Sah RB and Jha N.
Malaria is the most common protozoan infection and is one of the major public health problems in developing nations like Nepal. This study was conducted to find out total number of malaria cases in BPKIHS from 2006 to 2015 AD and to know the duration for which cases were admitted and improvement seen in them. This is a hospital based retrospective study conducted from 27th November to 10thDecember to see the number of malaria cases in B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan of Nepal, a tertiary level referral hospital in the Eastern Nepal. It was study in which secondary data, consistent with the diagnosis of malaria was collected from the Medical Record Section of BPKIHS and reviewed. Five hundred fifty four cases of malaria were enrolled. The patients were predominantly males (nearly 61.2%) and it was more commonly seen in 1-20 years age group (40.8%). Most of the cases were from Jhapa (22%), Sunsari (19.5%) and Morang (17.3%) District respectively. Most of the patients (69.9%) were admitted in Medicine wards. Almost 83.9% of admitted malaria cases were improved in BPKIHS.There seems to be decreasing number of cases since 2010 but still there is burden of malaria cases. We conclude that the problem of malaria is common and has become a key public health concern for all.
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Kalada Godson McFubara.
Although in the oath of practice of the various health professions it is required that their primary consideration during practice be directed at the health of the patient, the International Code of medical ethics stipulates saving life as the duty of the doctor. In this paper the value of health as against life was examined in the light of professional responsibility. Conceptual analysis of health and value and their moral implications for professional practice was conducted. On the basis of the biology of human development and the theory of the creation of the human being, it was found that whereas health is the dimension of human well-being that ensures life, the value of health lies in the functionality of the individual or the utility of the health of the individual that possesses health and not its exchangeability. When health is considered and seen this way, it means that a sufficient optimum balance of human functioning between external and internal environment is what will be needed to design health policy objectives that can guarantee human well being and position health workers to be seen to be fulfilling their professional oath and calling.
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D. Shearer, D. Shearer MS RN, A. Lewis, MPA and C. VanGerven.
Through the introduction of a variety of innovative technological devices, the independent travel experience for people who are blind or have low vision can be exponentially enhanced. To address this dearth of information, an online survey was developed with the assistance of the National Federation of the Blind to assess specific issues in the healthcare and navigation spaces for the Blind Low Vision [BLV], which has not been adequately addressed in existing surveys. The Survey included fifty-five questions in total, which included topics such as navigating obstacles, indoor and outdoor injuries, and access to healthcare. The results of the [herein referred to as the Survey] results are detailed within this paper. Following the Survey, three moderator-facilitated telephonic Focus groups were held with NFB to further validate and drill down on the Survey details, which will be used to design, develop, and test prototype concepts for the BLV.
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Kaur Inderjeet and Pandey Reena.
Discussions and debates have recently emerged on the potential positive and negative effects of cow’s milk in the pediatric community, also under the pressure of public opinion. Although feeding cow’s milk to an infant is more than thousand year old tradition in India, it is unsafe practice in modern context. There seems to be significant compromise being made on infant’s health as mother’s milk is being substituted for variety of reasons in the 1st year itself, when the child is most vulnerable to infections noted by experts.
Nutrition experts are worried that infants in the country may be silently suffering from reduced nutrient content in their milk due to common household practices such as boiling, adding water, removing the layer of milk cream, strip milk of its essential nutrients and vitamins. The most important of these is in some infants cow’s milk may be sensitive and sometimes strains the digestive system of babies.
Ayurveda gives lots of importance on good nutrition at every stage of child’s life, in order to preserve their health. To make the most health benefits of cow’s milk and to boost its digestive properties in children, one should recommend aushadhasiddhadugdha (herbs infused milk) to infants. Milk when digested properly, nourishes all the tissues, promote balanced emotions and help to balance all the doshas in child as well as in an adult.
