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BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting 1.5 billion globally, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. These diseases impair health and contribute to socio-economic challenges, especially in children, undermining educational and future economic prospects. The 2030 NTD Roadmap highlights Mass Drug Administration (MDA) as a critical strategy for controlling these NTDs, targeting vulnerable populations like school-age children. Despite some successes, challenges persist, indicating the need for deeper insights into program implementation. This study focuses on the perspectives of health workers implementing MDA in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State, Nigeria, aiming to identify challenges and enablers that align with the broader NTD 2030 goals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health workers engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria, between July and September 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found that the school-based MDA control program's efficacy largely relies on strong collaborations and partnerships, particularly with educators, community heads, and other stakeholders. These alliances and strategic communication methods, like town announcements and media campaigns, have been pivotal in reaching communities. However, the program does grapple with hurdles such as parental misconceptions, limited funds, insufficient staffing, and misalignment with the Ministry of Education. It is recommended to boost funding, foster early stakeholder involvement, enhance mobilization techniques, and consider introducing a monitoring card system similar to immunization. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The MDA Integrated Control Programs for STH and SCH in Ogun State schools demonstrate a holistic approach, integrating knowledge, collaboration, communication, and feedback. Health workers have shown commitment and adeptness in their roles. However, achieving maximum efficacy requires addressing critical barriers, such as parental misconceptions and funding challenges. Adopting the recommended strategies, including proactive communication, increased remuneration, and introducing a tracking system, can significantly enhance the program's reach and impact. The involvement of all stakeholders, from health workers to community leaders and parents, is essential for the program's sustainability and success.
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Personal de Salud , Helmintiasis , Administración Masiva de Medicamentos , Esquistosomiasis , Suelo , Humanos , Nigeria/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/prevención & control , Esquistosomiasis/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Helmintiasis/prevención & control , Helmintiasis/epidemiología , Helmintiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Suelo/parasitología , Masculino , Femenino , Instituciones Académicas , Adulto , Enfermedades Desatendidas/prevención & control , Enfermedades Desatendidas/epidemiología , Niño , Antihelmínticos/uso terapéutico , Antihelmínticos/administración & dosificación , Grupos FocalesRESUMEN
Eggs offer a range of essential nutrients that could support skeletal health as individuals age. Maintaining bone density is crucial for reducing the risk of fractures and improving overall mobility and quality of life in later years. Understanding the potential benefits of habitual egg consumption on bone mass density among older people is essential, given that the natural decline in bone mass density occurs with age. This area of research has not garnered sufficient attention basically because of the mixed reactions and conflicting reports about the safety of egg consumption especially among the older adults. This scoping review aims to systematically examine the existing literature to map the evidence regarding the association between habitual egg consumption and bone mass density in older adults' individuals. The scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. Five electronic databases were searched for published pieces of literature. While high egg intake has been linked to increased mortality and dyslipidemia, eggs contain compounds like Ovo transferrin and carotenoids that may benefit bone health. As aging increases vulnerability to bone fragility and fractures, it's crucial to provide comprehensive dietary recommendations. The complex relationship between egg consumption, cholesterol, and health highlights the need for nuanced assessment. Overall, eggs present a potentially valuable dietary component for promoting bone health in aging populations. Limited research on the link between egg consumption and bone mass density in older adults highlights the need for further investigation. Concerns about cholesterol have overshadowed potential benefits. Given aging populations and bone health challenges, exploring eggs' role in preventing falls and fractures is essential for a proactive approach to older adults' well-being.
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Background: Pregnancy and postpartum periods are crucial stages for women's mental health, and women living with HIV are particularly susceptible to depression and psychological stress due to various factors. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of depression and perceived stress among women living with HIV during their perinatal period in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three HIV treatment centers in Ibadan, Nigeria, among women living with HIV between the ages of 19 and 49 who were either pregnant or had given birth within the last 2 years. The study was conducted from September 2022 to December 2022. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from the participants. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained, and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 26. Results: The study included 402 participants, of whom 69.0 and 78.0% reported symptoms of depression and perceived stress, respectively. However, 15.2% of the participants have comorbid depression and stress. Positive partner status was significantly associated with lower perceived depression, while gestational age between 29 and 40 weeks was significantly associated with lower perceived stress. The co-occurrence of depression and perceived stress was associated with partner status, income level, family support, gestational age, and years on antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion: The high prevalence of depression, perceived stress, and their co-occurrence among women living with HIV during the perinatal period call for incorporating mental health care into routine maternal healthcare for all women, particularly those living with HIV. This finding emphasizes the need for public health efforts to prioritize perinatal mental health and improve access to care and support for women and their partners.
