October-2023 - Volume 1, Number 1 (2023)
A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF LASSA FEVER EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLINICAL PRESENTATION, AND MOLECULAR VARIABILITY IN ETHIOPIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
Abera Chibsa Tsegaye, Gebremedhin Kumsa Alemayehu
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is a significant public health concern in many regions of Africa, including Ethiopia. This comprehensive study delves into the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and molecular variability of Lassa fever in Ethiopia, shedding light on critical aspects of this viral zoonosis. Lassa fever, with its origins in West Africa, has raised global alarm due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. In Ethiopia, where the disease has been recognized as a growing threat, understanding its epidemiology is paramount for effective public health preparedness. This study reveals that the virus primarily resides in the Mastomys natalensis...
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO CHILD STUNTING IN NIGERIA: A HOLISTIC EXAMINATION OF SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND MATERNAL EDUCATION
Emily Smith, Brown Sarah, Ogunwale Adebayo
Child stunting remains a critical public health concern in Nigeria, with far-reaching implications for development, productivity, and overall well-being. This study utilizes data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to comprehensively examine factors contributing to child stunting in Ogun State, Nigeria. The prevalence of stunting among children under the age of five in this region is estimated at 23%, classified as medium according to WHO standards. Notably, age emerges as a significant predictor of stunting, with children aged 36 months and older at the highest risk. Surprisingly, sex, maternal education, household income, and residence type do not exhibit...
PREVALENCE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN RETAIL RED MEAT SAMPLES ACROSS ERBIL GOVERNORATE, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Kareem Hussein Ahmed, Hassan Ali Layla
Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread protozoan parasite, poses a significant public health challenge globally. This study aimed to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies in human blood samples using immunological tests and investigate potential risk factors. A total of 520 blood samples were collected from individuals aged 10 to 71 years and tested using latex, lateral flow assay, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results revealed varying seropositivity rates, with 23.3%, 25.4%, 20.2%, and 9.8% of samples testing positive for latex, lateral flow assay, ELISA IgG, and ELISA IgM, respectively. Notably, the elderly age group exhibited a higher prevalence of T. gondii antibodies,...
EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF OCULAR INJURIES ON MENTAL HEALTH IN BANGLADESH: A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
Ali Rahman Mohammad
Eye injuries represent a significant cause of preventable vision loss globally, affecting individuals irrespective of their socio-economic status or demographic profile. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile of both occupational and non-occupational ocular injuries in Bangladesh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 117 purposively selected eye injury cases treated at four eye hospitals in Dhaka, Tangail, and Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The study collected data on various socio-demographic factors and the circumstances surrounding the eye injuries. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male (69.2%), with a mean age of 29.70 years. Secondary-level education was prevalent among...
PATTERNS OF DENTAL IMPLANT UTILIZATION AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION
Adeyemi Olufemi A
As the global population ages, the demand for dental implant therapy among the elderly has risen significantly. This study explores the patterns of dental implant utilization and clinical outcomes among elderly patients in a Nigerian tertiary health institution. Aging brings about biological and physiological changes in the oral environment, leading to tooth loss and periodontal diseases. Dental implants have emerged as a viable treatment option for geriatric patients, but they come with unique challenges. The challenges of providing dental implants to the elderly in developing economies are multifaceted. Firstly, advancing age can impact healing times, bone quality, and local bone...