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Yahaya A.T, Jayeola C.O, Olalekan Adeniran M.A, Williams A.O and Okunade A.F
Cocoa is known for its beneficial effect on human health because of the essential actives ingredient contains there in. Local consumption of cocoa has been very low in developing countries and effort is geared toward encouraging daily consumption of cocoa products in cocoa producing areas of the world. This study assesses the perception of consumers with respect to health benefit of cocoa powder consumption. Cocoa powder was administered on 80 respondents who were randomly selected from records of healthcare facilities at the Medical Centre of Cocoa Research institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State. The variables considered in the study were in terms of the beneficial effect of consumption of cocoa powder with reference to acceptability, frequency of consumption, rate of malaria since commencement of consumption, extension to family members, purchase if sold and health improvement due to regular intake of malaria. The data were analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation. The result shows the mean age of the respondent to be (33.57%). Majority of the respondents (32.5) were female while those that are married represent 65.0%.
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Jayeola C.O, Yahaya A.T, Williams A.O, Okunade A.F and Olalekan Adeniran M.A
The high awareness level of the beneficial effect of cocoa powder which is accompanied by low consumption is a source of concern in Nigeria over the years. The awareness level of health benefit of cocoa consumption is (70.0%) while consumption rate of cocoa powder is as low as (31.3%). The resultant effect of this is the high expenditure on treatment of malaria (57.3%) of the respondent spent close to 3999 in the treatment of malaria. However, many used various means of treatment while (50.0%) spend money on drugs for malaria treatments. Those who consumed cocoa powder frequently is as low as (13.0%) while 56.0% rarely consumed in spite of knowledge of the beneficial effect of regular intake of cocoa powder on human health. Similarly, the results from this study shows that, the health history of consumption among respondent with genotype AA is as high as (46.7%), these have health history of frequent malaria occurrence (54.7%), high family attack of malaria (66.7%) while (50.0%) of these respondents used drug for treatment of malaria.
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Ruqia Akhter
The main purpose of the study was to frame and compare the Health Related Physical Fitness Parameters (Abdominal Muscular Strength, Shoulder Muscular Strength, Agility and Flexibility) between Badminton and Ball Badminton Inter- College Players of Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. The subjects for this study was taken 30, in which 15 were Badminton and 15 were Ball Badminton. It was hypothesized that, there will be significant difference in the Health Related Physical Fitness Parameters (Abdominal Muscular Strength, Shoulder Muscular Strength, Agility and Flexibility) between Badminton and Ball Badminton Players of Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. The analysis of the data was done by applying T-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05 levels. The analysis of data has been presented in the following order Means, Standard Deviations, the range of scores was calculated and represented in tabular form. For testing the hypothesis and to find out the significant differences between the means of both groups, the T-test for independent samples was applied.
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Haripriya Nesanuru, Madhan Kumar Velu MD, Gowtham Venu MD and Rajamouli Jannu MD D.C.H
Inadequate and inappropriate knowledge of handling of healthcare waste may have serious health consequences and a significant impact on the environment as well.
Aim: To assess the impact of intervention on the knowledge of health care workers regarding bio-medical waste management.
Materials and methods: A hospital based intervention study was carried out from January 2022 to December 2022 in Government Thiruvarur Medical College and Hospital, Thiruvarur, Tamilnadu among healthcare workers. Pretested, pre-designed performa was used for data collection. Impact of training was assessed on 3rd and 9th month after training. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 17.
Result. Out of 155, 82 (52.9%) were nursing staff, 34 (21.9%) were paramedical staff & 39 (25.1%) were group-D workers. Almost half of 76 (49%) HCWs were in the age group of 26 to 30 years. Knowledge of HCWs was increased from 66.7% to 86.7 % at 3 month which was decreased to 80 % at 9 month this suggests a regular training of HCWs for their and patient safety.
