Anthropometric indices have become practical tools for evaluating the nutritional status of populations. Understanding the nutritional status of children has far-reaching implications for promoting the health of future generations. The necessity for routine blood pressure screening in children was debated in the past, the main argument against it being that essential hypertension is an adult disease and there was no evidence that screening apparently healthy children for hypertension is rewarding. Its value as a screening tool for hypertension in adults has long been documented. This study has been designed to assess the relationship between nutritional status and blood pressure among apparently healthy primary school pupils aged 6–12 years in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The study was conducted on 219 pupils randomly selected from public and private schools using a table of random numbers. Blood pressure was measured after 5 minutes of rest in the sitting position with an aneroid sphygmomanometer and a cuff suitable to the pupil’s arm circumference according to WHO standard procedures. Nutritional and growth status were determined using z-score for BMI-for-age and height-for-age (HA). Pearson correlation was used to determine the correlation coefficients between anthropometric indices and blood pressure parameters. Study findings revealed a z-score of < -3 in 4.34% (n=5) of boys and 1.92% (n=2) of girls as severe wasting while severe stunting was recorded to be 2.61% (n=3) in boys and 1.92% (n=2) in girls. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were not observed between severe thinness or stunting between boys and girls P ≤ 0.05 level of significant. Pearson correlation revealed a positive correlation between weight and Systolic BPs, Diastolic BPs and mean arterial pressures of the subjects ( r =0.77, 0.61, and 0.74 respectively). The study found out that severe malnutrition exists among the pupils, as significant percentages of the school children were thin and stunted. Blood pressure increased with age and was higher among pupils from private schools than among those from public schools.
As COVID-19 has entered the stage of routine governance, public health system development has gradually shifted from emergency response toward the strengthening of long-term governance capacity. This study compares public health governance mechanisms in China and the United States and examines the differences in governance performance between the two countries. Taking their public health governance practices during the routine COVID-19 governance stage as the research object, the study employs literature review, policy analysis, and comparative analysis to construct a three-dimensional analytical framework comprising organizational coordination, collaborative operation, and resource support. The findings indicate that China demonstrates strong institutional advantages in vertical organizational coordination, resource integration, and overall mobilization, whereas the United States has developed practices that provide useful reference in public health data standardization, cross-agency interoperability, and digital governance. Public health governance performance is not the direct result of any single governance measure but depends on whether organizational coordination, collaborative operation, and resource support can achieve effective and institutionalized coordination. On the basis of consolidating its strengths in centralized coordination, organizational mobilization, and resource integration, China may selectively draw on useful experience from the United States in data governance and digital infrastructure development. Further efforts should be made to improve cross-departmental collaboration, information sharing, and support mechanisms, thereby strengthening the long-term governance capacity of the public health system, enhancing its ability to respond to major public health risks, and continuously improving long-term public health governance performance.
Lassa fever disproportionately burdens vulnerable West African children, with higher case fatality rates. This study examines the trends and patterns of laboratory-confirmed Lassa fever (LF) positivity among children and key predictors of infection. This study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to analyze national surveillance data on paediatric Lassa fever cases in Nigeria from 2019 to 2024. It included all suspected paediatric Lassa fever cases (8,235 children aged 0–17 years) reported through the NCDC surveillance system, without sampling. Data covered all states and were collected via standardised tools, including RT-PCR confirmation. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of laboratory-confirmed Lassa fever positivity among children. Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0. Results : The study showed an overall positivity rate of 10.3% among children tested from 2019 to 2024, with notable annual positivity rates peaking in 2023 (23.9%) and 2020 (22.7%) and a decline in 2021 (13.6%). Age was a strong predictor: children aged 5–12 years (AOR = 1.790, p < 0.001) and adolescents aged 13–17 years (AOR = 2.325, p < 0.001) had higher odds of positivity compared to those aged 0–4 years. Females had slightly higher odds of infection (AOR = 1.205, p = 0.012). Seasonality played a major role: children tested in the first quarter were more than twice as likely to be positive as those tested in the last quarter (AOR = 2.449, p < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for seasonally targeted preparedness, strengthened paediatric surveillance, and context-specific clinical and public health interventions.
