Provenance des prescriptions de médicaments reçues dans les officines de pharmacie du Département de Dakar / Origin of drug prescriptions received in pharmacies in the Department of Dakar

Introduction. L'accessibilité à des médicaments de qualité constitue un véritable problème de santé publique en Afrique. Cela est dû à des besoins énormes en soins de santé associés à des ressources limitées. La prescription de médicaments qui est un acte médical pour traiter les malades après avoir posé le diagnostic, est réservée aux professionnels de santé. L'objectif de ce travail est d'étudier la provenance des prescriptions de médicaments reçues dans les officines de Dakar. Matériels et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive et transversale. Elle porte sur l'exploitation de prescriptions médicales reçues dans des officines du département de Dakar. Résultats. Les résultats révèlent que plus de la moitié des prescriptions soit 61%, provient du secteur privé et 30.52% sont faites par des médecins généralistes. De plus, la classe de la parasitologie et infectiologie est la plus prescrite (18.26%). Conclusion. L'analyse de ces paramètres nous aide à mieux évaluer la situation sanitaire pour estimer les besoins en médicaments et ainsi faire des recommandations pour une meilleure accessibilité.

Introduction. Accessibility to quality drugs is a real public health problem in Africa. This is due to huge health care needs associated with limited resources. The prescription of drugs, which is a medical procedure for treating patients after having made the diagnosis is reserved for health professionals. The objective of this work is to study the origin of prescription of drugs received in the pharmacies of Dakar. Materials and methods. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. It is based on the use of medical prescriptions received in pharmacies in the department of Dakar. Results. The result reveal that more than half of the prescriptions are 61%, come from the private sector and 30,52% are made by general practitioners. In addition, the class of parasitology and infectiology is the most prescribed (18,26%). Conclusion. The analysis of these parameters helps us to better assess the health situation in order to estimate the drug needs and thus make recommendations for a better accessibility.

Evaluation of Oral Hygiene-Related Mobile Apps for Children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In sub-Saharan Africa, oral health is a real epidemiological challenge. Mobile applications represent a hope for the learning of oral hygiene in children and the fight against oral diseases. This study overviews and assesses the quality of mobile applications linked to oral hygiene for children currently featured on the iOS and Android stores in sub-Saharan Africa. Ten oral health professionals (OHP) used the French Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-F) to rate 15 selected applications. The highest MARS-F scores for overall quality were reported for Bonne nuit Caillou (3.89 ± 0.74), Mon Raccoon (3.63 ± 0.95), and Chomper Chums (3.54 ± 0.54) while the lowest MARS-F scores for overall quality were achieved by Brushing time (2.31 ± 0.61), De belles dents (2.55 ± 0.55) and Brushing Hero (2.77 ± 0.53). The subjective quality scores ranged from 1.50 ± 0.68 for Brushing time to 3.25 ± 0.97 for Bonne nuit Caillou. Specificity scores ranged from 1.95 ± 0.88 (Brushing time) to 3.75 ± 0.84 (Bonne nuit Caillou). Thus, OHP rated positively the quality of the majority of mobile applications linked to oral hygiene for children, their effect on users' knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to change, and the probability of effective oral hygiene behavior modification. They stated that they would recommend their use to their patients who need them. However, studies analyzing the change in oral hygiene behavior of children using these apps need to be conducted.

Chemical vs. natural toothpaste: which formulas for which properties? A scoping review.

Introduction: The proliferation of the oral care industry has made it more challenging for shoppers to zero in on the best possible toothpaste for their preventative requirements. It also makes the toothpaste's various components safer. Objective: The researchers set out to evaluate the state of information about the biological properties and cytotoxicity of adult toothpaste so that they might make some informed recommendations. Methods: A scoping review of research published between 2015 and 2020 according to PRISMA guidelines was performed. Results: In vitro clinical trials account for 44% of the papers, in vivo clinical trials for 25%, systematic reviews for 19%, and metaanalyses for 12%. They have active chemical components that have been shown to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or desensitizing. Herbal toothpaste has these characteristics and is very secure to use. Toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate has been found to be harmful. Conclusions: Scientists have investigated the biological effects of a wide range of chemically active compounds and plant extracts. Herbal toothpaste, it has been discovered, is both efficient and secure. Companies making toothpaste should be required to clearly label the product's qualities, active ingredients, and potentially harmful ingredients on the packaging.