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Depresión , Infecciones por VIH , Embarazo , Humanos , Femenino , Adulto Joven , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Lactante , Depresión/diagnóstico , Nigeria/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Estrés Psicológico/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Neglected tropical diseases, such as soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis, are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ogun State, Nigeria. School-based mass drug administration program is the primary control intervention, but the coverage and uptake of this intervention have been inadequate. This study aimed to investigate community perceptions of school-based mass drug administration programs for these infections in Ogun State, Nigeria, and identify the barriers to their uptake and coverage. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with community members and stakeholders engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found several barriers, such as the influence of parents, lack of sufficient knowledge, and side effects. The study recommended strategies such as improving community sensitization and engagement, drug distribution and performance, and enhancing partner collaboration and coordination to improve the school-based mass drug administration programs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The study revealed correct perceptions of transmission but some misconceptions about disease causation, transmission, and drug safety. Participants expressed a desire for better sensitization campaigns and more assurances of their safety. The study recommends strengthening health education messages and increasing the visibility of on-site medical personnel. The findings have implications for improving the performance of these programs and reducing the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in the community. The study highlights the need for community engagement and education, health system support, and partner collaboration to successfully implement mass drug administration programs.
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Helmintiasis , Helmintos , Esquistosomiasis , Animales , Humanos , Administración Masiva de Medicamentos , Suelo/parasitología , Nigeria/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Esquistosomiasis/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/prevención & control , Percepción , Helmintiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Helmintiasis/epidemiología , Helmintiasis/prevención & controlRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for most cervical cancer cases globally, with women living with HIV having a higher risk of persistent HPV infection and HPV-associated disease. The HPV vaccine is a promising tool to reduce cervical cancer rates, but its uptake among women living with HIV in Nigeria is unknown. METHODS: A facility-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1371 women living with HIV to assess their knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine as well as their willingness to pay for the vaccine at the HIV treatment clinic at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos. To identify factors associated with the willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine, multivariable logistic regression models were developed. RESULTS: This study found that 79.1% of participants had not heard of the vaccine, and only 29.0% knew its efficacy in preventing cervical cancer. In addition, 68.3% of participants were unwilling to pay for the vaccine, and the average amount they were willing to pay was low. Knowledge of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer and income were factors associated with the willingness to pay for the vaccine. Health workers were the primary source of information. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the lack of knowledge and low willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine among women living with HIV in Nigeria and emphasizes the importance of improving education and awareness. Factors associated with the willingness to pay, such as income and knowledge, were identified. Practical strategies, such as community outreach and school-based education programs, could be developed to increase vaccine uptake. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing the willingness to pay.
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Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat with the potential to cause millions of deaths. There has been a tremendous increase in the use of antimicrobials, stemming from preventive chemotherapy elimination and control programs addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This study aims to identify the frequency of drug resistance for 11 major NTDs and 20 treatment drugs within a specific period by systematically analyzing the study design, socio-demographic factors, resistance, and countries of relevant studies. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed systematic reviews of the major 11 NTDs to identify publications on drug resistance between 2000 and 2016. A quality assessment tool adapted for evaluating observational and experimental studies was applied to assess the quality of eligible studies. Results: One of the major findings is that six NTDs have information on drug resistance, namely human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and trachoma. Many studies recorded resistance due to diagnostic tests, and few studies indicated clinical resistance. Although most studies were performed in Africa where there is the occurrence of several NTDs, there was no link between disease burden and locations of study. Conclusions: Based on this study we deduce that monitoring and surveillance systems need to be strengthened to enable the early detection of AMR and the mitigation of its global spread.