F16RS SGR No. 17 (Work Order MyLSU)

TO URGE AND REQUEST FACILITY SERVICES TO RESTORE OR CREATE AN ONLINE PORTAL FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF TO SUBMIT WORK ORDERS VIA MYLS

F16RS SGR No. 12 (Mental Health Syllabi)

TO URGE AND REQUEST THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND FACULTY SENATE TO INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES OFFERED BY THE LSU STUDENT HEALTH CENTER ON ALL COURSE SYLLAB

The role of family size, employment and education of parents in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in school children are a public health problem in most developing countries.</p><p>Methods and principal findings</p><p>A cross sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2016 with school children living in overcrowded urban slums in Accra, Ghana. A simple random sample of 300 children aged 2–9 years was collected. The study used structured pre-tested questionnaire and stool tests to obtain information on epidemiological, sanitation habits, employment and education status of parents and children. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive, univariate and multivariable logistic tools of analyses. The mean age of participants was 6.9 years and 49% were males and 51.3% were females. <i>Giardia lamblia</i> was found in males (10.95%) and females (7.79%). Very low prevalences for <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i>, <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i>, <i>Taenia</i> species, and <i>Entamoeba coli</i> were detected. Whilst children from mothers (62.2%) and fathers (55.6%) with no education were often infected, a few children from fathers (22.2%) and mothers (6.7%) with no jobs were infected. Most of the infected children’s (93.7%) parents did not have any knowledge of IPIs. The educational and employment status of the mothers [p = 1.0 and p = 0.422] was not significant, however, the family size was a predisposing factor (p = 0.031) for parasitic infections.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Intestinal parasites were prevalent in children from overcrowded families and with no knowledge of IPIs. Educative programmes on IPIs, improving hygiene, and application of supportive programmes to elevate socioeconomic conditions may help reduce the burden of intestinal parasite carriage in children.</p></div

Microbial Assessment of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) Sold at Some Central Markets in Ghana

Background. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) has a high water content which predisposes it to spoilage by pathogenic bacteria that can pose significant health threats to consumers. Aim. The study aimed to determine the various pathogenic bacteria associated with tomatoes sold in some central markets in the Accra Metropolis. Method. A total of 120 tomatoes were sampled, out of which 60 fresh, firm, undamaged tomatoes and 60 spoilt tomatoes were analysed. Cut portions of the fresh and spoilt tomatoes were swabbed with sterile swabs and cultured on Blood agar, Nutrient agar, and MacConkey agar. The antibiogram of bacterial isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Results. Out of the 120 tomatoes analysed, a total of 66 bacterial isolates were recovered, 68.2% were associated with spoilt tomatoes, and 31.8% were from fresh tomatoes. Klebsiella sp. (34.8%), Enterobacter sp. (24.2%), and Citrobacter sp. (7.6%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Agbogbloshie market (36.4%) had both fresh (18.2%) and spoilt (18.2%) tomatoes contaminated, whilst Makola market (31.8%) had a higher spoilt (30.3%) tomatoes contaminated. Although none of the isolates expressed resistance to ciprofloxacin, resistance was found for ampicillin (63.1%), tetracycline (60.1%), and cefuroxime (59.1%). Conclusion. Varying levels of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes sold at various markets were found. Contamination might have been caused by poor sanitation, improper handling or transportation from the farms to the markets. The presence of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes raises concern on public health risks associated with the consumption of fresh tomatoes

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the school children.

<p>Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the school children.</p

Bivariate analysis for factors potentially associated with Intestinal parasites among children 2 to 9 years of age, residing in urban slums in Accra, Ghana who provided a stool sample for this study.

<p>Bivariate analysis for factors potentially associated with Intestinal parasites among children 2 to 9 years of age, residing in urban slums in Accra, Ghana who provided a stool sample for this study.</p

Univariate analysis of parents’ education and occupation with intestinal parasitic infection among children 2 to 9 years of age, residing in urban slums in Accra, Ghana who provided a stool sample for this study.

<p>Univariate analysis of parents’ education and occupation with intestinal parasitic infection among children 2 to 9 years of age, residing in urban slums in Accra, Ghana who provided a stool sample for this study.</p

Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors: a cross-sectional survey of some school children in a suburb in Accra, Ghana

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and establish some risk factors associated with the acquisition of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra, Ghana. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 15%. Giardia lamblia (10%) and Schistosoma mansoni (1.7%) were the common parasites found. Out of the 15% students postive for intestinal parasites, 13.6% had single parasites and 1.3% had double parasitic infections. Children between the ages of 4–5 and 6–7 years (20% each) had the most parasitic infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.1451), and source of drinking water (p = 0.8832). However, a statistically significant association between children infected with parasites and close proximity to domestic animals or pets was observed (p = 0.0284). Continuous education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and deworming of domestic animals or pets are required to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites in school children in Accra