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Belizario VY, de Cadiz AE, Sison OT, Medina JRC, Ong LAD, Alonte AJI. Low schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis prevalence and intensities in selected communities in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, the Philippines: A setting for interruption of transmission? Parasitol Int 2024; 102:102901. [PMID: 38754812 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), remain as significant public health concerns in developing countries such as the Philippines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis and STH among school-age children (SAC) and adults in two co-endemic provinces in Mindanao in southern Philippines as part of monitoring of national control programs. Stool samples were collected, processed using Kato-Katz technique, and examined microscopically for presence of intestinal helminth ova. A total of 776 SAC and 526 adults participated in the study. Low schistosomiasis prevalence was generally observed in SAC (0.8%) and adults (0.4%). Generally low STH prevalence was reported in both SAC (3.9%) and adults (3.4%). Only three SAC had heavy intensity STH, which was not seen in adults. Results indicate a state of good morbidity control, which may be a result of effective implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) strategy for schistosomiasis, STH, and lymphatic filariasis in the last several years. The low prevalence and intensities of infections may also be partly attributed to the low diagnostic sensitivity of Kato-Katz technique in detecting low intensity intestinal helminth infections. While results of this study also indicate similarly low levels of both these infections in previous studies, sustaining high MDA coverage rates and addressing remaining challenges related to intensified case finding and treatment, improvements in safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, veterinary public health, and vector ecology and management will be necessary to interrupt transmission in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Y Belizario
- College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, 625 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines; Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, 623 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines.
| | - Aleyla E de Cadiz
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Tugbok, Davao City, 8000, Davao del Sur, Philippines
| | - Olivia T Sison
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, 623 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - John Robert C Medina
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, 623 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Lynnell Alexie D Ong
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, 623 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen Jethro I Alonte
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, 623 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines
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Aunger R. What works in sanitation promotion? Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad162. [PMID: 38055919 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Promotion appears to be the least effective but is nevertheless often the only available, means to achieve increased access to sanitation services, especially at scale, in lower-income countries. A cursory examination of the history of past and present approaches to sanitation promotion, including sanitation marketing, community development, community-led total sanitation and public health, shows that they have a variety of features and characteristics which make them distinctive. Unfortunately, rigorous evaluation has not kept pace with this proliferation of approaches, so it is difficult to recommend any one approach over the others, based on empirical performance in a range of circumstances. However, I argue that a 'hybrid' approach which exhibits a number of salient features from all of the previous approaches is likely to be a good bet. I present a recent example of such a hybrid programme which proved to significantly increase the rate of improved sanitation coverage through promotion (without subsidy of any kind) at scale in Tanzania. I suggest other sanitation promotion programs may want to think about adopting similar practices in their own programming going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Aunger
- Department for Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London, UK, WC1E 7HT
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Wang X, Liu J, Wu Y, Su B, Chen M, Ma Q, Ma T, Chen L, Zhang Y, Dong Y, Song Y, Ma J. Enhancing the effectiveness of infectious disease health education for children and adolescents in China: a national multicenter school-based trial. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1161. [PMID: 37322442 PMCID: PMC10273566 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases pose a significant risk to the health and well-being of children and adolescents, and can even be life-threatening. Thus, our study aimed to explore the effectiveness of health education based on the social-ecological model in improving the knowledge of infectious diseases among this vulnerable population. METHODS This study was a school-based intervention conducted in seven Chinese provinces in 2013, involving a total of 26,591 children and adolescents in the intervention group and 24,327 in the control group. The intervention group received a comprehensive health intervention based on the social-ecological model (SEM) over six months, which included a supportive environment, health education on infectious diseases, guidance on self-monitoring infectious disease-related behaviors, and other measures. Data on infectious disease-related knowledge and other characteristics were collected through questionnaires. The main outcome measure will be the difference in the effectiveness of health education regarding infectious diseases in children and adolescents between baseline and post-intervention. A mixed-effects regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to assess the impact of infectious disease-related interventions on the participants. RESULTS We utilized a socioecological model as the foundation for a six-month health education program on infectious diseases targeting children and adolescents in the intervention group. At the individual and community levels, the correct rate of health behavior related to infectious diseases in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), the ORs (95% CI) were 0.94 (0.90-0.99) and 0.94 (0.89-0.99), respectively. But the intervention effect was not significant at the interpersonal level. The intervention effect at the organizational level was obvious, with an increase in opportunities for children and adolescents to acquire knowledge of infectious diseases from courses and lectures, teachers, and doctors, (all P < 0.05), with the ORs (95% CI) of 0.92 (0.87-0.97) and 0.86 (0.83-0.94), respectively. However, there was no significant difference between the intervention group and the control group in school infectious disease health education policy. CONCLUSION Enhancing health education regarding infectious diseases is crucial in promoting comprehensive prevention and control measures among children and adolescents. Nevertheless, it remains imperative to reinforce health education on infectious diseases at the interpersonal and policy levels. This holds significant reference value for mitigating childhood infectious diseases in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Wang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Release Control, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jieyu Liu
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yu Wu
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Binbin Su
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Manman Chen
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi Ma
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yanhui Dong
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yi Song
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jun Ma
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
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Asmare ZA, Assefa NL, Abebe D, Nigatu SG, Alimaw YA. Trachoma prevention practice and associated factors among mothers having children aged under nine years in Andabet district, northwest Ethiopia, 2022: A multi-level analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011433. [PMID: 37390045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world health organization (WHO) adopted the Surgery, Antibiotic, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy for the prevention of trachoma, and different prevention strategies have been employed in Andabet district. Trachoma still has a high prevalence despite these efforts. So, it is imperative to assess ground trachoma prevention practice (TPP) since there are insufficient studies in the study area. OBJECTIVE To determine the magnitude and factors associated with TPP among mothers having children aged under nine years in Andabet district, Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD A community-based cross-sectional study involving 624 participants was conducted June 1-30, 2022. Systematic random sampling was carried out to select study participants. Multi-level binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor TPP. Descriptive and summary statistics were performed and variables with p-value < 0.05 in the best-fitted model were declared to be significantly associated with poor TPP. RESULTS In this study, the proportion of poor TPP was found to be 50.16% (95%CI = 46.23, 54.08). In the multi-variable multi-level logistic regression; having no formal education (AOR = 2.95; 95%CI: 1.41,6.15) and primary education (AOR = 2.33; 95%CI:1.04, 5.24), being a farmer (AOR = 3.02; 95%CI:1.73,5.28), and merchant (AOR = 2.63; 95%CI:1.20, 5.75), time taken to water point >30 minutes (AOR = 4.60,95CI:1.30,16.26) and didn't receive health education about trachoma (AOR = 2.36;95CI:1.16,4.79) were significantly associated with poor TPP. CONCLUSION The proportion of poor TPP was high relative to other studies. Level of education, occupation, time taken to the water point, and health education were significantly associated with poor TPP. Therefore, taking special attention to these high-risk groups could decrease the poor TPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zufan Alamrie Asmare
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Natnael Lakachew Assefa
- Department of Optometry, School of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dagmawi Abebe
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Gedlu Nigatu
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yezinash Addis Alimaw
- Department of Optometry, School of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Phillips AE, Ower AK, Mekete K, Liyew EF, Maddren R, Belay H, Chernet M, Anjulo U, Mengistu B, Salasibew M, Tasew G, Anderson R. Association between water, sanitation, and hygiene access and the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infections in Wolayita, Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:410. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05465-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The Geshiyaro project is a 5-year intervention to assess the impact of community- and school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) interventions on reducing infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosome parasites in combination with deworming in Wolayita zone, Ethiopia.
Methods
A population-based, cross-sectional census and parasitological mapping activity was conducted between 2018 and 2019. Individuals in the census were identified using either a registered study ID card or biometric fingerprint to enable linkage of their household WaSH data with baseline STH and schistosome prevalence for risk analysis.
Results
Prevalence of STH was 15.5% for any STH species, 9.47% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.78% for Trichuris trichiura, and 7.24% for hookworm. Intestinal schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni) infection prevalence was 0.85% by Kato Katz, 21.6% by POC-CCA trace positive (Tr +), and 13.3% trace negative (Tr-). Microhaematuria was 2.77%, with 0.13% of people examined with S. haematobium eggs detected by urine filtration. At the household level, increased (> 30 min) time taken to collect drinking water, sharing a latrine, and lack of handwashing facilities were all associated with a greater risk of A. lumbricoides, hookworm, and S. mansoni infection. Not disposing of infant stool at the household and clothes washing/recreational freshwater contact were significantly associated with higher risk of schistosomiasis infection. Aggregating WaSH data at the community level showed odds of A. lumbricoides, hookworm, and T. trichiura infection were significantly lower as both community sanitation coverage and access to improved drinking water improved.
Conclusions
The principal finding of this study is that lack of access to WaSH, such as improved drinking water and shared toilet and hand-washing facilities, were linked to an increased risk of infection with STH and schistosome parasites. These associations are difficult to establish at an individual household level because of wide variability in access between houses but are detectable when coverage is aggregated at the community level. Maintenance of WaSH facilities as well as increased access within the whole community is important in influencing the community-wide prevalence of infection with STH and schistosome parasites.
