International Journal of Public Health and Pharmacology (IJPHP)

Abstract

ABJ

Assessing The Awareness, Attitude, and Intention of Adolescents for HIV Screening Services Utilization In Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Information on efficient HIV prevention strategies especially among adolescents in the region is still crucial because more than 70% of all HIV cases worldwide are in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the awareness, attitude an Intentions of Adolescents for HIV Screening Services Utilization among secondary school students in Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria. Using multi-stage sampling, 120 students were selected from Selected Secondary School (s1-s3). Semi- Structured questionnaire was used to collect data to measure awareness, attitude and Intentions of Adolescents to utilize HIV Screening Services. The data were presented as descriptive statistics subjected to independent t-test statistics at p ≤0.05 level of significance. Mean age, for the respondents was 15.73±1.461. Regarding awareness, About 70% of all students reported not to have individually sought information about HIV Screening at some period and the preferred source of information for the adolescents was in their schools. Further results showed fairly high and positive attitude for the participants (76.66%) but the mean score for intention was 26.11±5.386. The need to raise awareness of the target population through education is recommended.

Determinants of Reproductive Health Services Utilization Among Female Adolescents in Sangotedo, Eti-Osa East LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Reproductive and sexual health account for a sizeable portion of the global burden of sexual ill-health while female adolescents’ utilization of Reproductive Health Services (RHS) remains a global public health concern due to numerous barriers in accessing reproductive health services. Such barriers include but are not limited to stigmatization from healthcare providers, accessibility, availability, and affordability. These services are crucial for their reproductive health and well-being. Studies have reported low utilization of RHS by female adolescents in Lagos State resulting in an increase in teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, and abortion, especially in Eti-Osa. Most studies on the utilization of RHS focused on women of reproductive age, not on female adolescents. Hence, this study investigated the determinants of reproductive health services among female adolescents in Sangotedo LCDA, Eti-Osa East LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design. Two hundred and fifteen female adolescents from four secondary schools were selected using stratified random sampling. A structured and validated questionnaire with Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient ranging from 0.70 to 0.99 was used for data collection. Respondents’ predisposing factor levels (knowledge, attitude, and perception) were measured on a 30-point rating scale. Enabling factors (accessibility, availability, affordability, and quality of RHS) were measured on a 5-point rating scale with 0-2.5 as low and 3-5 as high. The reinforcing factor was measured on a 9-score rating scale with 0-4.5 as low and 5-9 as high. Utilization of RHS was measured on 3 a 3-point rating scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% level of significance. Results: A total of 215 female adolescents ages 10-19 years, completed the questionnaire correctly. The mean age was 14 ±1.8 years. Slightly above half (51.2%) were within the ages of 14 and 15 years. The majority (96.3%) of the respondents had low levels of predisposing factors that promote reproductive health service utilization. Most (73.2%) of the respondents had good enabling factors to encourage the utilization of RHS. More than half (65.1%) of the respondents had high reinforcing factors that facilitate the utilization of RHS. Less than half (40.4%) of the respondents utilized RHS. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant relationship between predisposing factors and female adolescents’ utilization of reproductive health services (r =-0.39, p > .0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between enabling factors and female adolescents’ utilization of reproductive health services (r =-0.25, p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between reinforcing factors and female adolescents’ utilization of reproductive health services (r =-0.04, p = 0.05). Conclusion: The determinant of reproductive health services utilization among female adolescents is the enabling factor. The utilization of RHS is low among female adolescents. This study therefore recommended that the Ministry of Health should ensure that reproductive health services should be youth-friendly centers to promote utilization among female adolescents.

Bacteriological Quality of Beef Sold at different Retail Points in Owo Metropolis.

