-
Research Article
Factors Associated with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Patients Diagnosed in the Centre Region, Burkina Faso, 2020-2022
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
91-101
Received:
5 March 2025
Accepted:
22 May 2025
Published:
29 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20251103.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a challenge for disease control and prevention worldwide. Objective: To study factors associated with MDR-TB in patients diagnosed in the Centre region, from 2020 to 2022. Methods: We conducted a retrospective unpaired case-control study on data from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. The variables used were grouped into sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic characteristics. We calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI), with a significance level ɑ= 5%. Results: Factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis were history of TB treatment [OR=7.36; p=<0.0001]; place of residence [OR=6.04; p=0.0001]; alcohol consumption [OR=4.20, p=0.002]; Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) ≥ 3+ [OR=3.37, p=0.008]; hospitalization during treatment [OR=5.20; IC95%=1.79, p=0.002]; DOTS knowledge [OR=6.53; p=<0.0001]. Conclusion: Our study identified several factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, those related to behavior in both patients and caregivers being: history of TB treatment; alcohol consumption; and lack of knowledge of the DOTS strategy. Which means that future studies should aim to understand the impact of patient behavior/knowledge or caregiver attitudes so that the results can guide the use of scarce resources to optimize their impact.
Abstract: Introduction: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a challenge for disease control and prevention worldwide. Objective: To study factors associated with MDR-TB in patients diagnosed in the Centre region, from 2020 to 2022. Methods: We conducted a retrospective unpaired case-control study on data from January 1, 2020 to Dece...
Show More
-
Research Article
Sexual Behavior and Risk of STI Infections in Mozambican Military Personnel
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
102-112
Received:
20 April 2025
Accepted:
3 May 2025
Published:
12 June 2025
Abstract: Introduction: The analysis of sexual behavior and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among military personnel involves not only understanding factors such as cultural and social norms, but also the specific aspects of the military's work environment. Studies on sexual behavior and practices that seek to better understand the exercise of sexuality within the military are extremely important as they can help guide healthy sexuality practices and develop intervention strategies to prevent and combat STIs. Aim: To analyze sexual behavior and the risks associated with sexually transmitted infections in Mozambican military personnel. Methodology: A total of 177 military personnel of both sexes took part in the study, including officers, sargent and private soldier. The sampling process was snowball type. Data was collected using the Brazilian Youth Questionnaire - Phase II Version (Dell'Aglio et al., 2011), adapted to the reality and objectives of this research, made in the googleform system and sent to the subjects, with the respective explanations and informed consent form for non-identifiable self-administration. Result: The majority of subjects had an active sex life and had been involved in at least one risky sexual practice and 14.1% showed signs or symptoms of STI infection. Risky sexual behavior had a significant association with the presence of signs of STI infection. Irregular condom use, sex for money and sex after drinking were predictors of STI infection. Conclusion: Risk sexual behavior was present in the lives of most military personnel, with greater emphasis on sex without a condom and multiple partners, which may largely explain the presence of signs or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections.
Abstract: Introduction: The analysis of sexual behavior and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among military personnel involves not only understanding factors such as cultural and social norms, but also the specific aspects of the military's work environment. Studies on sexual behavior and practices that seek to better understand the exercis...
Show More
-
Research Article
Factors Associated with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Management School Students in Senegal
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
113-134
Received:
20 April 2025
Accepted:
6 May 2025
Published:
18 June 2025
Abstract: Mental health among students in Senegal remains an under-explored area, with limited research and prevention efforts. At the African Center for Higher Studies in Management (CESAG), students face high academic demands, highlighting the importance of investigating stress, anxiety, and depression within this population. This study aimed to identify factors associated with anxiety-depressive states, specifically stress, anxiety and depression, among CESAG students. A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted from July 22 to August 23, 2024. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, respectively. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (version 2024.12.1.563). Informed and voluntary consent of the participants was ensured. A total of 426 students completed the online questionnaire. The mean age was 23.4 years. Stress was observed in 45.6% of students, anxiety in 21.4%, and depression in 35.4%. Risk factors for stress included belonging to the [20-25 years[ age group (ORa = 5.68, 95%CI [1.67-19.31]) or the ≥30 years group (ORa = 8.8, 95%CI [1.5-51.64]), poor sleep quality (ORa = 7.05, 95%CI [2.32-21.44]), low financial income (ORa = 11.23, 95%CI [4.34-29.06]), low self-esteem (ORa = 15.13, 95%CI [3.18-72.13]) or moderate self-esteem (ORa = 7.96, 95%CI [2.83-22.4]), a negative emotional state (ORa = 4.7, 95%CI [1.64-13.46]), and the absence of physical activity (ORa = 5.03, 95%CI [1.88-13.49]). Living alone was a protective factor against anxiety among students (ORa = 0.16, 95%CI [0.09-0.29]). Depression was associated with several risk factors: poor sleep quality (ORa = 8.07, 95%CI [2.72-23.88]), low financial income (ORa = 4.38, 95%CI [1.42-13.48]), living alone (ORa = 3.53, 95%CI [1.1-11.34]), poor diet (ORa = 13.03, 95%CI [3.84-44.18]), low self-esteem (ORa = 18.21; 95%CI [2.62-126.41]) or moderate self-esteem (ORa = 9.19, 95%CI [1.66-51.01]), and a negative emotional state (ORa = 5.54, 95%CI [1.64-18.71]). A passive coping style was found to be protective (ORa = 0.25, 95%CI [0.08-0.8]). These findings emphasize the importance of preventive strategies to promote CESAG students’ mental health and well-being. Targeted awareness campaigns and psychological support are essential to achieving this goal.
