Special Viral Pathogens Journal

Number 1, 2015

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Low immunization coverage and infant Viral/Bacterial disease prevention in Nyakivare and Rukinga Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp, Uganda

Authors: Kasule A

Abstract

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Number of views: 549

Background: Immunisable diseases continue to be highly prevalent and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub Saharan Africa among children less than five years. The immunization coverage of Internally Displaced People camps in Uganda is low and factors associated with the low immunization coverage not clearly defined. Objective: To determine the influence of low immunization coverage on the upsurge of topical infections among internally displaced people camps in Uganda. Methods: The study design used was community based discriptive cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire. Data was collected among 210 mothers and care takers of children aged between12 months-23 months in resettlement area in 2 IDP camps in southern Uganda namely Nyakivare camp and Rukinga camps. Data was statistically analyzed by SPSS software. The relationship between the independent factors and the immunization status is analyzed by using chi-square test. Results: Almost all of the respondents reported to have access to immunization services in their area and only spent less than 0.2 dollars for transport to reach the health facility. Hardly more than half of the study children had completed up to date immunization doses. There is statistically significant association between health education about immunization and immunization status of the child. Also, availability of health care workers was not significantly associated with immunization status. Immunization failure was due to lack of information and gender issue of having to seek permission from the husband before taking the child for immunization. Conclusion: Addition of Hepatitis vaccine was justified. Low immunization coverage impacted on disease outbreak in study area and factors for low immunization include fear of vaccine safety, complication and side effect. Recommendations: Interventions against gender imbalance to improve the attitude of the fathers about the immunization should focus on the fathers is recommended.

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Acceptance of Human Papilloma viruses screening by Fort-Portal market-women at risk of cervical carcinoma in Kabarole district, Uganda.

Authors: Dabo IG, Muhindo J, Alkali B, Adamu BI, Uwase J.

Abstract

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Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide and many of these cancer are linked to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) genital infection. Access to screening of cervical cells for HPV and carcinogenesis, commonly associated to high female mortality rates attributed to poor socio-economic, sociocultural and behavioral factors may have an underlying poor acceptance of this procedure as factor defining the epidemic of female mortality in this region. Objective: To evaluate the acceptance rate of HPV screening as predictor of cervical carcinoma by market women in Fort portal municipality. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 270 market women randomly drawn from 6 markets within Fort portal municipality were questioned on their acceptance of HPV and cervical cells screening for carcinogenesis using quantitative (self-administered structured closed ended questionnaires) and qualitative (Key informant interview and focused group discussion with stake holders) methods. Information about acceptance included: knowledge, attitude, practice, social, cultural, economic, geographical, demographic and medical. With Epi-info program, Chi-square, Odds Ratios (OR) and Relative Risk (RR) were used to measure the strength of associations between variables, Yates correction was for minimal error margin. Results: Marriage, occupation, religion and educational level significantly (p<0.05) influenced the acceptance of HPV screening while tribe played no significant (p>0.05) role. Only 7.29% had knowledge of the procedure, 31% had their first sex before age 16, and 18% had 2-3 children while 14% had many sexual partners. About 74% had uncircumcised partners’ Poor awareness on sources of service delivery and concern for safety, Poor knowledge, high costs of clinical services, high waiting time, poor access plan to clinics where necessary, social barriers and stigma and fatalistic misconceptions all hindered acceptance of the test procedure. Conclusion: Acceptance rate of cervical HPV screening is still very low among the studied population and the issues behind this observation including its implication on cervical HPV carriage and predisposition to precancerous lesions are fully discussed.

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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis (B and C) viruses among apparently healthy Adults in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

Authors: Babatope IO, Inyang NJ, Imanrenezor EPK, Aghahowa A.