Graphical Abstract
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Abera W, Gintamo B, Shitemaw T, Mekuria ZN, Gizaw Z. Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among food handlers in food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: an institution-based, cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061688. [PMID: 35858725 PMCID: PMC9305799 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the associated factors among food handlers in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. DESIGN An institution-based, cross-sectional study design was used. Stool samples were collected from food handlers and examined using direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration techniques. Personal and establishment-related information was collected using a pretested questionnaire, with a structured observation. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites on the basis of adjusted OR (AOR) and 95% CI and p values <0.05. SETTING Food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS 411 food handlers participated in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the prevalence of intestinal parasites, defined as the presence of one or more intestinal parasitic species in stool samples. RESULTS One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 171 (41.6%; 95% CI 36.6% to 46.4%) stool samples. The most common intestinal parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (12.7%), Giardia duodenalis (11.2%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (8.3%). The presence of intestinal parasites among food handlers was associated with low monthly income (AOR: 2.83, 95% CI 1.50 to 8.84), untrimmed fingernails (AOR: 4.36, 95% CI 1.98 to 11.90), no food safety training (AOR: 2.51, 95% CI 1.20 to 5.58), low level of education (AOR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.44), poor handwashing practice (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.22) and lack of medical check-up (AOR: 2.31, 95% CI 1.18 to 6.95). CONCLUSION The prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa was high. The presence of intestinal parasites was linked to socioeconomic conditions, poor hand hygiene conditions and absence of food safety training. It is crucially important to promote handwashing practices and provide food hygiene and safety training in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woinishet Abera
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Binyam Gintamo
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Addis Ababa Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tewoderos Shitemaw
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Anesthesia Department, Menelik II Health and Medical Science College, Kotebe Metropolitan University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Negash Mekuria
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Addis Ababa Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Wang Z, Garcia RM, Huff HV, Niquen-Jimenez M, Marcos LA, Lam SK. Neurocysticercosis control for primary epilepsy prevention: a systematic review. Pathog Glob Health 2022; 116:282-296. [PMID: 34928183 PMCID: PMC9248947 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.2015869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a leading cause of preventable epilepsy in lower- and upper- middle-income countries (LMICs/UMICs). NCC is a human-to-human transmitted disease caused by ingestion of Taenia solium eggs from a Taenia carrier. T. solium infection control is the key to reduce NCC incidence. This systematic review aims to identify T. solium control programs that can provide frameworks for endemic areas to prevent NCC-related epilepsy. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases in March 2021. After title and abstract review, full texts were screened for qualitative analysis. Additional articles were identified via citation search. Of 1322 total results, 34 unique studies were included. Six major intervention types were identified: national policy (8.8%), community sanitation improvement (8.8%), health education (8.8%), mass drug administration (29.4%), pig vaccination and treatment (32.4%), and combined human and pig treatment (11.8%). Overall, 28 (82.4%) studies reported decreased cysticercosis prevalence following the intervention. Only health education and combined human and pig treatment were effective in all selected studies. NCC causes preventable epilepsy in LMICs/UMICs and its incidence can be reduced through T. solium control. Most interventions that disrupt the T. solium transmission cycle are effective. Long-term sustained results require comprehensive programs, ongoing surveillance, and collaborative effort among multisectoral agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA,CONTACT Zhe Wang Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, HSC T12 Rm 080, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY11790, USA
| | - Roxanna M. Garcia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hanalise V. Huff
- Fogarty Fellow, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Milagros Niquen-Jimenez
- Facultad de Medicina Humana Alberto Hurtado, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis A. Marcos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sandi K. Lam
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
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Garn JV, Wilkers JL, Meehan AA, Pfadenhauer LM, Burns J, Imtiaz R, Freeman MC. Interventions to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene for preventing soil-transmitted helminth infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 6:CD012199. [PMID: 35726112 PMCID: PMC9208960 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012199.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that 1.5 billion people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) worldwide. Re-infection occurs rapidly following deworming, and interruption of transmission is unlikely without complementary control efforts such as improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access and behaviours. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of WASH interventions to prevent STH infection. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 19 October 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA We included interventions to improve WASH access or practices in communities where STHs are endemic. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as well as trials with an external control group where participants (or clusters) were allocated to different interventions using a non-random method (non-RCTs). We did not include observational study designs. Our primary outcome was prevalence of any STH infection. Prevalence of individual worms was a secondary outcome, including for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus), or Strongyloides stercoralis. Intensity of infection, measured as a count of eggs per gram of faeces for each species, was another secondary outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts and full-text records for eligibility, performed data extraction, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for RCTs and the EPOC tool for non-RCTs. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to pool study estimates. We used Moran's I² statistic to assess heterogeneity and conducted subgroup analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 32 studies (16 RCTs and 16 non-RCTs) involving a total of 52,944 participants in the review. Twenty-two studies (14 RCTs (16 estimates) and eight non-RCTs (11 estimates)) reported on our primary outcome, prevalence of infection with at least one STH species. Twenty-one studies reported on the prevalence of A lumbricoides (12 RCTs and 9 non-RCTs); 17 on the prevalence of T trichiura (9 RCTs and 8 non-RCTs); 18 on the prevalence of hookworm (10 RCTs and 8 non-RCTs); and one on the prevalence of S stercoralis (1 non-RCT). Sixteen studies measured the intensity of infection for an individual STH type. Ten RCTs and five non-RCTs reported on the intensity of infection of A lumbricoides; eight RCTs and five non-RCTs measured the intensity of infection of T trichiura; and eight RCTs and five non-RCTs measured the intensity of hookworm infection. No studies reported on the intensity of infection of S stercoralis. The overall pooled effect estimates showed that the WASH interventions under study may result in a slight reduction of any STH infection, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.86 amongst RCTs (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 1.01; moderate-certainty evidence) and an OR of 0.71 amongst non-RCTs (95% CI 0.54 to 0.94; low-certainty evidence). All six of the meta-analyses assessing individual worm infection amongst both RCTs and non-RCTs had pooled estimates in the preventive direction, although all CIs encapsulated the null, leaving the possibility of the null or even harmful effects; the certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Individual studies assessing intensity of infection showed mixed evidence supporting WASH. Subgroup analyses focusing on narrow specific subsets of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions did very little to elucidate which interventions might be better than others. Data on intensity of infection (e.g. faecal egg count) were reported in a variety of ways across studies, precluding the pooling of results for this outcome. We did not find any studies reporting adverse events resulting from the WASH interventions under study or from mass drug administration (MDA). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Whilst the available evidence suggests that the WASH interventions under study may slightly protect against STH infection, WASH also serves as a broad preventive measure for many other diseases that have a faecal oral transmission route of transmission. As many of the studies were done in addition to MDA/deworming (i.e. MDA was ongoing in both the intervention and control arm), our data support WHO recommendations for implementation of improvements to basic sanitation and adequate access to safe water alongside MDA. The biological plausibility for improved access to WASH to interrupt transmission of STHs is clear, but WASH interventions as currently delivered have shown impacts that were lower than expected. There is a need for more rigorous and targeted implementation research and process evaluations in order that future WASH interventions can better provide benefit to users. Inconsistent reporting of the intensity of infection underscores the need to define the minimal, standard data that should be collected globally on STHs to enable pooled analyses and comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua V Garn
- Division of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Jennifer L Wilkers
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashley A Meehan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa M Pfadenhauer
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Jacob Burns
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Rubina Imtiaz
- Children without Worms, The Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew C Freeman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Chelkeba L, Mekonnen Z, Emana D, Jimma W, Melaku T. Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infections among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:9. [PMID: 35307028 PMCID: PMC8935818 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of comprehensive national data on prevalence, geographical distribution of different species, and temporal trends in soil-helminthiasis (STHs). Therefore, this study aimed to provide a summary and location of the available data on STHs infection among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia. METHODS The search was carried out in Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar on data published between 1997 to February 2020 for studies describing the rate of STHs infection among preschool and school-age in Ethiopian. We followed the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) approach to identify the studies. Meta-regression was performed to understand the trends and to summarize the prevalence using the "metaprop" command using STATA software version 14.0 RESULTS: A total of 29,311 of the 61,690 children examined during the period under review were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites yielding an overall prevalence of 48% (95% CI: 43-53%). The overall pooled estimate of STHs was 33% (95% CI: 28-38%). The prevalence was 44% (95% CI: 31-58%) in SNNPR, 34% (95% CI: 28-41%) in Amhara region, 31% (95% CI: 19-43%) in Oromia region and 10% (95% CI: 7-12%) in Tigray region. Soil-transmitted helminths infection rate has been decreasing from 44% (95% CI: 30-57%) pre-Mass Drug Administration (MDA) era (1997-2012) to 30% (95% CI: 25-34%) post-MDA (2013-2020), although statistically not significant (p = 0.45). A lumbricoides was the predominant species with a prevalence of 17%. CONCLUSION Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region, Amhara, and Oromia regions carry the highest-burden and are categorized to Moderate Risk Zones (MRZ) and therefore, requiring MDA once annually with Albendazole or Mebendazole. The prevalence of STHs decreased after MDA compared to before MDA, but the decline was not statistically significant. A. lumbricoides was the predominant species of STHs among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia. The high prevalence of STHs observed in this review, underscores the need for better control and prevention strategies in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Legese Chelkeba
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College Health Sciences, Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Emana
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Worku Jimma
- Department of Information Science, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegaye Melaku
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
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10
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Aung E, Han KT, Gordon CA, Hlaing NN, Aye MM, Htun MW, Wai KT, Myat SM, Thwe TL, Tun A, Wangdi K, Li Y, Williams GM, Clements ACA, Vaz Nery S, McManus DP, Gray DJ. High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Myanmar schoolchildren. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:28. [PMID: 35272701 PMCID: PMC8908594 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00952-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving the elimination of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections requires a sufficient understanding of the current epidemiological status of STH endemicity. We aimed to examine the status of STH in Myanmar - a country with the eighth highest STH prevalence in the world, 10 years after instigation of the national deworming programme. METHODS In August 2016 we screened for STH infections using Kato Katz (KK) microscopy and real-time PCR (qPCR) in schoolchildren from the Bago Region township of Phyu, a STH sentinel site in Myanmar. Ten schools were randomly selected, and one stool sample each from a total of 264 students was examined. Prevalence and intensity of infection were calculated for each STH. RESULTS High prevalence of STH was identified in the study area with 78.8% of the schoolchildren infected with at least one STH by qPCR, and 33.3% by KK. The most prevalent STH was Trichuris trichiura, diagnosed by both KK (26.1%) and qPCR (67.1%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (15.5% KK; 54.9% qPCR). No hookworm infections were identified by KK; however, the qPCR analysis showed a high prevalence of Ancylostoma sp. infection (29.6%) with few Necator americanus (1.1%) infections. CONCLUSIONS Despite bi-annual deworming of schoolchildren in the fourth-grade and below, STH prevalence remains stubbornly high. These results informed the expansion of the Myanmar National STH control programme to include all school-aged children by the Ministry of Health and Sports in 2017, however further expansion to the whole community should be considered along with improving sanitation and hygiene measures. This would be augmented by rigorous monitoring and evaluation, including national prevalence surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eindra Aung
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kay Thwe Han
- Parasitology Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Moe Moe Aye
- Department of Zoology, University of Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myo Win Htun
- Parasitology Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Thet Wai
- Parasitology Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Su Mon Myat
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Thida Lay Thwe
- Department of Zoology, University of Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Tun
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Kinley Wangdi
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Control On Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Yueyang, China
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Susana Vaz Nery
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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11
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Global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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Yaro CA, Kogi E, Luka SA, Alkazmi L, Kabir J, Opara KN, Batiha GES, Bayo K, Chikezie FM, Alabi AB, Yunusa SI. Evaluation of School-Based Health Education Intervention on the Incidence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Pupils of Rural Communities of Eastern Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. J Parasitol Res 2022; 2022:3117646. [PMID: 35256907 PMCID: PMC8898101 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3117646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The negative impact of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in Nigeria is enormous, and it poses serious public health issues and concerns. This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of health education intervention on reinfection of STHs in pupils of rural schools of Kogi East, North Central Nigeria. A total of 10 schools with the highest prevalence of STHs at baseline were selected from the 45 schools assessed during the baseline survey. These 10 schools were randomly paired into two groups of 5 schools per group. Five schools were dewormed and given health education (DHE) intervention while the other 5 schools were dewormed only (DO) without health education. Reassessment of schools for reinfection was carried out for a period of 12 months. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Student's t-test was used to make comparison between interventions in the incidence of infections. Analysis was carried out at p < 0.05. Reinfection with STHs was observed from the 28th week (7th month) of both interventions with incidence of 0.29 (2 pupils) and 1.00 (7 pupils) in DO and DHE schools, respectively. In the 36th week (9th month), incidence observed in schools given DHE was 0.56 (5 pupils) while incidence of 0.89 (8 pupils) was observed in DO schools, and there was no significant difference (t = -1.000, p = 0.347) between the interventions. At 48th week (12th month), there was no significant difference (t = -0.547, p = 0.599) in incidence between the DHE and DO schools with incidence of 1.00 (12 pupils) and 0.83 (10 pupils), respectively. Hookworms had an incidence of 0.78 (7 pupils) at DHE schools and 0.56 (5 pupils) at DO schools in the 36th week while an incidence of 0.92 (11 pupils) and 0.83 (10 pupils) at DHE and DO schools, respectively, in the 48th week. Ascaris lumbricoides was only observed in DHE schools in a pupil with an incidence of 0.11 (1 pupil) and 0.08 (1 pupil) at 36th and 48th weeks. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the parasites between DO and DHE intervention groups (p > 0.05). School-based health education intervention had no significant impact on STH incidence in pupils of rural schools in Kogi East. Community-based deworming should be encouraged alongside improvement in the water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructures and practices at both school and home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Ameh Yaro
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Ezekiel Kogi
- Department of Zoology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | | | - Luay Alkazmi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Junaidu Kabir
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ahmadu University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Kenneth Nnamdi Opara
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Kamba Bayo
- Department of Zoology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Friday Maduka Chikezie
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Albert Bamigbade Alabi
- Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, Kogi State Ministry of Health, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
| | - Salamat Ibrahim Yunusa
- Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, Kogi State Ministry of Health, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
