A CGE Analysis of the Short-run Welfare Effects of Tariff Liberalisation in Uganda

CGE modelling, tariff liberalisation, Uganda

Are Inequality and Trade Liberalization Influences on Growth and Poverty?

Trade, Inequality, Growth, Poverty, Developing countries

Examining the Relationship between Urogenital Schistosomiasis and HIV Infection

Urogenital schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by a worm, Schistosoma haematobium, which lives in the bloodstream of infected individuals. It affects at least 112 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, and has been suggested to be a risk factor for becoming infected with HIV. We reviewed publications in order to examine whether it seems likely that this parasitic infection could be a risk factor for HIV. Evidence from many types of studies supports the hypothesis that urogenital schistosomiasis does increase a person's risk of becoming infected with HIV. Studies also suggest that individuals who have both urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV have a more aggressive HIV infection and can more easily transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Praziquantel is an oral, nontoxic, inexpensive medication that is safe in pregnancy and is recommended for treatment of schistosomiasis. In areas where both infections co-exist, regular administration of praziquantel both to young girls and to sexually-active women may be an important approach to reducing HIV transmission. Our findings support the importance of making praziquantel more available to people who live in areas of the world where both urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV infection are widespread

Tackling the Complexities of the Obesity Pandemic Among the BAME Population in the UK Through Identification of the Social Determinants of Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Narrative Review

Obesity\u27s multifaceted causes give rise to a complex and diverse range of health associated morbidities and comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, particularly among British Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations within in the UK. As found within the recent COVID-19 pandemic these can have wider reaching implications including increased risk of mortality within this population group. Understanding the potential social determinants of the causes of obesity is essential if effective strategies are to be developed to tackle this. A comprehensive search of the CINAHL, ASSIA and Web of Science databases was undertaken with 148 papers identified. Through application of inclusion and exclusion criteria two papers were included within this review. Inductive content analysis was undertaken, through which four conceptual categories were identified: impact of social culture, the limitless consequences of empowerment, the power of knowledge, and external elements. Social determinants such as culture, perception, family, and mental health have been found to impact significantly on the ability of many individuals within the BAME population to effectively engage with obesity and weight loss strategies. A greater understanding of these social determinants is needed if future strategies aimed at addressing the obesity pandemic within this population is to be effective

A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Obesity, Body Image, and Mental Health of British-Born Afro-Caribbean Male Students at a West Yorkshire University in England

Obesity, body image, and depression are all biopsychosocial phenomena that are frequently misunderstood across cultures. Body dissatisfaction is a psychological aspect of obesity that has been associated with disordered eating, low self-esteem, and depression. Nevertheless, body image dissatisfaction may affect non-obese individuals too. Those with a positive body image are more likely to participate in physical activity than those with a negative body image. Individuals who are satisfied with their body image are more likely to possess high self-esteem, confidence, and healthy eating habits. Obesity prevention among the black population is increasingly important. This study sought to examine the perceptions and experiences of British-born Afro-Caribbean male students at a West Yorkshire University in England regarding obesity, body image, and mental health. Twelve participants took part in 45-minute semi-structured interviews. The data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results revealed four major themes: healthy lifestyle monitoring, body image attitude, experiences of attempting to maintain weight, and reasons for weight change. Clinically obese individuals exhibited dissatisfaction with their body image. Depression was found to be strongly related to dissatisfaction with one\u27s body image. Obesity is stigmatized and associated with low self-esteem in many societies in the United Kingdom, which impacts mental health. Future health promotion programs should teach obese individuals who are dissatisfied with their body image to deal with emotions like shame, guilt, and pride. Furthermore, individuals should adopt healthier eating habits and increase their physical activity, which is a broad strategy to reduce the incidence of obesity

Exploring the barriers and facilitators to making healthy physical activity lifestyle choices among UK BAME adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: asystematic review of qualitative study

Physical activity (PA) is widely recognised as being integral to physical and mental wellbeing. The World Health Organisation recommends around 150–300minutes of moderately intense PA per week for adults aged 18–64years. Physical inactivity costs the UK £7.4 billion per year and is associated with one out of every six deaths that occur in the country. The review aims at exploring the barriers and facilitators to making healthy PA lifestyle choices among UK BAME adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Database searches were conducted in CINAHL, AMED, Medline, SCOPUS, COCHRANE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. There are 53 records that were identified. After removing three duplicates, the titles and abstracts of 50 papers were screened. Of these, all but 50 studies were excluded after reviewing the title and abstracts, resulting in no studies eligible for inclusion. Data extraction using the JBI-QARI data extraction template was performed, followed by a narrative synthesis of the resulting data; however, no eligible studies were identified. This empty systematic review without meta-analysis, highlighted major research gaps and indicated the state of the evidence between 2019–2021. The review has, through the application of theoretical models (COM-B and TTM), highlighted themes that need to be addressed

Determinants of circumcision and willingness to be circumcised by Rwandan men, 2010

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Male Circumcision (MC) has been recommended as one of the preventive measures against sexual HIV transmission by the World Health Organization (WHO). Rwanda has adopted MC as recommended but the country is a non-traditionally circumcising society. The objective was to explore knowledge and perception of Rwandan men on Male Circumcision (MC) and to determine the factors associated with the willingness to be circumcised and to circumcise their sons.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This cross sectional study was conducted in 29 districts of Rwanda between January and March 2010. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire among men aged 15-59 years. The rate of MC was measured and its perception from respondents, and then the factors associated with the willingness to go for MC were analysed using multiple logistic regressions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 1098 men were interviewed. Among respondents 17% (95% CI 14-19%) reported being circumcised. About three-quarter (72%) could define MC, but 37% of adolescent could not. Half of the participants were willing to get circumcised and 79% of men would accept circumcision for their sons. The main motivators for MC were its benefits in HIV/STI prevention (69%) and improving hygiene (49%). Being too old was the main reason (32%) reported by men reluctant to undergo MC and younger men were afraid of pain in particular those less than 19 years old (42%). The willingness to circumcise was significantly associated with younger age, living in the Eastern Province, marital status, and the knowledge of the preventive role of circumcision.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Adolescents and young adults were more willing to be circumcised. It is critical to ensure the availability of pain free services in order to satisfy the increasing demand for the scale up of MC in Rwanda.</p

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010: Interpretation and Implications for the Neglected Tropical Diseases

This article analyzes the "Global Burden of Disease Study 2010" and examines the study's implications for neglected tropical diseases