Conclusion: The training session significantly improved the HCWs\\\' knowledge, attitude and implementation of biomedical waste management. The need of comprehensive training programs at frequent intervals regarding BMW management is highly recommended to all hospital staff.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Sussanah Edoho and Calista Ndidi Adike
Hepatitis B virus is highly contagious. Individuals with chronic infection are usually the main reservoir for continued HBV transmission. Health-care workers (HCWs) particularly have greater chances of hepatitis B infection due to the risk of occupational contact with blood and other body fluids of infected individuals. This may occur following percutaneous injury, blood and body fluids coming in contact with the mucous membrane or non-intact skin exposure to blood and other body fluids. Every year, about a third of HCWs working in Africa are occupationally exposed to body fluids through percutaneous injuries, which in the context of high prevalence of Hepatitis B in Africa puts HCWs at a high risk of HBV infection. Hepatitis stands to inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is a tissue’s reaction to irritation or injury which usually results in swelling and can cause pain. There are many causes of hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is caused by a virus and can either be acute or chronic. Viral hepatitis can be spread from person to person. Some types of viral hepatitis can be spread through sexual contact and blood stream.
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Esther Ugo Alum, Okechukwu P. C. Ugwu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Obasi Uche Orji, Nzubechukwu Edwin and Michael Ben Okon
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)during a baby\'s first six months of life is still a vital worldwide public health approach that UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) support. The numerous advantages of early brain feeding (EBF) include decreased rates of morbidity and mortality in children, healthcare cost savings, improved mother-child bonding, and decreased risks of a variety of childhood illnesses. Nevertheless, the global incidence of EBF is below desired levels, especially in East Africa, despite these well-established benefits. The present publication provides a complete review of exclusive breastfeeding practices in East Africa, focusing on mom knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Research indicates notable deficiencies in mothers\' comprehension and compliance with EBF guidelines within the area. While there are several obstacles to optimum breastfeeding practices, including cultural views, HIV worries, a lack of awareness, and societal influences, interventions such as counseling and educational campaigns have not demonstrated much success, especially when it comes to young moms. The article also investigates the possible function of religious authorities as powerful proponents of exclusive breastfeeding. Considering the significant impact that religious leaders have on East African communities, enlisting their support seems to be a viable way to improve EBF practices and close current gaps. Using the power of religious leaders in conjunction with current initiatives may be a crucial way to promote and maintain the best possible breastfeeding practices, which would eventually improve the health and well-being of infants in the area.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu and Edward Odogbu Odo
Anemia remains a pervasive concern among children in malaria-endemic regions, presenting a significant health challenge compounded by the coexistence of malaria. This review aims to explore practical interventions and effective strategies for managing anemia specifically in children afflicted with malaria, with the overarching goal of improving health outcomes in this vulnerable population. The interplay between anemia and malaria is multifaceted, wherein the parasitic infection leads to hemolysis, compromised hemoglobin synthesis, and consequent anemia in affected children. Accurate diagnosis is pivotal, necessitating the utilization of rapid diagnostic tests for timely identification of both conditions amid overlapping symptoms. The management approach involves a comprehensive strategy encompassing prompt antimalarial therapy alongside targeted interventions addressing anemia. This includes the administration of iron supplements, folic acid, and vitamin B12, coupled with blood transfusions in severe cases to restore depleted stores and enhance erythropoiesis. Moreover, ensuring adequate nutrition, hydration, and community engagement are integral facets of holistic care. Promoting balanced diets rich in essential nutrients, alongside education programs emphasizing preventive measures and early recognition of symptoms, plays a crucial role in mitigating morbidity and mortality rates. In conclusion, the effective management of anemia in children with malaria demands a multifaceted approach, integrating timely diagnosis, tailored treatment, nutritional support, and community-based interventions. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities are imperative to address the complexities of these concurrent health challenges, aiming for improved health outcomes and a brighter future for affected children in malaria-endemic regions.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Frances Ugonne Ogunnaya, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu
Pediatric anemia in the context of malaria infections presents a significant health challenge, particularly in regions where malaria is endemic. This abstract delves into the crucial need for integrated approaches to effectively manage anemia among children afflicted by malaria, aiming to improve their overall health outcomes. The intricate relationship between anemia and malaria underscores the importance of holistic healthcare interventions. Malaria-induced hemolysis often exacerbates anemia, leading to elevated morbidity and mortality rates in affected children. Integrated strategies encompassing healthcare interventions and robust public health initiatives are pivotal in addressing these intertwined health concerns. Key integrated healthcare interventions include early and accurate diagnosis, prompt antimalarial treatment, and tailored anemia management, such as iron supplementation and nutritional support. Community engagement initiatives promoting preventive measures and access to healthcare facilities play a critical role in reducing malaria transmission and subsequent anemia burden. In conclusion, the implementation of integrated healthcare models that amalgamate early diagnosis, prompt treatment, nutritional support, and comprehensive public health strategies is indispensable for alleviating anemia in pediatric malaria cases. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities is imperative for the successful implementation of these approaches, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for children affected by malaria-associated anemia.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu and Hauwa Ali Buhari