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13
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Westgard CM, Orrego-Ferreyros LA. An mHealth tool for community health workers to improve caregiver knowledge of child health in the Amazon: An effectiveness-implementation hybrid evaluation. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001118. [PMID: 36962686 PMCID: PMC10021143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
When community health workers (CHWs) are effective, they can teach healthy child rearing practices in their communities and improve child health and development outcomes. An effective mHealth tool can improve the capacity of CHWs to transmit knowledge to caregivers. This article evaluates the implementation of an mHealth tool in a CHW program in the Amazon of Peru. The intervention was designed, implemented, and evaluated with the guidance of multiple implementation science tools. A Hybrid Type 3 evaluation design was used to test the effectiveness of the implementation strategies and appropriateness of the intervention. The implementation outcomes: acceptability, adoption, dosage, and fidelity were analyzed with mixed methods approach to determine if the intervention was successfully installed in the CHW program. The service outcome, knowledge scores, was analyzed with an independent samples t-test and one way ANOVA to determine the effect of the program. The implementation strategies resulted in high degrees of acceptability, adoption, and fidelity of the mHealth tool. The surveillance component of the mHealth tools was not adequately adopted. The group of caregivers that received home visits with the mHealth tool (N = 48) had significantly higher knowledge scores (+1.26 standard deviations) than those in the control group (N = 138) (t(184) = -4.39, p<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased the dosage of the intervention received by the participants. The CHEST App intervention is a promising tool to improve the capacity of CHWs during their home visits. Trial registered with ISRCTN on 11/29/2018 at https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN43591826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Westgard
- Department of Research and Innovation, Elementos, Lima, Peru
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Luis A Orrego-Ferreyros
- Department of Research and Innovation, Elementos, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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14
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Mationg MLS, Williams GM, Tallo VL, Olveda RM, Aung E, Alday P, Reñosa MD, Daga CM, Landicho J, Demonteverde MP, Santos ED, Bravo TA, Bieri FA, Bedford A, Li Y, Clements ACA, Steinmann P, Halton K, Stewart DE, McManus DP, Gray DJ. "The Magic Glasses Philippines": a cluster randomised controlled trial of a health education package for the prevention of intestinal worm infections in schoolchildren. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 18:100312. [PMID: 35024651 PMCID: PMC8671727 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) cause substantial disease and disability globally. Health education has proven complementary to school-based drug administration programs for STH control. We determined the generalizability of the impact of "The Magic Glasses" health education package for STH prevention in schoolchildren in Laguna province, the Philippines, having previously shown its positive impact in China. METHODS We conducted a cluster-randomised controlled trial, in schoolchildren, aged 9-10 years, across 40 schools over one year. Schools were randomly assigned either to the "Magic Glasses Philippines" health education intervention package (consisting of a cartoon video, classroom discussions, drawing and essay competition) complementing the standard health education activities of the Philippines Departments of Health and Education, or to a control group, which involved only the standard health education activities. The primary trial outcomes were the proportion of STH infected schoolchildren and their knowledge, attitude and behaviour of STH assessed in both groups at baseline and through two follow-up surveys undertaken immediately prior to the semi-annual national mass administration of albendazole. The outcomes between the study arms were compared using generalized estimating equation models, accounting for clustering at the school level. The trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12616000508471. FINDINGS At follow-up assessments, the mean knowledge and behaviour scores in the intervention group were, respectively, 5·3 (95% confidence interval [CI]:4·2-6·5; p=<0.001) and 1·1 (95% CI: 0·4-1·7; p=0.002) percentage points higher than the control group. There was no overall effect on helminth infections (any STH; adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1·0; 95% CI: 0·8-1·3; p=0·856), Ascaris lumbricoides; aOR:1·0; 95% CI: 0·7-1·6; p=0·894, or Trichuris trichiura; aOR:1·7; 95% CI: 0·9-1·6; p=0·315) but sub-group analysis showed a 60% reduction in the odds of any STH infection resulting from the "Magic Glasses" intervention in schools with a baseline prevalence ≤15% (aOR: 0·4; 95% CI: 0·2-0·7; p=0·001). INTERPRETATION The health-education package demonstrated a modest but statistically significant impact on the students' overall STH knowledge and changes in their behaviour but was only effective in preventing STH infections in intervention schools where the baseline prevalence was ≤15%. FUNDING National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia, and the UBS-Optimus Foundation, Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lorraine S Mationg
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Veronica L Tallo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eindra Aung
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Portia Alday
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mark Donald Reñosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Chona Mae Daga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Jhoys Landicho
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Paz Demonteverde
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eunice Diane Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Thea Andrea Bravo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Franziska Angly Bieri
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Andrew Bedford
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Control on Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Yueyang, China
| | | | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kate Halton
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald E Stewart
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Person B, Rollinson D, Ali SM, Mohammed UA, A'kadir FM, Kabole F, Knopp S. Evaluation of a urogenital schistosomiasis behavioural intervention among students from rural schools in Unguja and Pemba islands, Zanzibar. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105960. [PMID: 34004172 PMCID: PMC8223490 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Children self-reported changes in urogenital schistosomiasis risk taking behaviours. Children self-reported an increase in swallowing anthelmintic drugs during MDA. Rebranding the concept of “worm” to “blood fluke” created a critical perceived health threat. The Health Belief Model was a viable foundation for the behavioural intervention.
Urogenital schistosomiasis is a common experience among children in Zanzibar. There is a paucity of behavioural science-based, health education and behaviour change (HEBC) interventions for school-aged children, those at greatest risk for urogenital schistosomiasis. We assessed the influence of a HEBC intervention, guided by the Health Belief model, among rural schoolchildren on Pemba and Unguja islands in Zanzibar, Tanzania. From 2012 to 2016, a cluster-randomized trial to assess three different interventions against urogenital schistosomiasis was conducted in 90 schools and shehias across Zanzibar. The HEBC intervention was implemented in 15 schools per island. In 2017, at the trial conclusion, we administered written questionnaires to schoolchildren from 4 HEBC intervention schools and 4 not HEBC exposed schools on each island, respectively. Responses were compared between students that were exposed or not exposed to the HEBC intervention using a Fisher's exact test. A total of 1451 students, 708 from intervention and 743 from non-intervention schools completed the questionnaire. Noting some between island differences, students who had received the HEBC interventions reported significant improvements in knowledge about Schistosoma haematobium transmission and personal risk, strategies for schistosomiasis prevention, and self-reported changes in risk behaviours: stopped washing laundry/dishes 49.4% (350/708) versus 5.8% (43/743), stopped bathing in streams/ponds 49.4% (350/708) versus 4.2% (31/743), and stopped playing in streams/ponds 40.8% (289/708) versus 10.8% (80/743). HEBC exposed children also reported a significant increase in swallowing tablets during mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns (when they had not before) 30.2% (214/708) versus 4.6% (34/743). The school based HEBC interventions were associated with desirable positive behaviour change among students. Data suggest that scaling up HEBC interventions to all schools in high-risk areas, augmented with bi-annual MDA, can help to reduce prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in Zanzibar, strengthening the possibility for future disease elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbie Person
- Consultant of the Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation, University of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Said M Ali
- Public Health Laboratory - Ivo de Carneri, P. O. Box 122, Chake Chake, Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Ulfat A Mohammed
- Public Health Laboratory - Ivo de Carneri, P. O. Box 122, Chake Chake, Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Faiza M A'kadir
- Neglected Diseases Program, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 236, Zanzibar Town, Unguja, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Fatma Kabole
- Neglected Diseases Program, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 236, Zanzibar Town, Unguja, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003 Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Alharazi TH, Al-Mekhlafi HM. A cross-sectional survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding schistosomiasis among rural schoolchildren in Taiz governorate, southwestern Yemen. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:687-698. [PMID: 33130880 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards schistosomiasis among rural schoolchildren in Taiz governorate, southwestern Yemen. METHODS A total of 406 children were screened for urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the children's demographic and socio-economic information and their KAP towards schistosomiasis. RESULTS Overall, 73 children (18%) were found to be infected by Schistosoma mansoni. None of the children were positive for Schistosoma haematobium. The prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was significantly higher among boys than girls (22.1% vs 12%; p=0.010). Approximately two-thirds (63.3% [257/406]) of the children had heard about schistosomiasis, however, only 38.5%, 53.6%, 28.4% and 38.1% had correct knowledge concerning the causes, symptoms, transmission and prevention, respectively. A significantly higher level of knowledge was observed among boys and Schistosoma-infected children compared with girls and non-infected children (p<0.05). However, a better level of knowledge does not seem to translate directly into the performance of hygienic practices. Multivariate logistic regression showed that sex and infection status were the significant predictors of good knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Intestinal schistosomiasis is prevalent among schoolchildren in rural Yemen. The findings reveal that children's knowledge about schistosomiasis is inadequate. Therefore, besides mass drug administration, integrated control programmes should also include health education and the provision of improved drinking water and proper sanitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talal H Alharazi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Medical Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
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Keller L, Welsche S, Patel C, Sayasone S, Ali SM, Ame SM, Hattendorf J, Hürlimann E, Keiser J. Long-term outcomes of ivermectin-albendazole versus albendazole alone against soil-transmitted helminths: Results from randomized controlled trials in Lao PDR and Pemba Island, Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009561. [PMID: 34191812 PMCID: PMC8277064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventive chemotherapy is the cornerstone of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control. Long-term outcomes and adequate treatment frequency of the recently recommended albendazole-ivermectin have not been studied to date. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Double-blind randomized controlled trials were conducted in Lao PDR, Pemba Island, Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire between 2018 and 2020 to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ivermectin-albendazole versus albendazole-placebo in Trichuris trichiura-infected individuals aged 6 to 60. In the framework of this study, in Lao PDR 466 and 413 participants and on Pemba Island, 558 and 515 participants were followed-up six and 12 months post-treatment, respectively. From each participant at least one stool sample was processed for Kato-Katz diagnosis and cure rates (CRs), egg reduction rates (ERRs) and apparent reinfection rates were calculated. If found helminth-positive at six months, participants were re-treated according to their allocated treatment. Long-term outcomes against T. trichiura based on CRs and ERRs of ivermectin-albendazole compared to albendazole were significantly higher at six months in Lao PDR (CR, 65.8 vs 13.4%, difference; 52.4; 95% CI 45.0-60.0; ERRs, 99.0 vs 79.6, difference 19.4; 95% CI 14.4-24.4) and Pemba Island (CR, 17.8 vs 1.4%, difference; 16.4; 95% CI 11.6-21.0; ERRs, 84.9 vs 21.2, difference 63.8; 95% CI 50.6-76.9) and also at 12 months in Lao PDR (CR, 74.0 vs 23.4%, difference; 50.6; 95% CI 42.6-61.0; ERRs, 99.6 vs 91.3, difference 8.3; 95% CI 5.7-10.8) and Pemba Island (CR, 19.5 vs 3.4%, difference; 16.1; 95% CI 10.7-21.5; ERRs, 92.9 vs 53.6, difference 39.3; 95% CI 31.2-47.4) respectively. Apparent reinfection rates with T. trichiura were considerably higher on Pemba Island (100.0%, 95% CI, 29.2-100.0) than in Lao PDR (10.0%, 95% CI, 0.2-44.5) at 12 months post-treatment for participants treated with albendazole alone. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The long-term outcomes against T. trichiura of ivermectin-albendazole are superior to albendazole in terms of CRs and ERRs and in reducing infection intensities. Our results will help to guide decisions on how to best use ivermectin-albendazole in the context of large-scale PC programs tailored to the local context to sustainably control STH infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov registered with clinicaltrials.gov, reference: NCT03527732, date assigned: 17 May 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladina Keller
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Helminth Drug Development Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Welsche
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Helminth Drug Development Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chandni Patel
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Helminth Drug Development Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Somphou Sayasone
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Helminth Drug Development Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of International Program for Health in the Tropics, Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Said M. Ali
- Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Shaali M. Ame
- Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Helminth Drug Development Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Hürlimann
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Helminth Drug Development Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Helminth Drug Development Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Tomokawa S, Shirakawa Y, Miyake K, Ueno M, Koiso T, Asakura T. Lessons learned from health education in Japanese schools. Pediatr Int 2021; 63:619-630. [PMID: 33544412 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A qualitative improvement in school health education is required to improve health for school-aged children in developing countries. This study aimed to clarify the factors that enable the provision of comprehensive and consistent health education in Japan. METHODS We reviewed health education in Japanese schools and the feature of curriculum revision, and clarified the factors that enable the provision of comprehensive and consistent health education. RESULTS We identified nine points as enabling factors: (i) clear description of the purpose of health education; (ii) clear provision of teaching content and adequate time allocation; (iii) comprehensive school health framework and clarification of the position of the health education; (iv) systems for surveying and screening children's health problems; (v) regular revising of the Courses of Study; (vi) well trained teachers responsible for health education; (vii) health education specialists in higher education facilities; (viii) various materials related to health education; and (ix) collaboration with related health workers. CONCLUSIONS We proposed measures to enhance health education in developing countries: (i) clarifying the role of health education toward achieving goals set out in laws and policies related to education; (ii) providing appropriate learning content and time allocation; (iii) establishing a comprehensive school health framework; (iv) establishing a system that continuously monitors children's health issues; (v) identifying the person responsible for health education in a school and establishing a training system; (vi) providing a teacher's guide and teaching materials to facilitate child participatory learning, and (vii) collaborating with guardians, community members, and local health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachi Tomokawa
- Faculty of Education, Shinshu University, Nagano city, Nagano, Japan.,Japanese Consortium for Global School Health and Research, Nakazu-Gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Shirakawa
- Japanese Consortium for Global School Health and Research, Nakazu-Gun, Okinawa, Japan.,Overseas Operations Division, The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia-Multisectoral and Integrated Development Services, Okayama City, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Miyake
- Faculty of Education, Shinshu University, Nagano city, Nagano, Japan
| | - Marie Ueno
- Faculty of Education, Shinshu University, Nagano city, Nagano, Japan
| | - Tohru Koiso
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University, Toyota City, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Asakura
- Japanese Consortium for Global School Health and Research, Nakazu-Gun, Okinawa, Japan.,Faculty of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University, Koganei City, Tokyo, Japan
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Edaphic and climatic factors influence on the distribution of soil transmitted helminths in Kogi East, Nigeria. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8490. [PMID: 33875754 PMCID: PMC8055675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for a reliable risk map in the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in Kogi East, North Central Nigeria is very important. This study was carried out to determine the effect of environmental risk factors on geospatial distribution of STHs. Epidemiological data were obtained from a district-wide survey conducted in 2018 in Kogi East. Edaphic and climatic factors were downloaded as spatial layers from international recognised health data resources centres. A total of 24 environmental factors were used in determining the risk map of STHs using MaxEnt tool. The predicted high-risk areas of A. lumbricoides, hookworms and S. stercoralis were the central part of Kogi East covering parts of Dekina, Ofu, Igalamela-Odolu, Olamaboro and Omala LGAs with probability of 0.8 to 1.00. Among the factors investigated; Temperature [mean diurnal temperature range (BIO2), temperature annual range (BIO7) and maximum temperature of the warmest month (BIO5)], precipitation [precipitation of the wettest quarter (BIO16)], and soil clay contents were the five factors that exerted most significant influence on the geospatial distribution of STHs in Kogi East, Nigeria. Public health control programmes on STHs should target high-risk areas by including them in mass drug administration, health education as well as provision of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructures.