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health problem due to its increasing prevalence, complications, and impact on patients' quality of life. Public awareness of this disease is crucial for promoting preventive behaviors, early detection, and appropriate care. However, data on the general population's level of knowledge about CKD in Benin remain limited. Objective: To study the level of knowledge about CKD among the population of the municipality of Abomey-Calavi in 2026. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in February 2026 among residents of the municipality of Abomey-Calavi aged 18 years and over. Sampling was randomized using a three-stage method. Data were collected using a digitized questionnaire via KoboCollect covering general knowledge of CKD, renal anatomy and function, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. An overall knowledge score was calculated and used to classify participants into three categories based on their level of knowledge (poor, moderate, good). Oral informed consent was obtained prior to inclusion in the study. Results: 612 residents were surveyed. Among the participants, 91.34% had a poor level of knowledge, 8.66% a moderate level, and no participant had a good level of knowledge about CKD. Deficiencies were observed across all areas explored, including knowledge of kidney anatomy and function, the definition of CKD, its clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prevention, and management. Conclusion: The level of knowledge about CKD was poor in Abomey-Calavi. These results highlight the importance of strengthening information and education initiatives on kidney health in order to increase the population's level of knowledge.
Ebola outbreaks are a significant public health problem in the DRC. The sixteen outbreaks occurred from September to December 2025 in Bulape (Mweka) with fatality ratio (FR) of 67.2%. This research explored Perception, knowledge, attitude and practice concerning Ebola Disease by the community in Bulape (DRC). This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in Bulape (Mweka) where the sixteen Ebola outbreaks occurred, from 15 th to 30 Th November 2025, using a semi structured questionnaire to collect data. Excel 2013 and SPSS.20 were used for data analysis. A total of 72 respondents were interviewed, with ages between 18 to 57 years. 64.7% were male and 35, 3% were female. 88.81% recognized that bats, are the main vector of Ebola disease; 98.6% of our respondents knew that Ebola could be transmitted through the digestive tract; and Most of our respondents knew main symptoms of Ebola diseases; While 84.72% have been washing hands regularly with soap and water to protect against Ebola virus; Also, 97.2% had got the Ebola vaccine to protect against the disease. Among them 15 (20.83%) of our respondents considered Ebola as a complicated disease, while 20 (27.77%) considered it as a myth for political gains; and 37 (51.38%) of our respondents confirmed that the Ebola virus infection was a real infection. This research has highlighted that most of the community members in Bulape had a good knowledge of EVD and knew about bats as the main vectors and Monkeys as main host of EVD, even that some continue to consider it as an unexplainable disease or myth for political gain.
The coexistence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension during pregnancy represents an important public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with comorbid diabetes and hypertension among pregnant women attending primary healthcare centres in an urban area of Rivers State, Nigeria. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 pregnant women selected using multistage and systematic random sampling from nine primary healthcare centres between December 2024 and January 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and standardized measurements of fasting blood glucose and blood pressure. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ characteristics and prevalence estimates, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with comorbidity at the p < 0.05 significance level. The prevalence of diabetes–hypertension comorbidity was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.5–7.3). The prevalence of diabetes was 34.6% (95% CI: 26.1–38.8), and hypertension was 8.8% (95% CI: 5.6–12.0). The higher prevalence of diabetes compared with comorbidity reflects the fact that many women had hyperglycaemia without concurrent hypertension. Increasing age, occupation, marital status, genotype and limited social support were significantly associated with comorbidity. Although the prevalence of comorbidity was relatively low, the presence of overlapping cardiometabolic conditions during pregnancy highlights the need for strengthened routine screening for blood glucose and blood pressure and integration of non-communicable disease management into antenatal care services at the primary healthcare level.
