East African journal of public health
-
East Afr J Public Health · Mar 2010
Pattern of drug use among elderly patients in public and private hospitals in Dar-as Salaam.
The aim of this study was to assess the use of potentially inappropriate medications in the elderly patients (> or = 65 years of age) according to the 2002 Beers criteria. ⋯ Based on the findings, there is a need for both the public and health care professionals to be aware of the harmful drugs in the old age so as to minimize occurrence of side effects.
-
East Afr J Public Health · Mar 2010
ReviewLessons learned during active epidemiological surveillance of Ebola and Marburg viral hemorrhagic fever epidemics in Africa.
To review epidemiological surveillance approaches used during Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever epidemics in Africa in the past fifteen years. Overall, 26 hemorrhagic epidemic outbreaks have been registered in 12 countries; 18 caused by the Ebola virus and eight by the Marburg virus. About 2551 cases have been reported, among which 268 were health workers (9,3%). ⋯ Collaboration with those in charge of the conservation of wildlife is essential for the early detection of viral hemorrhagic fever epidemics. Hemorrhagic fever epidemics caused by Ebola and Marburg viruses are occurring more and more frequently in Sub-Saharan Africa and only an adapted epidemiological surveillance system will allow for early detection and effective response.
-
East Afr J Public Health · Dec 2009
The quality of food, clothing and shelter provided to orphaned children under foster care in Kibera slums in Kenya.
To assess the quality of foster care with regard to the provision of food, clothing and shelter to orphaned children under foster care. ⋯ The quality of foster care is poor and the quantity is inadequate. There is evidence that families are struggling to provide adequate and good quality of food, clothing and shelter to orphaned children, exposing them to the risk of malnutrition, low self-esteem and respiratory tract infections.
-
East Afr J Public Health · Dec 2009
Prevalence and determinants of hypertension in the urban and rural population of a north Indian district.
Hypertension is a major contributor to the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Reports suggest that hypertension is rapidly increasing in developing countries like India. Non-communicable diseases are likely to overshadow infectious diseases in the coming years and pose a heavy strain on health budgets in our country. In this study we have tried to study the prevalence of hypertension in a north Indian population based on the recently formulated criteria of the JNC-7 and to identify the determinants of hypertension. ⋯ A high prevalence of hypertension was seen in the urban and rural population of a north Indian district Risk factors of hypertension were age and gender in urban as well as rural population. Diabetes, higher BMI values, decreased level of physical activity and increased waist circumference also significantly contributed to the risk of hypertension, which necessitates intervention at the primary health care level for its prevention.
-
East Afr J Public Health · Dec 2009
Social marketing and the fight against malaria in Africa: population services international (PSI) and insecticide treated nets (ITNS).
This textual analyses on Social marketing, Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and Population Services International (PSI) were undertaken to achieve two objectives: (a) to contribute to the continuing debate and search for a better strategy for combating malaria in sub-Saharan Africa; and (b) to contribute to theory building on social marketing. The analyses revealed that Malaria has reached an epidemic proportion and despite major inroads by PSI in combating malaria on the principles of social marketing, the strategies of pricing and segmentation of the clients are not appropriate for Sub-Saharan African countries that are mired in absolute poverty where majority of the rural communities eke a living on less than a dollar per day and the health sector does not receive priority attention from policy makers and politicians. The descriptive statistics and a one sample t test for the sampled countries suggest that sub-Saharan countries have not even met the hypothesized 5% investment of their GDP on health, compared to their counterparts, the developed countries, who are all above this figure. ⋯ The paper concludes by agreeing with Professors Curtis and Sachs that comprehensive malaria control in Africa is achievable by 2010, at the minimal cost if sound principles of public health and economics are observed. Millions of lives can be saved and Africa will be given vital help in escaping from the viscous circle of poverty and diseases that continue to grip the continent. The target for all intervention efforts should be to eliminate the cost factor and ensure free distribution of all malaria related treatment products.