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20
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Walia B, Kmush BL, Lane SD, Endy T, Montresor A, Larsen DA. Routine deworming during antenatal care decreases risk of neonatal mortality and low birthweight: A retrospective cohort of survey data. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009282. [PMID: 33914732 PMCID: PMC8084140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil transmitted helminths (STH) are a common infection among pregnant women in areas with poor access to sanitation. Deworming medications are cheap and safe; however, the health benefit of deworming during pregnancy is not clear. METHODS / PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We created a retrospective cohort of more than 800,000 births from 95 Demographic and Health Survey datasets to estimate the impact of deworming medicine during routine antenatal care (ANC) on neonatal mortality and low birthweight. We first matched births on the probability of receiving deworming during ANC. We then modeled the birth outcomes with the matched group as a random intercept to estimate the effect of deworming during antenatal care after accounting for various risk factors. We also tested for effect modification of soil transmitted helminth prevalence on the impact of deworming during ANC. Receipt of deworming medication during ANC was associated with a 14% reduction in the risk of neonatal mortality (95% confidence interval = 10-17%, n = 797,772 births), with no difference between high and low transmission countries. In low transmission countries, we found an 11% reduction in the odds of low birth weight (95% confidence interval = 8-13%) for women receiving deworming medicine, and in high transmission countries, we found a 2% reduction in the odds of low birthweight (95% confidence interval = 0-5%). CONCLUSIONS / SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest a substantial health benefit for deworming during ANC that may be even greater in countries with low STH transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavneet Walia
- Syracuse University Department of Public Health, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Brittany L. Kmush
- Syracuse University Department of Public Health, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Sandra D. Lane
- Syracuse University Department of Public Health, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Timothy Endy
- State University of New York Upstate Medical University Department of Infectious Disease, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David A. Larsen
- Syracuse University Department of Public Health, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
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21
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Favre TC, Massara CL, Beck LCNH, Cabello RKSA, Pieri OS. Adherence to diagnosis followed by selective treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni and related knowledge among schoolchildren in an endemic area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, prior to and after the implementation of educational actions. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 13:e00208. [PMID: 33732914 PMCID: PMC7941185 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Brazilian guidelines for schistosomiasis elimination recommend regular search of infection carriers and their timely treatment. This study evaluates the effect of educational actions (EAs) among schoolchildren on adherence to diagnosis and treatment, as well as on knowledge of the disease. Methods In April/2013, a questionnaire was applied to 6th-to-8th-grade pupils of eight public schools to evaluate prior knowledge of disease and self-reported risk behavior. Baseline parasitological survey (PS) was done in May/2013, followed by selective treatment and cure assessment. The schools were then randomly allocated to experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups, with and without EAs, respectively. EAs were conducted for 3 months from August/2013. Questionnaire was reapplied in November/2013, April/2014, October/2014, and October/2015 to evaluate changes in knowledge about the disease and self-reported risk behavior. Two further annual PSs (May/2014 and May/2015), each followed by treatment of positives, allowed to evaluate between-group differences and intra-group changes in adherence to diagnosis and treatment, and to follow-up prevalence and intensity of infection. Results Adherence to diagnosis did not differ significantly between EG (84.1%) and CG (81.1%) at baseline but was significantly higher in EG in subsequent PSs. Overall, adherence to treatment was higher than 90% in all three PSs; cure was 98.4%, egg-reduction was 99.8% and reinfection, 2.8%. Prevalence fell significantly in EC (from 23.5% to 6.8%) and CG (from 21.8% to 2.4%), the same occurring with intensity (from 54.2 to 4.6 epg in EG and from 38.4 to 1.3 epg in CG). Disease knowledge increased significantly in EG and CG; knowledge about disease transmission increased significantly more in the EG. Self-reported risk behavior remained above 67% and did not differ significantly between EG and CG. Conclusion EAs increased adherence of schoolchildren and improved knowledge about the disease, confirming that EAs are an important tool to enhance schoolchildren participation in control campaigns. Educational actions improved adherence to stool testing. Disease knowledge also improved with educational actions. Risk behavior stayed high despite educational actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cristina Favre
- Environmental and Health Education Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Lara Massara
- Helmintology and Medical Malacology Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Otavio Sarmento Pieri
- Environmental and Health Education Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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22
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Fançony C, Soares Â, Lavinha J, Barros H, Brito M. Effectiveness of Nutrition and WASH/malaria educational community-based interventions in reducing anemia in children from Angola. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5603. [PMID: 33692404 PMCID: PMC7946872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We found no published data in Angola regarding the effect of combining nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive approaches in the reduction of anemia in preschool children. Thus, we implemented a cluster-randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of two educational-plus-therapeutic interventions, in Nutrition and WASH/Malaria, in reducing anemia. We compared them to (1) a test-and-treat intervention and (2) with each other. A block randomization was performed to allocate 6 isolated hamlets to 3 study arms. A difference-in-difference technique, using Fit Generalized estimating models, was used to determine differences between the children successfully followed in all groups, between 2015 and 2016. We found no significant differences in anemia´s and hemoglobin variability between educational and the control group. However, the WASH/Malaria group had 22.8% higher prevalence of anemia when compared with the Nutrition group, having also higher prevalence of P. falciparum. Thus, our results suggest that adding a 12-month educational Nutrition or a WASH/Malaria component to a test-and-treat approach may have a limited effect in controlling anemia. Possibly, the intensity and duration of the educational interventions were not sufficient to observe the amount of behavior change needed to stop transmission and improve the general child feeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Fançony
- Health Research Center of Angola (CISA, Translated), Caxito, Angola. .,Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ânia Soares
- Health Research Center of Angola (CISA, Translated), Caxito, Angola
| | - João Lavinha
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.,BioISI, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Henrique Barros
- Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Brito
- Health Research Center of Angola (CISA, Translated), Caxito, Angola.,Health and Technology Research Center (H&TRC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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23
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Anemia in preschool children from Angola: a review of the evidence. Porto Biomed J 2020; 5:e60. [PMID: 33299941 PMCID: PMC7722406 DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Angola is one of the southern African countries with the highest prevalence of anemia, and despite the high geographic heterogeneity of its distribution across the country, it was reported to be indicative of a severe public health problem in some areas, mainly in children. Despite the relevance of this condition in the country there is still an important gap regarding scientific evidences and knowledge systematization in the indexed literature, that could be used to inform and optimize national public health policies willing to address it. Furthermore, the changes in anemia epidemiology among African preschool children and the late updates in nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive preventive strategies in the continent are of imperative relevance, as they could contribute to design context-specific national approaches to reduce anemia's morbidity and mortality. In this study we intent to perform a systematic review regarding the sparse evidence available on the country regarding the prevalence of anemia, its associated factors, the prevention, and/or control strategies with potential to reduce anemia that were implemented, and to discuss interventions targeting infections and/or nutrition conducted in other African countries.
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24
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Westgard C, Fleming WO. The Use of Implementation Science Tools to Design, Implement, and Monitor a Community-Based mHealth Intervention for Child Health in the Amazon. Front Public Health 2020; 8:411. [PMID: 32974257 PMCID: PMC7466738 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is essential to analyze the local context and implementation components to effectively deliver evidence-based solutions to public health problems. Tools provided by the field of implementation science can guide practitioners through a comprehensive implementation process, making innovations more adaptable, efficient, and sustainable. It is equally important to report on the design and implementation process so others can analyze, replicate, and improve on the progress made from an intervention. The current study reports on the design and implementation of an mHealth intervention to improve child health in the Amazon of Peru. The study aims to provide insight into how an implementation science tool can be used to improve implementation and reporting of an evidence-based intervention in a global health setting. Methods: Implementation of a community-based mHealth intervention is analyzed and reported through the lens of the Active Implementation Frameworks (AIF). The AIF is used to analyze the design, implementation, adaptation, and monitoring of the intervention. The implementation process is categorized in the four stages of implementation. The results of the analysis and subsequent implementation activities are reported. Results: The exploration stage was used to learn about the local context in the Amazonian communities and identify an evidence-based solution to address poor child health. Several potential solutions were combined to create an innovative mHealth tool. During the installation stage, the stakeholders worked together to improve the intervention and plan for implementation through human-centered design. The providers in the field were trained and data was gathered to monitor implementation. During initial implementation stage, electronic tablets were distributed to community health agents and continuous quality improvement activities allowed for rapid improvements to be implemented. The intervention moved on to full implementation stage as acceptance and fidelity approached 100%. Conclusion: The AIF highlighted several potential barriers to implementation that may have been overlooked without the guidance of a science-based implementation tool. Reporting on the implementation process shows how implementation science tools can be used to foresee and address potential threats to successful implementation. The results of this study provide insight into the components of implementation in Amazonian communities, as well as the process of using implementation science tools in any global health setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Westgard
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Research, Elementos, Lima, Peru
| | - W Oscar Fleming
- National Implementation Research Network, Frank Porter Graham Developmental Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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25
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Abe EM, Tambo E, Xue J, Xu J, Ekpo UF, Rollinson D, Yang K, Li SZ, Zhou XN. Approaches in scaling up schistosomiasis intervention towards transmission elimination in Africa: Leveraging from the Chinese experience and lessons. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105379. [PMID: 32006521 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum, differs from the African species including S. mansoni and S. haematobium, is a zoonotic parasite as it infects both human and animals including domestic ruminant animals such as cattle and animals from the wild. Considering China's success story in the elimination of schistosomiasis, the China-Africa collaboration on schistosomaisis elimination in Africa is an important cooperative health development initiative. This review examines the importance of China-Africa collaboration on schistosomiasis elimination using effective surveillance-response intervention strategy as the platform to effectively drive the elimination of schistosomiasis in Africa. Three conclusions were made after reviewing the similarity and differences in schistososmiasis control programmes between China and African continent as follows: (i) Politically, China's lessons is that leveraging on the integrated control strategies and the recognition that schistosomiasis is a public health problem which prompted the interest of government in China. It is necessary for African leaders and governments to recognize schistosomiasis as a public health challenge that must be given serious attention in terms of funding and setting up frameworks to complement control efforts. (ii) Technically, efficient monitoring and surveillance system mechanism will facilitate contextual and effective management of schistosomiasis elimination across different environment, and African programme managers should embrace the use of appropriate diagnostic tools to guide treatment strategies at different thresholds of schistosomiasis control. (iii) Strategically, effective control of snail intermediate hosts and precision mapping of snail distribution should be prioritized for successful schistosomiasis elimination in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eniola M Abe
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - E Tambo
- Département de Biochimie et Science Pharmaceutiques, Université des Montagnes, Bagangté, République du Cameroon.
| | - Jingbo Xue
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Uwem F Ekpo
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata Road, Abeokuta, 110001, Nigeria.
| | - David Rollinson
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom.
| | - Kun Yang
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China.