Introduction: Viral hepatitis B (HBV) remains a major public health concern in Mali, where its prevalence is still very high. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward hepatitis B virus infection among students at Kankou Moussa University (UKM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January to 18 December 2025, among 425 medical and pharmacy students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software (version 25.0). Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.25 ± 2.64 years, with a female predominance. More than half (50.1%) of the participants had good knowledge, 88.7% had a positive attitude, and 51.3% demonstrated good practices. A statistically significant association was found between students’ knowledge and level of education (aOR = 0.30; 95% CI [0.11–0.78]). Students’ attitudes were significantly associated with age (aOR = 0.31; 95% CI [0.10–0.98]), second-year level of study (aOR = 0.14; 95% CI [0.04–0.49]), and third-year level of study (aOR = 0.16; 95% CI [0.05–0.56]). Students’ practices were associated with close contact with parents or relatives affected by HBV (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI [0.34–0.98]). Conclusion: Students at UKM demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge and a favorable attitude toward hepatitis B. However, preventive measures, particularly screening and vaccination, remained low. In addition, general biosafety practices did not comply with recommended standards. The factors associated with the dependent variables were age, academic level, frequent contact with relatives or close acquaintances infected with HBV, and experience in patient management. Strengthening training and awareness from the early years of study is therefore essential. In addition, regular vaccination and screening campaigns should be organized within the university to reduce the risk of infection.
Malaria remains a major public health burden in Mali, requiring control strategies adapted to local epidemiological contexts. This study compared the evolution of malaria prevalence and determinants in the health districts of Kati (peri-urban/agricultural area) and Markala (agricultural/hydro-agricultural area). This was a cross-sectional, comparative study of malaria data from the districts of Kati and Markala from January 2018 to December 2022. The data were extracted from the District Health Information Software 2. The comparative statistical analysis used Chi-square tests and logistic regressions to identify the factors associated (age, sex, seasonality) with the observed variations. A total of 422,020 Cases of malaria were recorded in both districts. The Markala district had a higher average annual prevalence than Kati (6.038% vs 6.024%, p=0.001), although annual trends showed significant variability, notably a more pronounced increase in Kati in 2021. Seasonal analysis confirmed the epidemic peak during the high transmission period (July-October) in both districts, but the malaria burden in Markala appeared to be more chronic and less strictly seasonal, potentially linked to agricultural irrigation. This study revealed an epidemiological shift in Mali, with marked heterogeneity between peri-urban and hydro-agricultural areas. The increased prevalence in Kati in 2022 and the shift in disease burden towards those over 5 years of age, particularly women, necessitate adapting national strategies. Environmental management of rice cultivation, targeting of adults, and improved quality of routine data are crucial for precision vector control.
Dog bites constitute a substantial public health problem in Africa and Asia. Rabies still remains a lethal infection spread by rabid animals' saliva that damages the central nervous system and is completely 100% fatal. An individual can be infected with the disease via a bit from a rabid dog. In Africa and Asia continents constitute the regions that are highly affected with human rabies fatalities globally. In Kisii County, the emergence of stray dogs has made rabies a significant problem. This study aimed to assess Types and severity of exposures presented by the dog bites patients visiting selected hospitals in Kisii County, Kenya. The research examined. A hospital-based, random cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted, involving 289 dog bite patients as respondents from the selected hospitals in Kisii County. Dog bite patients were provided with a carefully constructed a survey with both closed- and open-ended questions for quantitative analysis. A chi-square test was utilized to assess the significance of categorical variables. The data was gathered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. The study revealed that there was no significant correlation between adhering to rabies PEP treatment after a dog-bite and the affected part of the body or severity of exposure (p-value=0.071). Furthermore, the circumstances of the bite did not demonstrate a significant relationship with adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis after a dog bite (p-value=0.641). As a result, the investigation failed to reject the null hypothesis and concluded that there is no association between the type and severity of exposure and adherence to rabies PEP treatment. Regarding the type of exposure, majority of the respondent (50.5%) reported dog bites, 37% scratches and 12.5% with dog licks. Further, 70.9% of the patients had the types of bite indicated in their patient’s card. Out of the 70.9% patients; 58.5% were in the first WHO category and 29.3% were in the second category. The Kisii County medical services, public health, and sanitation department have subsidized prices for anti-rabies vaccines and conduct rigorous tracing of rabies PEP treatment defaulters. The veterinary department is responsible for implementing mass dog vaccination in the county. Lastly, the National Social Health Insurance Fund (NSHIF) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) should ensure that their schemes include the issuance of anti-rabies vaccines for their members.