Factors influencing nutritional practices among mothers in Dakar, Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Maternal undernutrition is a leading cause of maternal mortality. Furthermore, health statuses and habits of mothers influence health statuses of newborns as well as healthy habits and mortality of children. The Senegal government is aware of the severity of these issues and has devised a national policy goal of reducing maternal, infant, and adolescent mortality rates by the end of 2018. This study aimed to identify nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices of lactating women in Senegal, and determine factors related to nutritional practices to obtain basic data for developing a maternal and child nutrition project. METHOD: This study used a mixed-method approach, collecting data via structured questionnaires administered to lactating women in Senegal and semistructured interviews with seven stake-holders. Questions for stuctured questionnaires were about nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices. For the quantitative analysis of the structured questionnaires, data from 171 participants analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analysis. Interview data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. The questions for the interviews concerned maternal and child nutritional status, causes of undernutrition, and restrictions. RESULTS: Factors significantly related to healthy nutritional practices(explaining 27.1% of variance) included having a household (B = 1.03, p = .015) and a mother (B = 0.96, p = .017) with an above primary school education, and being in the 5th quintile of income level (B = 1.24, p = .014). The interviews with seven stakeholders revealed obstructive factors of nutritional management were insufficient nutritional programs within health centers, incomplete national policy on nutrition, lack of general interest in undernutrition-related topics, inadequate economic environment, and the absence of partnerships to produce sustainable solutions. CONCLUSION: Education and income levels, rather than knowledge and attitudes, had a strong relationship with healthy nutritional practices. Therefore, economic factors and educational background must be considered to succeed in Senegalese nutrition projects.

The role of health insurance in the coverage of oral health care in Senegal.

Oral diseases costs are among the most expensive health care benefits. In Senegal, households contribute up to 37.6% of the national health spending through direct payments. The aim of this work was to study the role of health insurance in the coverage of oral health care in Senegal. The study was based on health insurance agents and policyholders. The study reveals that oral health care coverage through health insurance still does not meet requirements for treatment of oral infections. In financial terms, oral health care costs health insurance too much. As a result, carriers cover them partially. On top of that, the majority of the population's lack of knowledge about mutual, because they have a little background on oral health care, the latter weighs heavily on health insurance leading to the use of self-medication, traditional medicine and handicraft prosthetists. The analysis reveals an unequal access to oral health care through the health insurance system. To bring under control the expenditure for oral health care, carriers and dental surgeons must work together to raise the populations' awareness on community solidarity.

The role of health insurance in the coverage of oral health care in Senegal

Oral diseases costs are among the most expensive health care benefits. In Senegal, households contribute up to 37.6% of the national health spending through direct payments. The aim of this work was to study the role of health insurance in the coverage of oral health care in Senegal. The study was based on health insurance agents and policyholders. The study reveals that oral health care coverage through health insurance still does not meet requirements for treatment of oral infections. In financial terms, oral health care costs health insurance too much. As a result, carriers cover them partially. On top of that, the majority of the population's lack of knowledge about mutual, because they have a little background on oral health care, the latter weighs heavily on health insurance leading to the use of self-medication, traditional medicine and handicraft prosthetists. The analysis reveals an unequal access to oral health care through the health insurance system. To bring under control the expenditure for oral health care, carriers and dental surgeons must work together to raise the populations' awareness on community solidarity

Dental Care Risk Management Provided by Social Protection Institutions of Senegal.