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
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26
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Mazani E, Taylor M, Kjetland EF, Ndhlovu PD. Knowledge and perceptions about schistosomiasis among primary school children and teachers in rural KwaZulu-Natal. S Afr J Infect Dis 2020; 35:126. [PMID: 34485472 PMCID: PMC8377800 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v35i1.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. In 2014, over 258 million people worldwide required treatment for the disease. Schistosomiasis is known to be prevalent in the northern region of KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, especially among school-going children but less is known about their knowledge of the disease and their attitude towards being treated for the disease at school. Methods The study was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey conducted through self-administered questionnaires among grades 5 and 7 learners from 10 randomly selected rural primary schools in iLembe and uThungulu, KwaZulu-Natal. Teachers from the same schools participated during the same period. Results A total of 730 learners and 78 teachers took part in the study. Among the learners, 73.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.7% – 76.4%) correctly identified freshwater contact as a risk for schistosomiasis, but only 42.7% (95% CI: 38.8% – 46.8%) knew how to prevent it. Among the teachers, 96.8% (95% CI: 87.8% – 99.4%) knew the risk and 69.0% (95% CI: 55.3%– 80.1%) knew the prevention of schistosomiasis. Almost 70% (95% CI: 65.9% – 72.8%) of the learners and 67.6% (95% CI: 42.1% – 65.6%) of the teachers reported their willingness to receive treatment with praziquantel at school. Conclusion This study showed that basic knowledge about the risk of schistosomiasis among the participants was high, but the cause and prevention of the disease were less well understood. There is need to include schistosomiasis in health education both at school and through community awareness programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmore Mazani
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Myra Taylor
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Eyrun F Kjetland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Norwegian Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Patricia D Ndhlovu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Mationg MLS, Williams GM, Tallo VL, Olveda RM, Aung E, Alday P, Reñosa MD, Daga CM, Landicho J, Demonteverde MP, Santos ED, Bravo TA, Angly Bieri FA, Li Y, Clements ACA, Steinmann P, Halton K, Stewart DE, McManus DP, Gray DJ. Determining the Impact of a School-Based Health Education Package for Prevention of Intestinal Worm Infections in the Philippines: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Intervention Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e18419. [PMID: 32584263 PMCID: PMC7381005 DOI: 10.2196/18419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Repeated mass drug administration (MDA) of antihelminthics to at-risk populations is still the main strategy for the control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. However, MDA, as a stand-alone intervention, does not prevent reinfection. Accordingly, complementary measures to prevent STH reinfection, such as health education and improved sanitation, as part of an integrated control approach, are required to augment the effectiveness of MDA for optimal efficiency and sustainability. Objective The aim of this study is to determine the impact and generalizability of a school-based health education package entitled The Magic Glasses for STH prevention in the Philippines. Methods We conducted a cluster randomized controlled intervention trial, involving 2020 schoolchildren aged 9-10 years, in 40 schools in Laguna Province, Philippines, to evaluate the impact of the school-based health education package for the prevention of STHs. The trial was conducted over the course of 1 year (June 2016 to July 2017). A total of 20 schools were randomly assigned to the intervention arm, in which The Magic Glasses Philippines health education package was delivered with the standard health education activities endorsed by the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd). The other 20 schools comprised the control arm of the study, where the DOH/DepEd’s standard health education activities were done. At baseline, parasitological assessments and a knowledge, attitude, and practice survey were carried out in all schools. In addition, height, weight, and hemoglobin levels were obtained from each child (after parental consent), and their school attendance and academic performance in English and mathematics were accessed from the school records. The baseline and 2 follow-up surveys were completed using the same study measurements and quality-control assessments. Results Key results from this cluster randomized intervention trial will shed light on the impact that The Magic Glasses health education package will have against STH infections in schoolchildren in the province of Laguna, located on the Island of Luzon, in the Calabarzon Region of the Philippines. Conclusions The results of the trial will be used to assess the generalizability of the impact of The Magic Glasses health education package in different epidemiological and cultural settings, providing evidence for translation of this health education package into public health policy and practice in the Asian region and beyond. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number ACTRN12616000508471; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368849 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/18419
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lorraine S Mationg
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Veronica L Tallo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eindra Aung
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Portia Alday
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mark Donald Reñosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Chona Mae Daga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Jhoys Landicho
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Paz Demonteverde
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eunice Dianne Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Thea Andrea Bravo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Franziska A Angly Bieri
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Control on Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Yueyang, China
| | | | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kate Halton
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald E Stewart
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Gaps and barriers in interventions for the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-age children in an endemic area of the Philippines: a school-based point-of-view. J Public Health Policy 2020; 40:478-497. [PMID: 31391522 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-019-00182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley, Philippines where soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is endemic, to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for three intervention components for STH control: mass drug administration (MDA), health education, and sanitation. School teachers and staff generally perceived MDA to be a well-delivered program, but opportunities exist to strengthen other control strategies: health education and school rules on hygiene and sanitation at school. Complete and consistent monitoring of program impact and the availability of up-to-date reports on prevalence of the infection can guide teachers' efforts to promote interventions for STH elimination.
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29
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Mulopo C, Kalinda C, Chimbari MJ. Contextual and Psychosocial Factors Influencing the Use of Safe Water Sources: A Case of Madeya Village, uMkhanyakude District, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041349. [PMID: 32093109 PMCID: PMC7068542 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is a public health problem that affects over 240 million people worldwide. It is mostly prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas among communities with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation. This study was conducted in uMkhanyakude District in rural South Africa, where water resources are limited. In this community, individuals frequently come into contact with freshwater bodies for various reasons. The objective of the study was to identify critical contextual and psychosocial factors for behaviour change to reduce risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Madeya Village, uMkhanyakude district. Methods: Structured household interviews were held with 57 primary caregivers to assess their thoughts and attitudes towards collecting water from a safe source. We used the Risk, Attitude, Norm, Ability, and Self-regulation model (RANAS) to estimate the intervention potential for each factor by analysing differences in means between groups of current performers and nonperformers who use safe water sources. Results: The subscale vulnerability belonging to the risk factor on the RANAS was scored as low. Furthermore, attitudinal factors towards the use of safe water sources were found to be low. Ability factors (confidence in performance and confidence in recovery) towards the use of safe water sources were low as well, indicating that these factors should be the target of the intervention in the study area. Discussion: Based on this study, it is recommended that a community-based empowerment intervention strategy it appropriate. The strategy should prompt behavioural practice and public commitment, use persuasive language to boost self-efficacy and target younger low-income caregivers between 18 and 35 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanelle Mulopo
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
| | - Chester Kalinda
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa;
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural resources, University of Namibia, Katima Mulilo Campus, Winela Road, Box 1096, Ngweze, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
| | - Moses J. Chimbari
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa;
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30
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Awosolu OB, Shariman YZ, Haziqah M. T. F, Olusi TA. Will Nigerians Win the War Against Urinary Schistosomiasis? Prevalence, Intensity, Risk Factors and Knowledge Assessment among Some Rural Communities in Southwestern Nigeria. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9020128. [PMID: 32079189 PMCID: PMC7168148 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary schistosomiasis is a devastating parasitic disease in Nigeria. This study was carried out to investigate the current prevalence, intensity, risk factors and knowledge assessment among some rural communities in southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out in which a standard urine filtrations technique was used to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection. A well-designed questionnaire was used to collect subject's data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Of the total 620 urine samples examined, overall 346 (55.81%) were positive with a mean egg intensity (S.D) of 65.60 (59.33) egg/10 mL of urine. Significant differences occurred in the analysis. Males had the highest prevalence and intensity of 224 (61.9%) and 69.20 egg/10 mL of urine, respectively. The 10-14 years age group had the highest prevalence of 65.9% while mean intensity of infection among the age group decreases with increasing age, with the highest mean intensity of infection (80.14 egg/10 mL) recorded among the age group ≤ 4 years. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being age group 10-14 (COR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09-0.79) and dependent on river (COR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.33-1.33) increased the odd of contracting an infection. Similarly, the knowledge of respondents on urinary schistosomiasis was low. Conclusively, urinary schistosomiasis is still persistent at a very high rate in the study area and appropriate control measure should be deployed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun B. Awosolu
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800 USM, Malaysia; (Y.Z.S.); (F.H.M.T.)
- Parasitology and Public Health Unit, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure PMB 704, Nigeria;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Yahaya Z. Shariman
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800 USM, Malaysia; (Y.Z.S.); (F.H.M.T.)
| | - Farah Haziqah M. T.
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800 USM, Malaysia; (Y.Z.S.); (F.H.M.T.)