Purpose: We aim to analyze the global and regional trends of the total disease burden and risk factors of diabetes. Methods: This study was based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. The global and regional trends of incidence, deaths, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were assessed. Level 2 risk factors in the database were included. Results: In 2021, global diabetes incidence, deaths, prevalence, and DALYs were 24,442.18 thousand, 1,656.63 thousand, 525,654.11 thousand, and 78,938.59 thousand, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, global age-standardized rates increased significantly, with average annual percent changes (AAPCs) of +1.71% (incidence), +0.14% (deaths), +2.05% (prevalence), and +0.94% (DALYs). Middle and low-middle social-demographic index (SDI) regions accounted for over half of the global burden across all metrics. Low-middle SDI regions had the fastest growth in death (AAPC: +1.05%) and DALYs rates (AAPC: +1,32%), while high SDI and high-middle regions showed a mortality decline (AAPC: -1.48% and -0.24%). In recent years, global age-adjusted incidence, prevalence, and DALYs rates of diabetes maintained positive APCs, with low-middle SDI regions leading in growth, while high SDI regions saw declining mortality and accelerated incidence, and middle SDI regions sustained steady growth across key metrics. High fasting plasma glucose, high body mass index, and dietary risks were still the top three risk factors. Conclusion: The global diabetes burden has continued to rise over the past three decades. Low-middle SDI regions have the fastest growth in death and DALYs rates, while low SDI regions maintain persistently high mortality and DALYs. In recent years, low-middle and middle SDI regions still face sustained growth of age-adjusted deaths, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
This study examined the lived experiences of young people orphaned due to parental death and chronic illness, with particular attention to the challenges they face in transitioning into adulthood. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to collect in-depth data from 25 participants aged between 18 and 24 years. These participants were selected to capture diverse perspectives on the socio-economic and psychological realities of orphanhood. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns, key issues, and underlying meanings in the data. Findings reveal that orphaned youth encounter multiple and interconnected challenges that significantly affect their well-being and life trajectories. Economic hardship emerged as a dominant theme, with many participants struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and education due to the absence of parental financial support. This often forced them into premature adult roles, including caregiving and income generation, which disrupted their educational and personal development. Psychological distress was also prevalent among participants, manifesting in forms such as grief, anxiety, loneliness, and unresolved trauma associated with the loss of parents. Many reported a lack of emotional support systems, which further exacerbated their vulnerability. Social isolation and stigma were additional concerns, as some participants experienced marginalization within their communities. Despite these challenges, the study also highlights resilience among orphaned youth. Some participants demonstrated adaptive coping strategies, including seeking support from extended family members, peers, and community-based organizations. However, such support systems were often inconsistent and insufficient. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions that address both the economic and psychosocial needs of orphaned young people. It recommends the strengthening of social protection systems, improved access to education and mental health services, and the development of community-based support networks. By understanding the complex realities faced by orphaned youth, policymakers and practitioners can design more effective programs to facilitate their successful transition into adulthood.
Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a progressive and irreversible loss of functional nephron mass. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological profile of CKD among young individuals aged 15 to 45 years in the Nephrology and Hemodialysis Department of Point G University Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study involving 192 hospitalization records collected in the Nephrology and Hemodialysis Department of Point G University Teaching Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Socio-demographic characteristics, frequencies, and univariate analysis were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 750 patients were included, among whom 192 had CKD, corresponding to a prevalence of 25.6%, with a sex ratio of 0.84 in favor of females. The age group 36–45 years represented 46.9% of cases, and the mean age was 32.37 ± 8.98 years (range: 15–45 years). Hypertension was the most common underlying condition (67.7%). Uremic symptoms were diverse but predominantly included vomiting (72.4%), dizziness (63%), headache (62.5%), and anorexia (43.7%). The mean serum creatinine level was 1649.23 µmol/L. CKD was at end-stage in 97.4% of cases. Vascular nephropathy was the leading cause (28.6%). Outcomes were favorable in 22.4% of cases, and deaths were not related to the initial nephropathy. Conclusion: Management should focus on early stages, mainly through prompt diagnosis and treatment of common causes of CKD.
Measles and rubella remain important vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria, with persistent transmission and variable surveillance performance across regions. This study examines the performance, challenges, and digitalization opportunities of measles and rubella surveillance in Nigeria. This study adopted a qualitative research design to explore the performance, challenges, and opportunities within the measles and rubella laboratory surveillance system in Nigeria. Data were collected through in-depth key informant interviews with 40 purposively selected laboratory personnel across eight national laboratories. Participants included heads of laboratories and officers responsible for data management, surveillance, quality assurance, and logistics. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis in QDA Miner to identify key themes related to laboratory performance, operational challenges, data quality, and digitalization opportunities. Findings indicated improving testing capacity but inconsistent turnaround times due to reagent stockouts, staffing gaps, and funding constraints. Six of nine respondents reported improving testing capacity, while five observed fluctuations in turnaround time linked to intermittent reagent shortages. Results further showed that the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted operations by diverting resources and reducing sample volumes. Data incompleteness was mainly attributed to inadequate training and poor documentation, despite the widespread use of validation mechanisms such as external quality assessments and data harmonization. Approximately seven of nine respondents identified reagent stockouts as the most significant operational challenge, while six highlighted unreliable internet connectivity as a major barrier to digitalization. Most laboratories used basic digital tools, with strong support for real-time electronic reporting despite challenges such as poor internet connectivity and limited training. Measles and rubella laboratory surveillance systems demonstrate improving capacity and functional quality assurance practices; however, sustained performance is constrained by supply chain instability, workforce limitations, and weak funding structures. Strengthening logistics systems, investing in human resources, and expanding tailored digital infrastructure are critical to achieving resilient, timely surveillance.
The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has been promoted globally as a strategy for improving healthcare delivery, yet challenges persist in Nigeria’s public health facilities, particularly during the transition from paper-based to electronic systems. This study therefore investigated how the adoption of EHRs influences Health Information Management (HIM) practices in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study was a facility-based cross-sectional study conducted among 327 healthcare workers across major professional categories. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select participants to ensure adequate precision across staff groups. Differences in Health Information Management practices before and after EHR adoption were examined using paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. The results show that 30.31% of respondents were aged between 25-29 years old, 67.70% were female, 22.12% held an MSc degree, and 23.01% had more than 20 years of work experience. The mean overall HIM performance score improved from 3.55 ± 0.76 before EHR implementation to 4.54 ± 0.50 after implementation, with a mean difference of –0.99 (CI: –1.09 to –0.90). The mean overall accessibility score before implementation was 2.17±0.86, increasing to 2.83±0.98 after implementation. Patient records were more easily accessible to authorized personnel after EHR adoption, with mean scores increasing from 1.813 ± 1.169 before adoption to 2.801 ± 1.449 after adoption. The difference was statistically significant (Z = -8.2, p < 0.001) and the effect size was large (r = 0.45). Timely retrieval of historical patient data for clinical decision-making improved, with mean scores rising from 2.147 ± 1.259 to 3.119 ± 1.330. The study demonstrates that although healthcare professionals recognise substantial improvements in data management, accessibility, and service delivery following EHR adoption, structural and capacity-related constraints continue to hinder optimal utilisation. Strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding ICT training, and ensuring sustained technical support are essential for maximising EHR benefits and advancing digital health implementation in Nigeria.