Pregnancy in women with sickle cell anemia presents a unique clinical scenario, entailing intricate management strategies due to the inherent challenges posed by hemolysis and vaso-occlusive events. The convergence of the pathophysiological complexities of sickle cell anemia and the physiological changes during gestation underscores the significance of addressing hemolysis in pregnant individuals with this hemoglobinopathy. This paper synthesizes current understanding and clinical perspectives on the impact of hemolysis in pregnant women with sickle cell anemia, exploring its implications on maternal health, fetal well-being, and strategies for optimized care. Emphasis is placed on elucidating the underlying mechanisms, delineating maternal and fetal complications, and outlining current management approaches. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging interventions and future directions aimed at improving maternal and fetal outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario. By comprehensively addressing the intricacies of hemolysis in pregnant women with sickle cell anemia, this review aims to provide insights that guide clinicians and researchers toward enhancing care and ensuring better maternal-fetal health in this vulnerable population.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu and Festus Uchechukwu Onuigwe
Oxygen deprivation, or hypoxia, during pregnancy poses a multifaceted challenge to maternal and fetal well-being, significantly impacting gestational outcomes. This comprehensive review endeavors to elucidate the intricate mechanisms and consequences of hypoxia on maternal health within the context of pregnancy. Through an exploration of the complex interplay between oxygen insufficiency, placental function, and maternal physiology, this review aims to unravel the far-reaching implications of hypoxia on pregnancy outcomes. The discourse encompasses the pivotal role of hypoxia in precipitating various pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational hypoxia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), shedding light on their underlying pathophysiological processes and potential therapeutic avenues. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review aims to advance our comprehension of hypoxia\'s impact on maternal health during gestation, fostering the development of targeted interventions to alleviate adverse outcomes associated with oxygen deprivation in pregnancy.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu
Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) plays a crucial role in ensuring a HIV-free start for newborns born to HIV-positive mothers. This review highlights the significance of EID in pediatric HIV care, emphasizing its role in timely identification of HIV infection, prevention of morbidity and mortality, facilitation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs, reduction of HIV transmission, and promotion of long-term health outcomes. Despite its importance, EID faces challenges such as limited access to testing services and logistical constraints. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening health systems and leveraging innovative approaches to expand access to EID services. Investing in EID programs is essential for achieving global HIV elimination targets and advancing towards an AIDS-free generation.
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Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the management of HIV infection, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality in individuals living with the virus. However, the influence of ART on maternal eosinophil levels during pregnancy remains a topic of interest and debate. This review explores the current understanding of how ART affects eosinophil levels in pregnant women living with HIV, considering both the potential mechanisms underlying these changes and their clinical implications. Keywords such as HIV, antiretroviral therapy, pregnancy, eosinophils, immune response, and maternal health are utilized to delve into relevant literature and provide insights into this complex interaction. Understanding the impact of ART on maternal eosinophil levels can contribute to optimizing the management of HIV during pregnancy, ensuring maternal health, and promoting favorable pregnancy outcomes.
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Shashi Kant Sharma and Dr. P.V ACHARYA
Stress is primarily a physical reaction and is defined as a state characterized by symptoms of physical and mental tension or strain, such as depression or hypertension. This often occurs in response to situations in which a person feels threatened, under pressure, or both. Students in secondary and tertiary education settings face a wide range of ongoing normative stressors, which can be defined as normal day to day hassles such as ongoing academic demands. This study investigates the relationship between academic stress and mental health among senior secondary students in Uttarakhand State. During the present study, simple random sampling technique has been applied to draw the sample from population. The sample consisted of 200 students (100 boys & 100 girls) of Haridwar district of Uttarakhand state. 100 students were taken from the government school and 100 from non-government school. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing standardized questionnaires to collect data from a sample of senior secondary students. The findings indicate a significant correlation between academic stress and various mental health indicators, suggesting a need for interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of academic pressure on students\' well-being.