| | - Titus A. Olusi
- Parasitology and Public Health Unit, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure PMB 704, Nigeria;
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31
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Haldeman MS, Nolan MS, Ng'habi KRN. Human hookworm infection: Is effective control possible? A review of hookworm control efforts and future directions. Acta Trop 2020; 201:105214. [PMID: 31600519 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human hookworm, a soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection caused by either Necator americanus or Anclystoma duodenale, is a major cause of morbidity globally and predominantly affects the world's poorest populations. Transmitted primarily by larval invasion of exposed skin, the adults inhabit the host small intestine, where they consume host blood. The resultant chronic iron deficiency anemia can lead to stunted growth and cognitive deficits in children, reduced work capacity in adults, and a variety of pregnancy complications. Historically, successful STH elimination has only been achieved in regions with concomitant significant economic growth. Since 2001, control of the STHs has been attempted via single-dose mass deworming of at-risk school-aged and preschool-aged children within STH-endemic countries, with the goal of morbidity reduction. Research questioning this strategy has grown in recent years, and current studies are evaluating the effectiveness of novel deworming strategies, including multidrug regimens and expansion of deworming to entire communities. While footwear campaigns may be associated with reduced odds of hookworm infection, the evidence supporting the impact of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions upon hookworm is mixed. Progress towards a human hookworm vaccine continues, with promising results from recent Phase 1 trials and several others ongoing. Integrated STH control programs, which combine mass deworming with WASH interventions, are relatively unstudied but may be a promising advancement. Whether interruption of STH transmission can be achieved apart from significant economic growth remains unanswered, but likely the implementation of intensive, integrated control programs will be necessary to achieve that goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Haldeman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kija R N Ng'habi
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar Es Salaam, Mbeya, Tanzania
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Gizaw Z, Addisu A, Gebrehiwot M. Socioeconomic Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Under-Five Children in Rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-sectional Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2019; 13:1178630219896804. [PMID: 31908472 PMCID: PMC6935767 DOI: 10.1177/1178630219896804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths and protozoan parasitic infections are endemic throughout the world. The problem of intestinal parasitic infection is higher among developing countries where children are the most vulnerable groups. Although health information related to parasitic infections is available globally, it is often limited in rural setups in least developed countries. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess socioeconomic predictors of intestinal parasitic infections among under-five children in rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 224 randomly selected households with under-five children. We used questionnaire to collect data and direct stool examination to identify intestinal parasitic infections. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P < .05 was used to identify socioeconomic predictors of parasitic infections. RESULTS We found that 25.4% (95% CI = [20.2, 31.1]) under-five children had intestinal parasitic infection. Ascaris lumbricoides was the leading infection, which accounted 44 of 224 (19.6%). The prevalence of childhood intestinal parasitic infections was higher among households with no members whose education level is secondary and above (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI = [1.23, 9.17]). Similarly, intestinal parasitic infections were statistically associated with presence of 2 under-five children in a household (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI = [1.29, 9.82]), absence of frequent health supervision (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI = [1.72, 7.09]), larger family size (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = [1.09, 4.85]), and poor household economic status (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI = [1.23, 5.41]). CONCLUSIONS Significant proportion of children was infected with intestinal parasitic infection in rural Dembiya. Educational status of family members, number of under-five children in a household, health supervision, family size, and wealth index were statistically associated with parasitic infections. Provision of anthelmintic drugs, health supervision, and health education targeted with transmission and prevention of infections are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Addisu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulat Gebrehiwot
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Musuva RM, Odhiambo GO, Atuncha VO, Mutete ET, Odiere MR, Abong'o B, Alaii J, Mwinzi PNM. A Qualitative Description of Community Participation in Water and Sanitation Activities in the Control of Schistosomiasis in Nyalenda B, an Informal Settlement in Kisumu City, Western Kenya. East Afr Health Res J 2019; 3:48-56. [PMID: 34308195 PMCID: PMC8279324 DOI: 10.24248/eahrj-d-18-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community participation is central to the success of primary health care. However, over 30 years since the Alma Ata declaration, the absence of universal community participation remains a major obstacle to combating all types of diseases. This study investigated community participation in water and sanitation activities towards schistosomiasis control in Nyalenda B, an informal settlement in Kisumu City. METHODS Eight key informant interviews (KIIs) and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Additionally, data on NGOs dealing with water and sanitation activities in Kisumu was collected from the local NGO registration Board. Qualitative data was organised into themes and concepts and analyzed using Atlas.ti. RESULTS Most participants felt that project implementers did not involve them in key levels of project implementation, leading to unsustainable projects and unacceptance from the community. Community structures identified that could be used as avenues of engaging the community in improving water and sanitation situation included the use of organised groups, such as youth, gender-based, farmers and HIV support groups, and merry-go-rounds. Factors mentioned that hindered community participation included negative attitude from community members, poor monitoring and evaluation strategies, limited disclosure of project details, and overdependence from the community. CONCLUSION Effective community participation in water and sanitation activities requires a multipronged paradigm that incorporates a change of attitude from the community, information sharing and consultation, improved monitoring and evaluation, transparency and accountability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary M Musuva
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Branch, Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Public Health Department, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Gladys O Odhiambo
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Branch, Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Public Health Department, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Vincent O Atuncha
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Branch, Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Public Health Department, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth T Mutete
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Branch, Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Maurice R Odiere
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Branch, Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bernard Abong'o
- Public Health Department, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | | | - Pauline NM Mwinzi
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Branch, Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
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Ruberanziza E, Owada K, Clark NJ, Umulisa I, Ortu G, Lancaster W, Munyaneza T, Mbituyumuremyi A, Bayisenge U, Fenwick A, Soares Magalhães RJ. Mapping Soil-Transmitted Helminth Parasite Infection in Rwanda: Estimating Endemicity and Identifying At-Risk Populations. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4020093. [PMID: 31207897 PMCID: PMC6630518 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are globally distributed intestinal parasite infections caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). STH infection constitutes a major public health threat, with heavy burdens observed in many of the world’s tropical and subtropical regions. Mass drug administration and sanitation improvements can drastically reduce STH prevalence and associated morbidity. However, identifying targeted areas in need of treatment is hampered by a lack of knowledge on geographical and population-level risk factors. In this study, we applied Bayesian geostatistical modelling to data from a national school-based STH infection survey in Rwanda to (1) identify ecological and population-level risk factors and (2) provide comprehensive precision maps of infection burdens. Our results indicated that STH infections were heterogeneously distributed across the country and showed signatures of spatial clustering, though the magnitude of clustering varied among parasites. The highest rates of endemic clustering were attributed to A. lumbricoides infection. Concordant infection patterns among the three parasite groups highlighted populations currently most at-risk of morbidity. Population-dense areas in the Western and North-Western regions of Rwanda represent areas that have continued to exhibit high STH burden across two surveys and are likely in need of targeted interventions. Our maps support the need for an updated evaluation of STH endemicity in western Rwanda to evaluate progress in MDA efforts and identify communities that need further local interventions to further reduce morbidity caused by STH infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Ruberanziza
- Neglected Tropical Diseases and Other Parasitic Diseases Unit, Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Kei Owada
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
- Children Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Nicholas J Clark
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
- Children Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Irenee Umulisa
- Neglected Tropical Diseases and Other Parasitic Diseases Unit, Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Giuseppina Ortu
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | | | - Tharcisse Munyaneza
- Microbiology Unit, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Aimable Mbituyumuremyi
- Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Ursin Bayisenge
- Neglected Tropical Diseases and Other Parasitic Diseases Unit, Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Alan Fenwick
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhães
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
- Children Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia.
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Small bowel obstruction complicating an Ascaris lumbricoides infestation in a 4-year-old male: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2019; 13:155. [PMID: 31122293 PMCID: PMC6533677 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-019-2103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ascariasis is the leading helminthic infection worldwide, with its peak prevalence noted in children aged 2–10 years. Although mainly asymptomatic, chronic and heavy infestation could lead to severe complications such as malnutrition, poor physical and cognitive development, as well as intestinal obstruction. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy with intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides infestation and discuss its public health significance. Case presentation A 4-year-old Black African boy from the Menchum Division in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, with no history of deworming since birth, presented with a 3-day history of generalized abdominal pains, vomiting and obstipation, and abdominal distention evolving over a period of 6 months. Clinical and paraclinical findings were in favor of a subacute intestinal occlusion associated with an electrolyte imbalance. An exploratory laparotomy was done after correction of the electrolyte imbalance. Perioperative findings revealed a dilated small bowel obstructed by bundles of live worms. An enterotomy of 2 cm in length was done, and the bundles of Ascaris lumbricoides worms extracted manually and by milking through the stoma. His postoperative period was unremarkable, and he was discharged on postoperative day 7. He and his entire household were dewormed with a single dose of mebendazole 500 mg administered orally. A follow-up visit 1 week after discharge revealed a healed abdominal wound and normal bowel functions. Conclusion Despite considerable progress made on the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Cameroon, the program faces a number of bottlenecks. Funding is inadequate, making data acquisition and hence remapping of high-risk zones difficult. Accessibility to enclaved zones where most high-risk children live is difficult, while community sensitization on soil-transmitted helminthiasis and proper education on the right environmental hygienic practices are lacking. All these challenges once addressed could go a long way to help achieve recently set sustainable development goals.
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Gizaw Z, Addisu A, Dagne H. Effects of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) education on childhood intestinal parasitic infections in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia: an uncontrolled before-and-after intervention study. Environ Health Prev Med 2019; 24:16. [PMID: 30851729 PMCID: PMC6408793 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-019-0774-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) infections are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the most deprived communities. Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) prevents environmental contamination, thereby preventing transmission of STH. Cognizant of this, WASH education was implemented in rural Dembiya to reduce intestinal parasitic infections. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess the impacts of the intervention on households' WASH conditions and prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. METHOD An uncontrolled before-and-after intervention study was used. Cross-sectional studies were done before and after the intervention. Two hundred twenty-five and 302 under five children were recruited randomly at the baseline and endline, respectively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observational checklists. Direct stool examination and Kato-Katz methods were used to identify parasites in the stool. We used percent point change and prevalence ratio (PR) to see the effects of the intervention on WASH conditions and prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections respectively. Pearson chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to test for statistically significant percentage point changes of WASH conditions. The effect of the intervention on intestinal parasitic infections was statistically tested on the basis of PR with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS The baseline prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 25.8%, and the endline prevalence was 23.8%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was not significantly decreased at the endline compared with the baseline [PR = 0.92, 95% CI = (0.62, 1.38)]. Ascaris Lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasitic infection both at the baseline and endline. The proportion of children who had good hygienic condition increased from 1.3% at the baseline to 34.4% at the end line (p < 0.05). The percentage of mothers/care givers who washed hands at different pick times was significantly increased from 24.4% at the baseline to 68.2% at the endline (p < 0.001). The proportion of households who practiced home-based water treatment was significantly increased from 7.6% at the baseline to 47% at the endline (p < 0.001). The proportion of households who used sanitary latrine was increased from 32% at the baseline to 49% at the endline (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION This before-and-after intervention study found that households' WASH performance was significantly improved at the endline compared with the baseline. The endline prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was slightly lower than the baseline prevalence; however, the reduction was not statistically significant. The local health office needs to strengthen the WASH education program, mobilize the community to construct WASH facilities, and support the community to sustain households' WASH performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Ayenew Addisu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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de Glanville WA, Thomas LF, Cook EAJ, Bronsvoort BMDC, Wamae NC, Kariuki S, Fèvre EM. Household socio-economic position and individual infectious disease risk in rural Kenya. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2972. [PMID: 30814567 PMCID: PMC6393457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39375-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of household socio-economic position (SEP) in shaping individual infectious disease risk is increasingly recognised, particularly in low income settings. However, few studies have measured the extent to which this association is consistent for the range of pathogens that are typically endemic among the rural poor in the tropics. This cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between SEP and human infection within a single community in western Kenya using a set of pathogens with diverse transmission routes. The relationships between household SEP and individual infection with Plasmodium falciparum, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and/or Necator americanus), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and HIV, and co-infections between hookworm, P. falciparum and E. histolytica/dispar, were assessed using multivariable logistic and multinomial regression. Individuals in households with the lowest SEP were at greatest risk of infection with P. falciparum, hookworm and E. histolytica/dispar, as well as co-infection with each pathogen. Infection with M. tuberculosis, by contrast, was most likely in individuals living in households with the highest SEP. There was no evidence of a relationship between individual HIV infection and household SEP. We demonstrate the existence of a household socio-economic gradient within a rural farming community in Kenya which impacts upon individual infectious disease risk. Structural adjustments that seek to reduce poverty, and therefore the socio-economic inequalities that exist in this community, would be expected to substantially reduce overall infectious disease burden. However, policy makers and researchers should be aware that heterogeneous relationships can exist between household SEP and infection risk for different pathogens in low income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A de Glanville
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK.
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO BOX 30709, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
| | - L F Thomas
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO BOX 30709, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E A J Cook
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO BOX 30709, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - B M de C Bronsvoort
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - N C Wamae
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University-Africa, PO Box 14634-01000, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Kariuki
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 19464-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E M Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO BOX 30709, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
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Efficacy of Nutrition and WASH/Malaria Educational Community-Based Interventions in Reducing Anemia in Preschool Children from Bengo, Angola: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16030466. [PMID: 30764549 PMCID: PMC6388146 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Angola reports one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, and anemia represents one of its important causes. Recent studies, in under-five children from the Bengo province of Angola, described high prevalence’s, suggesting malaria, undernutrition and urogenital schistosomiasis as important contributors for the occurrence and spatial variations of anemia. Educational community-based interventions, either in Nutrition and Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Malaria are recommended to correct anemia. Herein, we designed a cluster-randomized controlled trial to study the efficacy of two educational-plus-therapeutic interventions in the reduction of anemia: one in nutrition and the other in WASH/Malaria. Socioeconomic, nutritional, anthropometric, parasitological and biochemical data will be collected from all willing-to-participate children, aging under four and resident in the Health Research Center of Angola study area. Considering the multifactorial causes of this condition, determining the efficacy of both interventions might help documenting weaknesses and opportunities for planning integrated strategies to reduce anemia.