Background: In-utero fetal death is a public health problem associated with several factors. The main objective was to study the factors associated with in-utero fetal death at the Kalaban-Coro referral health center in 2023. Methods: This was a case-control study including 70 cases and 134 controls. The study was conducted from July 1, 2023, to November 13, 2024. The cases were patients with fetal death who were not in labor, with a gestational age ≥ 22 weeks of amenorrhea or a fetal weight ≥ 500g and with a usable obstetric record. The controls were mothers who had given birth to live babies at term. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors. The association was considered significant when the confidence interval excluded 1. The significance threshold was 5%. We adhered to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: The risk of intrauterine fetal death is five times higher in women with multiple pregnancies (aOR = 5.25; 95% IC: 1.05-26.29). This risk was 16 times higher in women who had experienced antepartum hemorrhage (aOR= 16.4; 95% IC: 1.33-202.7). The absence of prenatal care increased the risk of intrauterine fetal death by 45.37 times (aOR= 45.4; 95% IC: 2.38-866.4). Conclusion: Advanced prenatal care strategies are needed to reduce the burden of intrauterine fetal death.
Introduction: Vaccination remains the primary strategy against COVID-19. However, data may not reflect actual population immunity. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of post-vaccination immunity against COVID-19 in Benin and identify associated factors. Methods: A cross- sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted from April to September 2023 in 21 hospital centers across Benin's twelve departments and included 3802. Post-vaccination immunity was defined by the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG antibodies and the absence of anti-NCP IgG antibodies, using the Euroimmun ELISA test. Data were analyzed using STATA software with multivariate logistics regression. Results: Seroprevalence of post-vaccination immunity was 41.56%. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with this immunity were age (adjusted OR=1.56; 95% CI [1.09-2.59]), residence within the former sanitary cordon (aOR=1.34; 95% CI [1.14-3.01]), history of hypertension/cardiovascular disease (aOR=3.25; 95% CI [1.41-4.63]), and history of diabetes (aOR=2.73; 95% CI [1.89-3.93]). Conclusion: Post-vaccination immunity is higher among vulnerable groups (elderly, comorbidities) and those in strategic urban zones, reflecting the prioritization of vaccination campaigns. Recommendations are proposed to target younger populations and rural areas to strengthen collective immunity.
The current qualitative pilot study drew on 38 semi-structured interviews conducted in January 2025 with Uganda Prisons Service (USP) staff (n = 16) and incarcerated men (n = 22). Interviews explored experiences of HIV, stigma, prevention, treatment adherence, and health system capacity. Data were analyzed separately for staff and prisoners using an inductive, semi-grounded thematic approach supported by NVivo, with multiple coders and integrated codebooks to enhance analytic rigor. Participants widely reported overt HIV-related stigma within the prison had diminished over time. Both staff and incarcerated individuals described a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, routine access to HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy, peer support, and, in some cases, enhanced nutritional provision for people living with HIV. Education and “sensitization” were consistently identified as central to stigma reduction and treatment adherence, with strong support for peer-based counseling models. However, stigma persisted indirectly through associations between HIV and homosexuality, which remains criminalized and highly stigmatized. Despite severe structural constraints, Mbarara Main Prison has fostered an institutional culture that actively discourages HIV-related stigma.