Abstract

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Number of views: 637

Background: Infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are public health problems, which are highly endemic in the sub-Saharan Africa countries where Nigeria is located. Early and accurate diagnosis of co-infections with mono- and/or polymicrobial agents, in resource limited settings remains the key to effective interventions. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses among apparently healthy individuals in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional laboratory based study, three hundred blood samples were aseptically collected from apparently healthy individuals randomly selected from Ekpoma community. Participants were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti HCV antibody using standard methods. Ethical clearance and participant’s informed consent were sought and obtained from appropriate authorities and concerned participants. All data generated in this investigation were analyzed for statistical relevance using Pearson’s Chi square software. Results: Of the 300 samples screened, 8.3% were seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen while 3% was seropositive for anti-HCV antibody. The sex related prevalences of 4.7% in females and 3.6% in males were obtained for HBV while HCV recorded 2.3% for females and 0.7% for males. HBV and HCV infections were not significantly (p<0.05) associated with the sex of participants. Age related prevalence for HBsAg were 4%, 3% and 1.3% among the age groups 19-29, 30-39 and 40 and above years respectively while 1%, 1.3% and 0.7% prevalence rates of anti-HCV were observed among the age groups (19-29, 30-39, 40 and above)years respectively. Conclusion: The observed sero-prevalence of HBV and HCV among apparently healthy individuals in Ekpoma emphasizes the significance of early detection of disease agents in prevention and effective management of disease outbreaks especially in resource limited settings.

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Health education and HIV/AIDS prevalence in Rusekere secondary school, Hikabaale district, Western Uganda

Authors: Sulaiman HIR, Bashir A, Kimera E, Ismaila AB.

Abstract

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Number of views: 488

Background: Despite numerous Uganda’s efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence the pandemic continues to rise in both incidence and prevalence. Objectives: To determine the effect of health education on HIV/AIDS prevalence in a secondary students in Hikabaale district Uganda. Methods: In this cross sectional descriptive study self-administered semi-structured close ended questionnaire and key informants interview guide were to generate information from consenting participants about health education and HIV/AIDS prevalence. Standard methods were used to analyze information generated. Results: The listed factors and corresponding percentage distribution (unknown HIV/AIDS- 83%; unprotected sex-76%; High rate of sexual contact- 65%; having a network of sexual partners- 33% and limited source of information- 13%) were the identified underlying factors encouraging HIV/AIDS distribution in the studied population. The ABC (abstinence, being faithful, or condom use) principle were unanimously suggested as the best preventive method to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence in the school. Conclusion: Poor health education and high rate of sexual activity involving unprotected sexual network among a population with unknown HIV/AIDS status might explain the observed HIV status in the studied population. Secondary school students should not be under estimated or left out in any HIV/AIDS prevention program organized for the communities and wider public.

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Cross-border movement of people and its effect on the Spread of HIV/AIDS in Kisoro district south western Uganda.

Authors: Mugisha S and Agwu E.

Abstract

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Number of views: 505

Background: Cross-border movement as a driver of HIV epidemic has been given little research attention. Kisoro district shares borders with Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda thus forms a hub of movement of different classes of people, tradition and culture, together with all kind of social lives often associated with increased chances of HIV transmission. Purpose of the study. To establish the role of cross-border movement of different people in the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Kisoro district so as to suggest appropriate prevention and control measures. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design using both qualitative and quantitative methods involving 217 people living with HIV registered at Kisoro and Mutorele hospitals that lived in border areas of Kisoro. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents who met the inclusion criteria and consented. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data which was analyzed at three levels; univariate, bivariate and multivariate to control confounding factors. Results: From this study, trade was found to be the major factor for cross-border movement as per majority of respondents 90(41.6%) followed by employment 49(22.8%), seek health care 41(18.7%), and conflicts in DR Congo 12(11.4%). The commonest HIV risk behaviors in border communities in Kisoro were; cultural practices, alcoholism and drug abuse and sexual gender based violence. Conclusion and recommendation: Factors for cross-border movement of people to and from Kisoro district are trade, seeking health care, employment and conflicts in DRC Congo. There is a relationship between movement of people across borders and spread of HIV/AIDS in Kisoro district. There is need for the Central government of Uganda and Kisoro district local government leaders to engage their counterparts in DRC Congo and Rwanda in dialogue meetings to find lasting solutions to the increasing trend of HIV/AIDS arising from cross- border movement of people.