International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology

Abstract: Members of the Staphylococcus genus, especially Staphylococcus aureus, are the most common pathogens found in hospitals and in community-acquired infections. Some of their pathogenicity is associated with enzyme and toxin production. Until recently, S. aureus was the most studied species in the genus; however, in last few years, the rise of infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci has pointed out the need for further studies on virulence factors that have not yet been completely elucidated so as to bet…

Abstract: Parasitological evaluation of bovine trypanosomosis to assess its impact in 113 cattle from Ogunola, Olodo, and Imeko in derived savanna areas of Ogun State were carried out. Blood samples were collected aseptically and screened using standard trypanosome detection methods in addition to packed cell volume (PCV) determination. Results showed that mean prevalence rate of bovine trypanosomosis was 31.62% with varying prevalence across the communities Olodo (42.85%), Ogunola (39.13%) and Imeko (13.33%). Assessing age…

Abstract: Malaria infection during pregnancy causes maternal anaemia and placental parasitaemia both of which pose substantial risks to the mother, the foetus and the newborn. This study assessed the effects of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) using Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) to control malaria in pregnancy in the Offinso district, Ghana. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) between October 2005 and June 2006 in five health facilities in the District were studied. The effects of SP on parasitaemia, h…

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis still remains a substantial global threat due to ill defined mechanisms that enable this organism to persist and replicate. Although molecular methods have revolutionized the diagnostic techniques in tuberculosis, yet a conventional simple microscopy remains the most cheap, easy and simple method for its diagnosis. The only requirement for the same is a trained eye to identify different pleomorphic forms of acid fast bacilli from the clinical specimen. We present here a case report of tub…

Abstract: Our aim was to determine whether the use of serum inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), either individually or in combination, is significantly associated with community-acquired pneumonia and to determine the role in assessment of the severity and outcome. This study was a prospective cohort study, included forty Trinidadian patients diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia. Blood samples were collected to measure inflammatory marker…

Abstract: To analyze the results and outcome of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair as a relatively new technique in our setup. Prospective study from June 2007 to June 2008. Surgical- D Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. All the patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. The patients were evaluated clinically and by investigations. After appropriate preparation, laparoscopic mesh repair was performed. Intra and post operative complications and the outcome were noted and the whole data analyzed. Out of the…

Abstract: The study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of premarital sex and its associated factors among bedsit-living students. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hue city, Vietnam in 2015. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to recruit students. Data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire at participant’s room. A total of 730 students (men/women: 44.2%/55.8%, mean age: 20.9 years) were enrolled. Prevalence of premarital sex was 11.9% with an average age of first…

Abstract: Many studies in the rural communities in Imo State have revealed that the levels of water and sanitation services are generally unsatisfactory. This has led to high prevalence of many diseases associated with water scarcity and poor hygiene. This study examined the role of the European Union Micro -Projects Program in water and sanitation in the reduction of the incidence of some of these diseases in the rural areas of Imo State. 540 subjects were randomly selected and interviewed in 15 rural communities that benef…

Abstract: This paper uses District Level House Survey (DLHS) and National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data to investigate the use and knowledge of contraceptive methods within two religious communities in India, Muslim and Hindu. The obligations and tenets of their religion require Muslim women to defer from using any contraceptive method. Such commitments to one’s faith may turn out to be a deterrent in the use of contraception by this community. Given the data for Hindu and Muslims, it was found that the use and knowledge…

Abstract: The present study was conducted at Kassala hospital in eastern Sudan over six month’s duration (April to October, 2009) to determine antenatal care coverage, risk of anemia, obstructed labor, preterm birth and low birth weight among teenage primiparous women ([...]

Abstract: Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of modern times, especially in the UK, with its attendant negative health consequences and huge wider cost to the society. This paper aims to shed more light, stimulate debate and further research into the fifth wave of public health as well as emphasizing the strength and pitfall of basic principles of public health in addressing obesity. It examines the problem by drawing evidence from the literature, arguments and empirical observations and then theorizing…

Abstract: A systematic review was conducted of epidemiological studies focusing on the association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and coronary heart disease (CHD) in order to summarize the evidence and to identify scope for further study in South Asian countries. PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases were searched to find epidemiological studies (cohort, case-control and cross-sectional) published until 27 October, 2011. The search revealed 592 relevant references, from which 18 epidemiological studies were selected…

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe the essential elements of information, to assess the quality of content, to audit the referral practice and to identify the determinants of both good referral and practice from the general practitioners’ referral letters received at a tertiary hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive and evaluative study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of the Dr. George Mukhari Hospital in Pretoria. A sample of 303 general practitioner (GP) referral letters was collected from 25 May to…

Abstract: Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito-borne viral infection which is emerging fast in terms of mortality and morbidity in humans worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. DF is characterized clinically by headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, integumentary rashes, and sometimes with haemorrhagic manifestations. Aedes aegypti, the main vector species of dengue fever/dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is commonly found in urban areas which can be attributed to the availability of breeding sit…

Abstract: Home-based care has emerged as an effective method of providing cost-effective and compassionate care to those infected with HIV and AIDS. Traditionally, women have been in the forefront in the provision of care for those infected with HIV/AIDS. However, there was low male involvement in home-based care services and little research has been done. This paper assesses community attitudes towards male involvement in home-based HIV care activities in Western Kenya. It is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Current act…