Abstract: Mental health among students in Senegal remains an under-explored area, with limited research and prevention efforts. At the African Center for Higher Studies in Management (CESAG), students face high academic demands, highlighting the importance of investigating stress, anxiety, and depression within this population. This study aimed to identify f...
Show More
-
Research Article
The Prevalence and Practice of Infant Oral Mutilation in Garowe, Puntland Somalia
Abdinur Abdirisak Sofe*
,
Abdirashid Jama Gure,
Abdulahi Abdiwali Mahamed*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
135-144
Received:
13 May 2025
Accepted:
26 May 2025
Published:
23 June 2025
Abstract: Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a harmful traditional practice of gouging out the unerupted developing infant primary teeth, usually the canine bud. It exposes immediate and long-term direct health effects, including bleeding-led anemia, septicemia, tetanus, osteomyelitis, meningitis, or even HIV as a result of unsterile tools. Given that, the general objective of the study was to assess infant oral mutilation in Garowe, Somalia. The research employed an analytical cross-sectional design that utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were simultaneously used. Initially, the Garowe district was purposively selected as the study area. Subsequently, a cluster sampling method was applied to identify seven of the most frequently visited health centers out of the twelve registered in the district. Then, a convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 140 children and infants who visited the facilities earliest, along with their mothers, for oral health examinations and interviews, respectively. Additionally, non-probability purposive sampling was utilized to select two dental doctors practicing in Garowe and two traditional practitioner healers practicing in IOM. Furthermore, a gender-representative focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with community members to gather qualitative insights and cross-check the information. The study found that only 45 (32.1%) children were not gauged out, while 95 of the studied 140 participants were orally mutilated, making up an IOM prevalence of 67.9%, with the majority of them (62.2%) mutilated at the lower canine and 5% at the upper canine, whereas the mutilation features at both canines were found only in 0.7% of the studied children and infants. The study identified that various tools, often unsterilized, are used for the practice, such as an awl, alongside scissors and knives, while some traditional healers have medical surgical kits. In terms of risk factors associated with IOM, the study reveals that the primary motivation for IOM practice stems from linking tooth extraction to alleviating common childhood illnesses, especially diarrhea and fever. There was no significant association between IOM prevalence and factors such as age or gender of the children, maternal age, family income, or parental education. However, a significant association was found between IOM and abnormal dental conditions like missing or malformed teeth. The findings indicate that the prevalence of IOM in Garowe is alarmingly high, suggesting the urgent need for awareness and educational interventions to address the misconceptions surrounding IOM and its health implications.
Abstract: Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a harmful traditional practice of gouging out the unerupted developing infant primary teeth, usually the canine bud. It exposes immediate and long-term direct health effects, including bleeding-led anemia, septicemia, tetanus, osteomyelitis, meningitis, or even HIV as a result of unsterile tools. Given that, the gene...
Show More
-
Research Article
Exploring Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Infants: A Comprehensive Analysis at Gambool Maternal and Child Health Facility in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
145-153
Received:
11 May 2025
Accepted:
23 May 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: Background: In Garowe, Somalia, exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers at the Gambool Maternal and Child Health Facility significantly impact infant health. This study aims to uncover the varied factors influencing these practices. Understanding these dynamics is essential for tailoring effective interventions and policies promoting optimal infant well-being in this region. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Gambool Maternal and Child Health Facility in Garowe, Somalia, from August to November 2023. The study focused on mothers with infants under six months, with a sample size of 145 participants. Data on socio-demographics, infant feeding practices, and support systems were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Results: In this study, the majority of mothers were aged 24 or older, married, and unemployed. Notably, 39.3% of children were exclusively breastfed, while 53.8% faced health issues. Exclusive breastfeeding correlated significantly (p<0.05) with Antenatal care ANC attendance, counseling, Postnatal care PNC services, colostrum feeding, delivery mode, and child health status. Maternal education [COR (95%CI) =1.690 (1.068-2.670*); AOR (95%CI) =9.220 (2.124-40.014*)] and family income [COR (95%CI) =1.700 (1.150-2.510*); AOR (95%CI) =0.127 (0.025-0.630*)] significantly influenced exclusive breastfeeding. ANC attendance notably impacted exclusive breastfeeding practices [COR (95%CI) =5.833 (3.162-10.761*); AOR (95%CI) =0.013 (0.002-0.074*)]. However, factors like counseling during ANC [COR (95%CI) =2.290 (1.502-3.493*); AOR (95%CI) =0.647 (0.165-2.543)] and PNC services [COR (95%CI) =2.636 (1.614-4.307*); AOR (95%CI) =0.668 (0.161-2.760)] showed varied significance after adjustments. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights key factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in Garowe, Somalia: maternal education, family income, and ANC attendance. To boost exclusive breastfeeding, enhancing ANC counseling, investing in education, improving incomes, and strengthening postnatal care are crucial. Further research on counseling impacts is recommended. Implementing these strategies in policies and community initiatives can elevate exclusive breastfeeding rates, benefiting infant health in Garowe, Somalia.
Abstract: Background: In Garowe, Somalia, exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers at the Gambool Maternal and Child Health Facility significantly impact infant health. This study aims to uncover the varied factors influencing these practices. Understanding these dynamics is essential for tailoring effective interventions and policies promoting optima...
Show More