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the bacteriological characteristics of fresh beef sold in various retail centers within the Owo communities, located in Ondo State, Nigeria. Samples were collected from six different locations using a systematic random sampling method, with two samples collected from each location—one in the morning (M) and the other in the evening (E). The standard procedure for isolating microorganisms was followed. Morphological and biochemical characterization of isolates are presented in Table 1, while Table 2 displays bacterial counts on the fresh beef samples over a period of ten days. On the first day of analysis, the sample from Ikare Junction exhibited the highest bacterial counts (152 x 105cfu/g for the morning sample and 276 x 105cfu/g for the evening sample), which was statistically significant (p±>0.05). Conversely, the sample from Ehin-ogbe had the lowest bacterial count (36 x 105cfu/g) in the morning, while the sample from Ijebu had 116 x 105cfu/g in the evening. There was a noteworthy (p±>0.05) disparity between morning and evening samples across all locations, with the evening samples consistently showing higher bacterial counts. This discrepancy could be attributed to prolonged exposure to contamination over time. Table 1 also revealed the probable organisms according to the biochemical and morphological characterization of the isolates. The isolates were E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp., Citrobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidemidis, Bacillus subtilis, K. preumomiae, Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Preteus mirabilis, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. The presence of these organisms in fresh beef depicts a deplorable state of poor hygienic and sanitary practices employed in the slaughtering and processing of fresh beef. Their presence indicates a public health hazard and gives a warning signal for the possible occurrence of food-borne intoxication. Proper hygiene practices should be observed during handling, marketing, and calls for concerted efforts on the part of relevant authorities to check the trend since it is a public health challenge.

Comprehensive Analysis of Knowledge, Perception, and Preparedness of Ghanaian Pharmacists Towards a Pandemic or Another Wave of COVID-19.

Abstract

Despite the decline in infection and death rates, COVID-19 remains a significant global health concern. This study delves into Ghanaian pharmacists' knowledge, perception, and preparedness towards a pandemic or another wave of COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacists across all 16 regions of Ghana between May and July of 2023, with a total of 1199 responses recorded. The data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS). Of the respondents, 629 (52.5%) were males, while 570 (47.5%) were females. Our study reveals that 98% of the participants provided positive feedback about knowledge-related questions. The study also found an adequate understanding of pharmacists' attitudes toward coronavirus symptoms, transmission, disease severity, and preventive measures. Ghanaian pharmacists' responses toward the perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 were analyzed using questions related to disease contamination, contracting, and fear level due to the disease. The optimistic behaviour and perception of Ghanaian pharmacists were commendable. However, only 45% of the pharmacists were confident about their level of preparedness, underlining the urgent need for updated information and infection control policies. Infection control policies with updated information should be available for all healthcare professionals. Ghana needs a blueprint for pandemic management.

Existence, Uniqueness and Positivity of Solution of the Impact of Vaccination and Treatment in Controlling the Spread of Hepatitis B Virus with Infective Migrants.

Abstract

In this paper, we extend a mathematical model on the impact of vaccination and treatment in controlling the spread of Hepatitis B Virus with infective migrants. Finally, we transform the model into proportions where we investigate and prove a theorem on the existence, uniqueness and positivity of the solution of the governing model in a positive invariant region.

Modelling the Impact of Relapse and Weaning Off Immunity on Hepatitis B Virus Transmission Dynamics.

Abstract

In this study, we present a numerical simulation of the impact of relapse in patients with chronic HBV infection and weaning off immunity on vaccinated individuals within the transmission dynamics of Hepatitis B. The sensitivity analysis result establishes that relapse rate and weaning off immunity increases the value of the effective reproduction number when it is increased. Similarly, the result of the numerical simulation reveals that the combine effect of relapse and weaning off immunity increases the number of infected persons and thus, increase the spread of the Hepatitis B Virus. Also, relapse delays the quick response to the treatment regimen which consequently slows down the potential of recovery from the infection, whereas, weaning off immunity reduces the number of vaccinated individuals .

Helicobacter pylori Infection and it’s Associated Risk Factors among Secondary School Students in Benin City, Edo State.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is a prevalent gastrointestinal condition with significant public health implications, particularly among adolescents. Understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors among secondary school students is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori among secondary school students in Benin City and investigate associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 secondary school students in Benin City. Participants provided stool samples for H. pylori antigen testing and completed a questionnaire regarding demographic information, housing conditions, hygiene practices, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) among secondary school students in Benin City was 32% (128/400). Significant associations were found between H. pylori infection and age, housing conditions (specifically residing in rooming apartments), and handwashing after defecation (p0.05). Symptoms such as epigastric pain and blood in stool were significantly associated with H. pylori positivity (p0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of H pylori among secondary school students is high, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce transmission, promote hygiene practices, address associated symptoms and implement effective prevention strategies within this population.