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Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Workers of East Azerbaijan, Ilam and Khorasan Razavi Provinces about Leishmaniasis During 2015 - 2016: A Comparative Study Before and After Intervention. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.64282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Claus PE, Ceuppens AS, Cool M, Alliet G. Ascaris lumbricoides: challenges in diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies in a European refugee camp. Acta Clin Belg 2018; 73:431-434. [PMID: 29458300 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2018.1436956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most prevalent parasites belonging to the class of the soil-transmitted helminths. Infections are most common in developing countries with a tropical climate where sanitation and hygiene are poor. However, prevalence of ascariasis in industrialized countries is increasing because of immigration and increasing number of refugees. METHODS We report a case of ascariasis in a female patient who was admitted to our hospital after she had left the informal refugee camp of Calais in the north of France. RESULTS After colonoscopic removal of the worm and treatment with mebendazole during three days the patient's symptoms had completely resolved. Medical treatment with benzimidazole derivatives is easy and inexpensive. To prevent parasitic infections in larger populations, mass drug administration should be repeated periodically and must be implemented along with additional measures such as improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). These WASH programs have been proven to be highly effective, but access and follow-up are expensive and very difficult to organize in refugee camps, even in wealthy, industrialized countries. CONCLUSIONS Despite being an old, well-known parasitic disease, ascariasis might reappear in certain populations at risk in industrialized countries. Detection, treatment and follow-up of these patients, and the organization of preventive measures remain challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul-Emile Claus
- Clinical Laboratory of Microbiology, AZ Damiaan, Ostend, Belgium
| | | | - Mike Cool
- Department of Gastroenterology, AZ Damiaan, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Alliet
- Clinical Laboratory of Microbiology, AZ Damiaan, Ostend, Belgium
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Laoraksawong P, Sanpool O, Rodpai R, Thanchomnang T, Kanarkard W, Maleewong W, Kraiklang R, Intapan PM. Impact of the health education and preventive equipment package (HEPEP) on prevention of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among rural communities in Northeast Thailand: a cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1184. [PMID: 30340481 PMCID: PMC6194667 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strongyloidiasis is prevalent in northeast Thailand. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Health Education and Preventive Equipment Package (HEPEP), a package we developed to improve awareness and aid in the prevention of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among rural communities in northeast Thailand. Methods This was an intervention trial conducted in 12 villages (six interventions and six controls) in rural areas of northeast Thailand from March 2016 to September 2017. Single stool sample was collected from each participant and examined using agar plate culture (APC) technique. Each participant was interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire, treated with single dose of ivermectin (200 μg/Kg), and allocated to either the intervention or control group. Members of the intervention group were given “Practices to Prevent Strongyloidiasis” poster and vinyl boards containing information aimed at raising awareness of S. stercoralis and strongyloidiasis. In addition, they were given a poster lecture regarding the lifecycle of S. stercoralis before being treated with ivermectin. Aside from that, they were also given a protective equipment package. Monthly refresher courses were provided by village health volunteers (VHVs) regarding the health information they had received and proper equipment usage. The control group, on the other hand, was only provided with a five-minute lecture regarding strongyloidiasis. Assessment of new infection was conducted 3 months later in 327 and 318 participants in the intervention group and control group, respectively. Results The HEPEP had 41% greater efficacy in preventing S. stercoralis infection in the intervention group than the measures taken in the control group (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.41 to 0.85, P-value = 0.005). The intervention group also scored significantly higher on all aspects of a test of S. stercoralis knowledge compared with the control group (mean difference (mean dif.) = 2.89, P-value = < 0.05). Conclusions The HEPEP was the first model that has been found to be effective in controlling of S. stercoralis in rural communities in the northeast Thailand. The results should encourage policy makers and public health personnel to improve control programs, as well as health promotion, with regard to parasites. Trial registration Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR), Medical Research Foundation of Thailand, Medical Research Network of the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools: MedResNet (Thailand) (identification number: TCTR20180404002) Registered 4 April 2018 (retrospectively registered). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6081-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pokkamol Laoraksawong
- Department of Public Health Administration, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Rutchanee Rodpai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Tongjit Thanchomnang
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - Wanida Kanarkard
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Ratthaphol Kraiklang
- Department of Public Health Administration, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
| | - Pewpan M Intapan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. .,Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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Palmeirim MS, Ouattara M, Essé C, Koffi VA, Assaré RK, Hürlimann E, Coulibaly JT, Diakité NR, Dongo K, Bonfoh B, Utzinger J, N'Goran EK, Raso G. Are schoolchildren less infected if they have good knowledge about parasitic worms? A case study from rural Côte d'Ivoire. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:951. [PMID: 30071839 PMCID: PMC6090757 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5776-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic worms (helminths) are common infections in low- and middle-income countries. For most helminth species, school-aged children are at highest risk of infection and morbidity, such as impaired cognitive and physical development. Preventive chemotherapy is the current mainstay for helminthiases control. Sanitation improvement and hygiene-related education are important complementary strategies, which act by altering children's behaviour. However, little is known about the effect of improved knowledge on the risk of helminth infection. The aim of this study was to assess the potential influence of knowledge that children acquired at home or in school, without any specific health education intervention, on helminth infections. METHODS In May 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in western Côte d'Ivoire. A total of 2498 children, aged 9-12 years, were subjected to three consecutive stool examinations using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears to determine infections with soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni. Additionally, children were interviewed to assess their knowledge about helminth infections. Four knowledge scores were constructed by factor analysis; one, reflecting general knowledge about helminths and three manifesting helminth species-specific knowledge. The effect of general and specific knowledge on children's helminth infection status was determined using meta-analysis. RESULTS Children who scored high in the hookworm-specific knowledge were less likely to be infected with hookworm but no association was found for the other helminth species. Moreover, greater general knowledge was not associated with lower odds of being infected with any helminth species. Most of the children interviewed believed that the effect of preventive chemotherapy is permanent, and hence, re-treatment is not necessary. CONCLUSIONS Specific knowledge about different types of helminths might not suffice to induce behavioural change which in turn reduces infection and reinfection with helminths. Health education interventions should strive to strengthen the perception of risk and to clarify the true benefit of preventive chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta S Palmeirim
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamadou Ouattara
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Clémence Essé
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Véronique A Koffi
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Rufin K Assaré
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Eveline Hürlimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean T Coulibaly
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nana R Diakité
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Kouassi Dongo
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eliézer K N'Goran
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Giovanna Raso
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Gizaw Z, Adane T, Azanaw J, Addisu A, Haile D. Childhood intestinal parasitic infection and sanitation predictors in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia. Environ Health Prev Med 2018; 23:26. [PMID: 29933747 PMCID: PMC6015452 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-018-0714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasites are a common problem in the world. The greater proportion of infections is associated with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This study was conducted to assess intestinal parasites, WASH condition, and their association in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was employed. Two hundred twenty-five children aged 6–59 months were included. Mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and the living environment was observed using checklists. Kato-Katz technique was used to determine the intensity of parasitic infections. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was used as a biological indicator for drinking water quality. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify WASH predictors of parasites on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.8% (95% CI = 20.3–32.0%). Ascaris lumbricoides (78%), hookworm (12%), Hymenolepis nana (7%), Enterobius vermicularis (5%), Schistosoma mansoni (3%), Giardia lamblia (3%), and Trichuris trichiuria (2%) were identified infections. Intestinal parasites were associated with poor child hand washing practice [AOR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.53, 9.75], unprotected water sources [AOR = 7.79, 95% CI = 3.30, 18.40], access to water below 20 l/c/d [AOR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.28, 7.23], poor food safety[AOR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.62, 11.58], and poor sanitation [AOR = 5.01, 95% CI = 1.56, 16.16]. Conclusion A. lumbricoides, hookworm, H. nana, E. vermicularis, S. mansoni, G. lamblia, and T. trichiuria were identified. Child hand washing practice, service level of water supply, water sources, food safety, and sanitation were associated with intestinal parasites. WASH promotion is needed to prevent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Tsegaye Adane
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jember Azanaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Addisu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Haile
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Coulibaly JT, Ouattara M, Barda B, Utzinger J, N'Goran EK, Keiser J. A Rapid Appraisal of Factors Influencing Praziquantel Treatment Compliance in Two Communities Endemic for Schistosomiasis in Côte d'Ivoire. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3020069. [PMID: 30274465 PMCID: PMC6073597 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, a significant reduction in the prevalence of schistosomiasis has been achieved, partially explained by the large-scale administration of praziquantel. Yet, the burden of schistosomiasis remains considerable, and factors influencing intervention coverage are important. This study aimed to deepen the understanding of low treatment coverage rates observed in two schistosomiasis-endemic villages in Côte d’Ivoire. The research was conducted in August 2015, in Moronou and Bigouin, two villages of Côte d’Ivoire that are endemic for Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively. After completion of a clinical trial, standard praziquantel treatment (single 40 mg/kg oral dose) was offered to all village inhabitants by community health workers using a house-to-house approach. Factors influencing treatment coverage were determined by a questionnaire survey, randomly selecting 405 individuals. The overall treatment coverage rate was only 47.6% (2730/5733) with considerable intervillage heterogeneity (27.7% in Bigouin (302/1091) versus 52.3% in Moronou (2428/4642)). Among the 200 individuals interviewed in Moronou, 50.0% were administered praziquantel, while only 19.5% of the 205 individuals interviewed in Bigouin received praziquantel. The main reasons for low treatment coverage were work-related (agricultural activities), the bitter taste of praziquantel and previous experiences with adverse events. The most suitable period for treatment campaigns was reported to be the dry season. More than three-quarter of the interviewees who had taken praziquantel (overall, 116/140; Moronou, 84/100; Bigouin, 32/40) declared that they would not participate in future treatments (p < 0.001). In order to enhance praziquantel treatment coverage, careful consideration should be given to attitudes and practices, such as prior or perceived adverse events and taste of praziquantel, and appropriate timing, harmonized with agricultural activities. Without such understanding, breaking the transmission of schistosomiasis remains a distant goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean T Coulibaly
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BP 770, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Mamadou Ouattara
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BP 770, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Beatrice Barda
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Eliézer K N'Goran
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BP 770, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland.
