Uptake of hepatitis B vaccination and associated factors among health sciences students, Mogadishu, Somalia.

Background: Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a serious issue for global health. It considerably raises the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer-related death and can result in chronic infection. The risk of infection is high among health sciences students due to the risk of occupational contact with fluids of infected patients and the risk of needle stick injury. The most effective way of preventing HBV infection is the vaccination of students prior to their posting to healthcare settings. There is no data available about HBV vaccination uptake among Health Sciences students in Somalia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine HBV vaccination uptake and associated factors toward HBV among health science students in Somalia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among health sciences students from August to October 2022. Data were gathered using Kobo Toolbox using a standardized questionnaire with questions on characteristics, knowledge attitude, and HBV prevention practices. A total of 569 students were involved in the study. Stata version 15 was utilized for the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, as well as descriptive statistics, were performed. In order to assess the existence and significance of the relationship between the outcome and risk factors, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used. Statistical significance was considered as a p-value ≤0.05. Results: Of the 569 study participants, 33.4% (95%CI: 29.6-37.4) received a full dose of the HBV vaccine in this study. Participants had good HBV prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices at 69.6, 37.96, and 50.6%, respectively. The lack of access and the high cost of the vaccine were the reasons for not taking the vaccine. Second-year [AOR: 0.22 (0.12-0.43)]. Positive attitude [AOR: 0.54 (0.31-0.93)], and good practice [AOR: 6.99 (3.62-13.5)]. Discussion: The study indicated that 33.4% of health sciences students had received the required HBV vaccination doses, academic year, attitude, and practice were significantly associated with full-dose vaccination status. The unavailability of the vaccine and the high cost of vaccination were the most common reasons for not taking the vaccine. It is recommended that students receive vaccinations before beginning clinical rotations, and give instruction on infection prevention strategies and general precautions, particularly regarding HBV infection.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolated from diabetic patients in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major concern for diabetic patients due to the impact of diabetes on the urinary tract and immune system. Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen causing UTIs in diabetic patients and is known for its resistance. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains isolated from diabetic patients in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ummah Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, from November 2021 to April 2022. Clean catch mid-stream urine specimens were collected from each participant and uropathogens were identified using standard techniques. The samples were cultured on CLED agar and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results: The overall prevalence of uropathogens among diabetic patients was 236/350 (67.5%) with Escherichia coli being the most common organism. According to multivariate logistic regression, the results showed that Female diabetic patients had a significantly higher likelihood of developing UTIs compared to males (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.357-4.522, p = 0.003). The duration of diabetes, history of previous UTIs, and previous antibiotic use were also significantly associated with UTIs. All isolates were found to be resistant to Cefotaxime (100%). In addition, high resistance rates were observed with ofloxacin (91%), ciprofloxacin (77.8%), amikacin (60.9%), ceftriaxone (58.3%), and cefepime (51.8%). The most sensitive antibiotics were colistin and imipenem (99.6 and 88.6%, respectively), followed by gentamycin (70%). Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of uropathogens and increased multi-drug resistance. Continuous surveillance is needed to monitor uropathogen prevalence and resistance rates, guiding treatment recommendations, rational prescription programs, and policy decisions.

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risk factors in pregnant women in Somalia.

Toxoplasma gondii infection is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infection in gestation period can lead to fetal or neonatal death, and besides congenital defects. So far, there are no data available regarding T. gondii seropositivity and associated risk factors in pregnant women in Somalia. The investigations of these aspects were done in 403 pregnant women attending the antenatal care (ANC) at Benadir hospital, in Mogadishu city. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for anti-T. gondii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG seropositivity to T. gondii was 45.2% (182/403). None of the women were positive for IgM antibodies. Considering the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, women IgG seropositivity was 44.2%, 26.3%, and 67.7%, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between seropositivity and age, sociodemographic features, history of abortion, presence of cats in house, contact cats feces, contact with soil, consumption of raw vegetables/meats, blood transfusion, and drinking of unboiled milk (p>0.05). Routine serological screening for T. gondii should be integrated with other ANC services to identify potential infections with the parasite.