Nowadays in Senegal, located in West Africa, social protection institutions are confronted with a substantially increased healthcare expenditure in general, and oral care in particular. The ability of the leadership to use techniques to contain the impact of risks they are facing determine their viability. The aim of our study was to analyze the risk management of dental care coverage by those institutions. The study was descriptive, extensive and focused on all active social protection Institutions in Senegal since 2005, at least. Our results showed that, in spite of the implementation of risk management mechanisms such as patient co-payment (97% of institutions), coverage ceiling (26%) and dentist council (15%), healthcare expenditure still growing. For the containment of oral care expenditure increase, it is important to raise awareness among social protection institutions for a greater use of existing risk management mechanisms.

Strategies to promote better research on oral health in Africa: A Delphi consensus study.

BACKGROUND: Research on oral health contributes to improved health outcomes; it is an indispensable tool in health policy. But how to fill the gaps in research oral health and to strengthen its capacity is the question. The main objective of the present study is to identify the current status of oral health research and potential strategies, thereby strengthening the research infrastructure and capacity. Delphi consultation, in the perspective of assisting decision-makers to identify strategies to promote better research on oral health in Africa, was initiated. DESIGN AND METHODS: The panels of 30 experts were asked to complete the questionnaire with 42 items into four groups by web survey. Each indicator statement was considered to be in consensus if the expert's opinion rating was of "A or B" for more than 75% in a scale of seven categories. Quantitative analysis was made from the answers of Delphi round. RESULTS: There was a strong consensus about three items concerning the role of oral health research, the development of research policy for oral health going through an effective governance of research institutes, migration of researchers and fund raising. CONCLUSION: This study shows strong many dispersal opinions by experts, but highlights the need for to improve the effectiveness of oral health research capacity strengthening activities. Africa's researchers, policy makers and partners will have to give special attention to ensuring that knowledge generated from oral health research is acted on to improve health for all.

[Pharmacovigilance among dentists: a survey of practitioners in Dakar, Senegal]. / Pharmacovigilance chez les chirurgiens-dentistes: enquête dans la région de dakar, Sénégal.

AIM: Since 1968, the World Health Organization has used an international pharmacovigilance programme to monitor and examine the effects of drugs. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of dentists toward pharmacovigilance. METHODS: The paper presents the results of a cross-sectional descriptive study of 103 dentists in Senegal, based on an exhaustive selection process. Data were collected on the dentists' sociodemographic characteristics and their knowledge and attitudes toward pharmacovigilance. RESULTS: Over 50% of the sample were general practitioners. The average number of years of professional experience was 9 years. Painkillers (41.9%) were the most widely prescribed drugs, followed by antibiotics, which were particularly involved in the onset of adverse effects (41.8%). Adverse effects were observed by just 3.8% of the sample. Almost 90% of the participants were not aware of the existing pharmacovigilance system. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that pharmacovigilance training and education sessions for dentists are needed to improve their knowledge of pharmacovigilance and to foster positive attitudes toward adverse effects.

Current status of oral health research in Africa: an overview.

BACKGROUND: Research in oral health contributes effectively to decisions and strategies aimed at improving the oral health of populations. Further contributions to enhance current knowledge of oral health in Africa are required. OBJECTIVES: The principal objective of this study was to produce an analysis of oral health research published from different subregions of Africa and to estimate bilateral and multilateral international cooperation in oral health research during the period 2005-2010. METHODS: The PubMed database was searched for published articles on topics related to oral health in Africa. A total of 935 oral health-related articles were retrieved during April and May 2011. RESULTS: Publications emanating from Nigeria and South Africa accounted for a striking 68% of all oral health-related material published from Africa during the study period. Researchers from 30 different countries had participated in collaboration on at least one published article. A total of 262 journals had published at least one item examining oral health in Africa, but only 29 journals had published more than seven articles. These 29 journals accounted for 66% of all published material and induced non-African reviews (26%) and African reviews (40%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows strong variation among countries in the production of articles on oral health whereby rich countries produce greater quantities of published research and poorer nations more frequently develop research partnerships with other countries.