Introduction: Unmonitored pregnancies increase the occurrence of maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to evaluate the complications of unmonitored pregnancies at the Diema Reference Health Center (CSRef). Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional data collection study for all cases of unmonitored pregnancies recorded in the maternity ward of the Diema CSRef from February 1, 2021, to April 31, 2022. The study focused on the records of women who gave birth but did not receive prenatal care (ANC) during their pregnancy. The sample size was 263. Data were entered into KoboToolbox and analyzed using SPSS. The survey forms were coded to ensure anonymity. Results: The proportion of unmonitored pregnancies was 20.4%. Maternal complications were dominated by hemorrhages (57.6%), fetal distress (13.3%), malaria (9.4%), hypertension with its complications (9.4%), and anemia (23%). Fetal mortality was 47%. Regarding fetal complications, the poor Apgar score was 34.4%, including 18.4% stillbirths. Prematurity was 60%, low birth weight 4%, macrosomia 3%, malformations 2%, and neonatal infections 3%. Fetal mortality was 47%. Conclusion: Unmonitored pregnancies represent approximately one-fifth of deliveries in Diema. Maternal complications were primarily hemorrhages, acute fetal distress, malaria, hypertension, and its complications. The fetal prognosis was dominated by prematurity and stillbirths. These complications can be avoided by regular monitoring of prenatal care.
Child stunting reduction is the first of 6 goals in the Global Nutrition Targets for 2025 and a key indicator in the second Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The prevalence of undernutrition is decreasing in many parts of the developing world, but challenges remain in many countries. For instance,the prevalence of stunting is 30.7% in Africa - higher than the global average of 22.0%. In Kenya, more than a quarter of children under the age of five, or two million children, have stunted growth. Stunting is the most frequent form of under-nutrition among young children. If not addressed, it has devastating long-term effects, including diminished mental and physical development.Child under-nutrition in Kenya has decreased in recent years. Levels of child stunting fell from 35.2% in 2009 to 26% in 2014 and wasting from 7% in 2009 to 4% in 2015. In Kenya, Coast Province has the highest stunting rate with (30.8%) and the lowest in Nairobi Province (17.2%). Despite this advancement, the world is still unlikely to achieve that goal in the global nutrition targets. Our study intends to investigate on crucial prognostic factors influencing child stunting in Coast, Kenya. The principal objective of this paper is to determine the effect of socioeconomic and demographic variables on child stunting in presence of dependencies in clusters and households. The study then uses variable selection technique, which is an artificial intelligence techniques to select covariates with the highest predictive power from the robust KDHS 2022 data. Additionally, a proportional hazards assumption test was carried out for the chosen covariates. Those covariates that satisfied the proportionality assumption were finally included in the frailty model to takes care of the presence of dependencies within the households. Data used were based on the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), which were collected by use of questionnaires. Child stunting from the, KDHS 2022 data, was analyzed in an age period : stunting from the age of 12 months to the age of 60 months, referred to as “child stunting”.
COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease of zoonotic type, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain. This disease, benign in most affected individuals, can in certain situations progress to a severe form with organ failure that may lead to the patient's death. The objective was to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary characteristics of the disease in the study population, as well as to determine predictive factors of mortality.This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes, conducted over a 2-month period from July 20 to September 20, 2021, among patients with COVID-19 diagnosed at Mohammed V Hospital in Tangier. The study population consisted of 670 patients. The mean age was 49 years ±18.1 and the sex ratio (M/F) was 1.47. COVID-19 diagnosis was essentially based on RT-PCR (87.46%). The majority of patients (67%, n=449) were fully vaccinated at the time of diagnosis. Outpatient follow-up concerned 79.1% (n=530) of patients and hospitalization 20.9% (n=140). The comorbidity rate was 42.5% (n=285), and the most frequent pathologies were diabetes (17.9%) and arterial hypertension (13.43%). The evolution was favorable for the majority of patients (93.58%, n=627) and the death rate was 6.42% (n=43). Factors associated with death were advanced age (p<0.001), diabetes (p<0.001), arterial hypertension (p=0.007), cardiovascular history (p=0.006), neurological disorders (p=0.012), and non-vaccination (p=0.008). The severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection varies considerably among individuals and populations. Identification of severity factors could help define COVID-19 patients at higher risk, thus enabling a more targeted and specific approach to prevent deaths.
