstract: Adolescent-friendly health services are essential for addressing the unique health needs of young people, particularly in informal settlements where access to quality healthcare is often limited. This study examined the utilization of AFHS among adolescents in the Mathare informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on socio-demographic charac...
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Research Article
Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Among Breastfeeding Women in Abidjan, in 2023
Alfred Douba*,
Nicaise Bernadin Lepri Aka,
Eric Martial Kouakou Ahoussou,
Christian Bangaman Akani,
Marie Noelle Ano,
Christiane Djoman,
Assemien Boa,
Daniel Kouadio Ekra,
Tiembre Issaka
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
266-275
Received:
20 October 2024
Accepted:
5 November 2024
Published:
26 November 2024
Abstract: Background. In 2022, the WHO recommended the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19. In the same year, the Minister of Health sent a referral to the National Committee of Independent Experts for Vaccination and Vaccines of Côte d'Ivoire (CNEIV-CI) for its opinion on the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19 in the country. The CNEIV-CI recommended the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19. Objective. To identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination among breastfeeding women. Method. We conducted a cross-sectional survey. The study population consisted of breastfeeding women. Data were collected, using a questionnaire, in health centers during a direct interview with breastfeeding women who came for their child's vaccination. The dependent variables were COVID-19 vaccination status and vaccination intention after weaning, and the independent variables were age, education level, religion, living with a partner, and district of residence. A multivariate analysis, by logistic regression, was performed to search for factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination status, on the one hand, and with vaccination intention after weaning, on the other hand. The measure of association was the adjusted Odds Ratio (ajOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and a degree of significance p < 0.05. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Results. A total of 1009 breastfeeding women were surveyed. The respondents median age was 29 years; the minimum age was 16 years and the maximum age was 44 years. 49 % of respondents were vaccinated. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination status among breastfeeding women were education level (ajOR = 8.57; 95 % CI: 4.92 – 14.94), living with a partner (ajOR = 4.75; 95 % CI: 3.34 – 6.76), and age group (ajOR = 1.63; 95 % CI: 1.02 – 2.6). Conclusion. Awareness-raising among women on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination must continue. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination status were living with a partner, education level, and age group. Qualitative studies could be carried out to understand the underlying reasons behind non-vaccination among breastfeeding women.
Abstract: Background. In 2022, the WHO recommended the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19. In the same year, the Minister of Health sent a referral to the National Committee of Independent Experts for Vaccination and Vaccines of Côte d'Ivoire (CNEIV-CI) for its opinion on the vaccination of breastfeeding women against COVID-19 in the country...
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Research Article
Viability of Departmental Unions of Mutual Health Insurance (DUMHI) in the Thiès Region (SENEGAL) in 2023: ARTICLE
Mamadou Guedji Diouf*,
Mamadou Makhtar Mbacké Leye,
Ousseynou Ka
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
276-284
Received:
11 November 2024
Accepted:
21 November 2024
Published:
3 December 2024
Abstract: Introduction: The promotion of departmental health mutual units (DUMHI) is one of the priority areas advocated by the State of Senegal to access universal health coverage. The DUMHI is a departmental mutual, professionalized with a package of expanded covered services allowing early recourse of beneficiary patients to public health structures. After years of implementation (2017–2021) of this strategy, this work aims to study the viability of DUMHI in the Thiès region. Methodology: A quantitative evaluative study was conducted from August 15 to September 15, 2023 covering all the files of members (2017 to 2021) of the DUMHI of the three (3) departments of the Thiés region. Data collection was carried out using an observation grid developed by the ILO. The data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2010. Results: On the administrative level, the DUMHI of Thiés had a good overall quality score of monitoring of its operation of 85.7%, while the 2 DUMHI of Mbour and Tivaouane had a rate of 51% and 71% respectively. These rates reflect certain shortcomings noted in the operation. Functionally, the annual recovery rates were 38% for the Thiès DUMHI, 29% for the Mbour DUMHI and 93% for the Tivaouane DUMHI. Medium to low penetration rates were noted in the three DUMHI with percentages of 44%, 42% and 8% respectively for Thiès, Mbour and Tivaouane. Technically, DUMHI beneficiaries bore less of the costs of the services covered compared to non-beneficiaries. The 3 DUMHI were subject to the risks of abuse and adverse selection in 2021. Financially and economically, the loss ratios in 2021 were 209%, 166% and 70% respectively for the Mbour DUMHI, the Thiés DUMHI and the Tivaouane DUMHI. The DUMHI of Thiès and Mbour were unable to cover all of their expenses with their own funds, and the amount of contributions was very low to support the total expenses, with the DUMHI Tivaouane being an exception in 2021. The operating cost ratios were 12% for DUMHI Thiés, 19% for DUMHI Mbour and 18.5% for Tivaouane in 2021. The own financing rate was satisfactory for DUMHI Tivaouane with 143% compared to 94% for Thiés and 87% for Mbour in 2021. Conclusion: Apart from administrative and functional viability, the other dimensions of viability: technical, financial were threatened once the state subsidy stops and the partners withdraw. Thus, a revival of communications activities and the provision of additional and innovative financing will strengthen their functionality.
Abstract: Introduction: The promotion of departmental health mutual units (DUMHI) is one of the priority areas advocated by the State of Senegal to access universal health coverage. The DUMHI is a departmental mutual, professionalized with a package of expanded covered services allowing early recourse of beneficiary patients to public health structures. Afte...
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