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Raso G, Essé C, Dongo K, Ouattara M, Zouzou F, Hürlimann E, Koffi VA, Coulibaly G, Mahan V, Yapi RB, Koné S, Coulibaly JT, Meïté A, Guéhi-Kabran MC, Bonfoh B, N'Goran EK, Utzinger J. An Integrated Approach to Control Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, Schistosomiasis, Intestinal Protozoa Infection, and Diarrhea: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2018; 7:e145. [PMID: 29895511 PMCID: PMC6019843 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.9166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global strategy to control helminthiases (schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis) emphasizes preventive chemotherapy. However, in the absence of access to clean water, improved sanitation, and adequate hygiene, reinfection after treatment can occur rapidly. Integrated approaches might be necessary to sustain the benefits of preventive chemotherapy and make progress toward interruption of helminthiases transmission. Objective The aim of this study was to assess and quantify the effect of an integrated control package that consists of preventive chemotherapy, community-led total sanitation, and health education on soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, intestinal protozoa infection, and diarrhea in rural Côte d’Ivoire. Methods In a first step, a community health education program was developed that includes an animated cartoon to promote improved hygiene and health targeting school-aged children, coupled with a health education theater for the entire community. In a second step, a cluster randomized trial was implemented in 56 communities of south-central Côte d’Ivoire with 4 intervention arms: (1) preventive chemotherapy; (2) preventive chemotherapy plus community-led total sanitation; (3) preventive chemotherapy plus health education; and (4) all 3 interventions combined. Before implementation of the aforementioned interventions, a baseline parasitologic, anthropometric, and hygiene-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs survey was conducted. These surveys were repeated 18 and 39 months after the baseline cross-sectional survey to determine the effect of different interventions on helminth and intestinal protozoa infection, nutritional indicators, and knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs. Monitoring of diarrhea was done over a 24-month period at 2-week intervals, starting right after the baseline survey. Results Key results from this cluster randomized trial will shed light on the effect of integrated approaches consisting of preventive chemotherapy, community-led total sanitation, and health education against infections with soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomes, an intestinal protozoa and prevention of diarrhea in a rural part of Côte d’Ivoire. Conclusions The research provided new insights into the acceptability, strengths, and limitations of an integrated community-based control package targeting helminthiases, intestinal protozoa infections, and diarrhea in rural communities of Côte d’Ivoire. In the longer term, the study will allow determining the effect of the integrated control approach on infection patterns with parasitic worms and intestinal protozoa, diarrheal incidence, anthropometric measures, and hygiene-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs. Trial Registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 53102033; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN53102033 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wpnXEiHo) Registered Report Identifier RR1-10.2196/9166
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Raso
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clémence Essé
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Kouassi Dongo
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de Terre et des Ressources Minières, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Mamadou Ouattara
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Fabien Zouzou
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,FAIRMED, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Hürlimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Veronique A Koffi
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gaoussou Coulibaly
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Virginie Mahan
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de Terre et des Ressources Minières, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,UNICEF Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Richard B Yapi
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Siaka Koné
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jean Tenena Coulibaly
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Aboulaye Meïté
- Programme National de Lutte contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées à Chimiothérapie Préventive, Ministère de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Eliézer Kouakou N'Goran
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Folefac LN, Nde-Fon P, Verla VS, Tangye MN, Njunda AL, Luma HN. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding urinary schistosomiasis among adults in the Ekombe Bonji Health Area, Cameroon. Pan Afr Med J 2018; 29:161. [PMID: 30050625 PMCID: PMC6057561 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2018.29.161.14980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Urinary schistosomiasis (US) is endemic in Cameroon. Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) are important aspects for control of the disease. However, data on these remain scanty. We aimed at evaluating knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding urinary schistosomiasis among adults in households in the Ekombe Bonji health area. Methods A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out at Ekombe Bonji health area from February to March, 2017, involving all 12 communities. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding urinary schistosomiasis among 198 adults and to record their socio-demographic, environmental and clinical variables. Data were stored in Excel version 2013 and analysed using Stata version 14.2. Results Of the 198 adults interviewed, only 35.4% had prior knowledge about urinary schistosomiasis. Among these, 94.3%, 74.3%, 57.7% knew the signs and symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures respectively. Only 14.3% knew the cause and treatment. 81.2% considered urinary schistosomiasis a serious disease and 77.1% believed it could be prevented, albeit, their practices to prevent infection were inadequate. Conclusion Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding urinary schistosomiasis among adults are inadequate, since most of them are not aware of the disease. Therefore, there is need for community-based interventions especially health education to effectively reduce the disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ngolere Folefac
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Peter Nde-Fon
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Vincent Siysi Verla
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Michael Nkemanjong Tangye
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Anna Longdoh Njunda
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Henry Namme Luma
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Central Region, Cameroon
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Araújo HDA, Silva LRS, Siqueira WN, Fonseca CSM, Silva NH, Melo AMMA, Martins MCB, Lima VLM. Toxicity of Usnic Acid from Cladonia substellata (Lichen) to embryos and adults of Biomphalaria glabrata. Acta Trop 2018; 179:39-43. [PMID: 29183853 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the molluscicidal activity of usnic acid isolated from Cladonia substellata Vanio (lichen) on embryos at various stages of development and in adult mollusks of Biomphalaria glabrata. The toxicity of usnic acid was also evaluated through Artemia salina larvae mortality. Usnic acid was extracted with diethyl ether, isolated, purified, and its structure confirmed by analyzing the spectra of proton nuclear magnetic resonance. LC90 for 24 h of exposure were 1.62, 4.45, 5.36, and 4.49 μg mL-1 for blastula, gastrula, trocophore, and veliger embryonic stages, respectively, and 3.45 μg mL-1 for adult snails; LC50 of usnic acid against A. salina was 2.46 μg mL-1. LC90 assessed 7 days after exposure was 2.56 μg mL-1 for adult mollusks. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that under laboratory conditions usnic acid has teratogenic and molluscicide potential to control the aquatic snail B. glabrata and may prove to be a promising candidate in the search for new molluscicide agents, but further detailed studies on its molluscicidal effect and possible environmental effects are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallysson D A Araújo
- Departamento de Bioquímica-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, S/N, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luanna R S Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Williams N Siqueira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Caíque S M Fonseca
- Departamento de Bioquímica-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, S/N, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Nicácio H Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, S/N, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ana M M A Melo
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica C B Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, S/N, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Geográficas-CFCH, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50740-530, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Vera L M Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica-CB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, S/N, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Means AR, van Lieshout L, Brienen E, Yuhas K, Hughes JP, Ndungu P, Singa B, Walson JL. Combined effectiveness of anthelmintic chemotherapy and WASH among HIV-infected adults. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0005955. [PMID: 29346385 PMCID: PMC5773082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Current global helminth control guidelines focus on regular deworming of targeted populations for morbidity control. However, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions may also be important for reducing helminth transmission. We evaluated the impact of different potential helminth protective packages on infection prevalence, including repeated treatment with albendazole and praziquantel with and without WASH access. Methodology/Principal findings We conducted a cohort study nested within a randomized trial of empiric deworming of HIV-infected adults in Kenya. Helminth infections and infection intensity were diagnosed using semi-quantitative real-time PCR. We conducted a manual forward stepwise model building approach to identify if there are packages of interventions that may be protective against an STH infection of any species (combined outcome) and each helminth species individually. We conducted secondary analyses using the same approach only amongst individuals with no anthelmintis exposure. We used interaction terms to test for potential intervention synergy. Approximately 22% of the 701 stool samples provided were helminth-infected, most of which were of low to moderate intensity. The odds of infection with any STH species were lower for individuals who were treated with albendazole (aOR:0.11, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.20, p<0.001), adjusting for age and sex. Although most WASH conditions demonstrated minimal additional benefit in reducing the probability of infection with any STH species, access to safe flooring did appear to offer some additional protection (aOR:0.34, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.56, p<0.001). For schistosomiasis, only treatment with praziquantel was protective (aOR:0.30 95%CI: 0.14, 0.60, p = 0.001). Amongst individuals who were not treated with albendazole or praziquantel, the most protective intervention package to reduce probability of STH infections included safe flooring (aOR:0.34, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.59, p<0.001) and latrine access (aOR:0.59, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.99, p = 0.05). Across all species, there was no evidence of synergy or antagonism between anthelmintic chemotherapy with albendazole or praziquantel and WASH resources. Conclusions/Significance Deworming is effective in reducing the probability of helminth infections amongst HIV-infected adults. With the exception of safe flooring, WASH offers minimal additional benefit. However, WASH does appear to significantly reduce infection prevalence in adults who are not treated with chemotherapy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00507221. More than 2 billion people are infected with soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis globally. In addition to deworming with albendazole and praziquantel, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) may be needed to reduce the risk of helminth reinfection and ultimately to break transmission. However evidence on the effectiveness of integrated deworming and WASH programs are mixed. Using data from a randomized controlled trial of deworming among HIV-infected adults in Kenya, we evaluated the associations between different potential packages of deworming and WASH interventions with helminth prevalence. We also aimed to understand if there was a benefit to accessing both WASH and deworming (i.e. synergy). Our findings indicate that deworming treatments were effective in reducing the probability of infection with most helminth species. Of the WASH conditions assessed, safe flooring and latrine access significantly reduced the probability of helminth infections among adults with access to treatment. However WASH may play a more prominent protective role among individuals without access to deworming treatments. These findings also suggest minimal synergistic benefit of coordinated anthelmintic chemotherapy and WASH in this population. These findings have important implications for adult populations who are currently not targeted by deworming campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna R. Means
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- DeWorm3, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eric Brienen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Krista Yuhas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James P. Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Ndungu
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benson Singa
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Judd L. Walson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- DeWorm3, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Assoum M, Ortu G, Basáñez MG, Lau C, Clements ACA, Halton K, Fenwick A, Soares Magalhães RJ. Spatiotemporal distribution and population at risk of soil-transmitted helminth infections following an eight-year school-based deworming programme in Burundi, 2007-2014. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:583. [PMID: 29169386 PMCID: PMC5701347 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Investigating the effect of successive annual deworming rounds on the spatiotemporal distribution of infection prevalence and numbers at risk for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) can help identify communities nearing elimination and those needing further interventions. In this study, we aim to quantify the impact of an 8-year mass drug administration (MDA) programme (from 2007 to 2014) on the spatiotemporal distribution of prevalence of STH infections and to estimate the number of school-aged children infected with STHs in Burundi. Methods During annual longitudinal school-based surveys in Burundi between 2007 and 2011, STH infection and anthropometric data for a total of 40,656 children were collected; these data were supplemented with data from a national survey conducted in 2014. Bayesian model based geostatistics (MBG) were used to generate predictive prevalence maps for each STH species and year. The numbers of children at-risk of infection per district between 2008 and 2014 were estimated as the product of the predictive prevalence maps and population density maps. Results Overall, the degree of spatial clustering of STH infections decreased between 2008 and 2011; in 2014 the geographical clusters of all STH infections reappeared. The reduction in prevalence was small for Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in the centre and central north of the country. Our predictive prevalence maps for hookworm indicate a reduction in prevalence along the periphery of the country. The predicted number of children infected with any STH species decreased substantially between 2007 and 2011, but in 2014 there was an increase in the predicted number of children infected with A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. In 2014, the districts with the highest predicted number of children infected with A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworms were Kibuye district (n = 128,903), Mabayi district (n = 35,302) and Kiremba (n = 87,511), respectively. Conclusions While the MDA programme in Burundi resulted in a reduction in STH prevalence, this reduction was spatiotemporally heterogeneous, with some pockets of high prevalence remaining, suggesting that treatment coverage and complementary interventions should be evaluated to improve impact. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2505-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Assoum
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland (Gatton Campus), Via Warrego Highway QLD, Gatton, 4343, Australia. .,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Giuseppina Ortu
- Present address: Malaria Consortium Headquarters. Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street EC2A 4LT, London, UK
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Imperial College London, School of Public Health, Norfolk Place W2 1PG, London, UK
| | - Colleen Lau
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kate Halton
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alan Fenwick
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, W2 1PG, London, UK
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhães
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland (Gatton Campus), Via Warrego Highway QLD, Gatton, 4343, Australia
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50
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Campbell SJ, Biritwum NK, Woods G, Velleman Y, Fleming F, Stothard JR. Tailoring Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Targets for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis and Schistosomiasis Control. Trends Parasitol 2017; 34:53-63. [PMID: 29055522 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization's (WHO) 2015-2020 Global Strategy on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encourages integration, whilst maintaining existing structured NTD investments, and acceleration towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. Accordingly, SDG-associated and WASH-NTD indicators have been developed, commencing important intersectoral dialogue, alongside opportunities for future disease-specific refinements. The rationale for soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH)- and schistosomiasis-specific WASH considerations, and a traffic-light figure, are presented here to indicate where current international definitions may, or may not, suffice. Certain unique aspects in control dynamics and parasitic lifecycles, however, necessitate additional implementation research with more appropriate measurement indicators developed to record programmatic interventions and to define strategic priorities more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy J Campbell
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK; Present address: Deworm the World Initiative, Evidence Action, Brisbane, 4020, Australia.
| | - Nana-Kwadwo Biritwum
- National Neglected Tropical Disease Control Programme, Ghana Health Services, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Fiona Fleming
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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