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Samson O. Onemu, Mitefe O. Onemu-Metitiri, Imoleayo O. Mata, Olaniyi John Paul Popoola and Paulinus O. Uyigue
Water from locally dug wells represent the major source of water supply for domestic purposes in most rural and sub-urban communities in Nigeria. Well water is prone to contamination from human and animal activities and from the environment with microorganisms that may include pathogens associated with water-borne illnesses or possess the potential to initiate diseases of opportunities. This study aimed to determine the bacteriological class of well water available for domestic use in Owo Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria. Well water samples collected, analyzed by the double-strength and single-strength McConkey broth for the most probable number, MPN of coliform bacteria, and their varieties from subcultures. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, ESBL were also determined. The MPN in all the samples were several folds higher (15-1800+ MPN/100 mL) than recommended upper limits. Klebsiella species was the most dominant microorganism 46(50%) of 92 isolates. Other isolates included Enterobacter species (25%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.0%), Proteus mirabilis (8.7%) and Serratiamarcescens (4.4%) was the least recovered microorganism. Production of ESBL was highest amongst Klebsiella species (19.7%), Enterobacter species (16.0%), Proteus mirabilis (12.5%)and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.1%) and Serratiamarcescens tested negative. The sampled wells were profoundly polluted with microorganisms that carry resistance enzymes incriminated in most nosocomial infections thus, demanding concrete intervention strategiesto circumventmajor water-borne disease outbreaks.
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Javid Ahmad Teeli
Mental depression is one of the most serious public health concerns of the modern world, recognized not only as a medical condition but also as a social and psychological crisis. It is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and it is a leading cause of disability, significantly affecting quality of life. While depression is prevalent across all sections of society, certain populations—such as college students and young adults—are particularly vulnerable due to academic stress, social pressures, and life transitions. The role of physical activity, especially organized sports, has been increasingly acknowledged as a protective factor against depression. Numerous studies indicate that athletes often exhibit lower depression levels compared to non-athletes, owing to the physiological benefits of exercise, the release of endorphins, the development of resilience, and enhanced social support systems within sports communities. However, competitive sports also carry pressures that can contribute to anxiety and, in some cases, depression. This paper presents a comparative study of mental depression among athletes and non-athletes, drawing upon data collected from the districts of Anantnag and Kulgam. Using standardized tools of psychological assessment, the research analyzes depression levels across these two groups and evaluates the role of athletic participation in mental health outcomes. Results indicate that athletes generally experience lower levels of depression than their non-athlete counterparts, supporting the hypothesis that sports and physical activity can buffer against depressive symptoms. The findings underscore the importance of integrating sports into educational and social frameworks as part of a holistic approach to mental health promotion.
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Dr. Sneha Borgai and Dr. R. Rajesh
Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of India’s population, yet they are highly vulnerable to issues related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Lack of accurate knowledge and poor attitudes can result in unsafe practices, early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and long-term consequences.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) programme on knowledge and attitude regarding SRH among adolescent girls in selected high schools at Bangalore.
Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. A total of 500 adolescent girls studying in 9th and 10th standards were selected using purposive sampling. A structured knowledge questionnaire and a 5-point Likert scale on attitude were administered before and after the IEC programme. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 12.4 (SD=3.5), which improved significantly to 22.8 (SD=4.1) in the post-test (t=32.46, p<0.001). Similarly, the mean attitude score improved from 45.3 (SD=6.7) to 56.9 (SD=7.2), showing a statistically significant difference (t=28.14, p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.61, p<0.01). Socio-demographic variables such as type of school and class of study were significantly associated with post-test knowledge scores (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The IEC programme was highly effective in improving knowledge and fostering positive attitudes toward SRH among adolescent girls. Implementing such programmes in schools can play a vital role in enhancing adolescent health outcomes.
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