Correlating food and nutritional patterns with cancers in the pediatric oncology population at two specialized hospitals in Tanzania

The research article was published by BMC Nutrition Volume 10, article number 10, (2024)Background This study of nutritional patterns in relation to cancers among pediatric oncology population in Tanzania was motivated by the lack of up-to-date information about the nutritional practices, the controversy around the importance of nutritional support and the lack of consistent nutritional criteria among pediatric oncology populations. Methods A survey study in two cancer referral hospitals of children diagnosed with any cancers, aged between 1 and 17 years inclusive and being eligible for enteral feeding included 131 children. Their demographic, nutritional, feeding and cancer profiles were analyzed descriptively through mapping and other approaches as well as inferentially using multinomial regression models to understand different aspects of nutrition for children suffering from cancers. Results The majority (15% or higher) of pediatric oncology population originated from the lake zone. Between 7 and 12% of pediatric oncology population originated from the Western zone. The top-three cancers with their percentages in the brackets were: Wilms Tumor (32%), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (26%) and Retinoblastoma (13%). About 69% of the pediatric oncology population ate foods that are rich in energy but poor in protein such as rice (21.5%), porridge (19.3%), banana (11.7%) and potatoes (10.2%). On the other hand, only 17.5% ate foods that are generally protein-rich such as meat (8.0%), fish (5.3%) and chicken (4.2%); and 12.7% ate milk (4.2%), beans (3.4%), vegetables (2.7%), eggs (1.9%) and fruits (1.5%). Cancers impacted food intake in about 60% of all children with cancers and affected appetite in 18.3% of them. Cancers caused vomiting in 16% and diarrhea in 6.1% of children. The majority of children with cancers (61.8%) took at least one meal while 34.4% took just snacks (p < 0.001). Conclusions The majority of pediatric oncology population had erratic nutritional patterns and took foods high in energy and poor in proteins. There is a two-way interaction between cancers and nutrition in which cancers affect general nutritional intake which could affect the cancer treatment outcomes in return. Therefore, it is important to consider these interactions while managing pediatric oncology populations in this and similar settings

Country and Economic Assessment for Aflatoxin Contamination and Control in Tanzania; A supplement to the 2012 Report

This report supplements the report released by the Abt Associates Inc in 2013 on the Country and Economic Assessment for Aflatoxins in Tanzania. It is an output of the work done by the United Republic of Tanzania, through national consultants led by the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), with support from the African Union Commission through the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA). Extensive information on knowledge and awareness of aflatoxins among Tanzanians as well as information on aflatoxin contamination for maize and groundnuts was collected. Data of aflatoxins contamination in rice from three main rice growing districts of Tanzania; Kilosa (Morogoro), Mbarali (Mbeya) and Misungwi (Shinyanga) were also collected. A review of existing food safety policies and those being developed, to identify gaps that could be addressed to strengthen the food safety system of Tanzania was also performed. In addition, a health and economic impact analysis for aflatoxins, based on aflatoxin biomarker data for children in Tabora, Iringa and Kilimanjaro, was done. The Tanzania Food Security Investment Plan (TAFSIP) document was reviewed to identify areas into which aflatoxin measures could be mainstreamed. The situation analysis and action planning was conducted in consultation with several key stakeholders including the government line ministries, regional economic communities (RECs), donors and the private sector. It was found that the general awareness about aflatoxins was low, amongst stakeholders interviewed. Furthermore, it was found that knowledge about Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is not widespread and that guidelines on GAP were not availablePAC

Effectiveness of Point of Entry Health Screening Measures among Travelers in the Detection and Containment of the International Spread of COVID-19: A Review of the Evidence

A research article was published by International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, volume 21,2024COVID-19 remains a communicable disease with the capacity to cause substantial damage to health and health systems. Enhanced health screening at points of entry (POEs) is a public health measure implemented to support early detection, prevention and response to communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to review the available evidence on the effectiveness of POE health screening in the detection and containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was registered under PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines in which the literature between 2019 and 2022 was retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Global Health, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar and international organizations. A total of 33,744 articles were screened for eligibility, from which 43 met the inclusion criteria. The modeling studies predicted POE screening able to detect COVID-19 in a range of 8.8% to 99.6%, while observational studies indicated a detection rate of 2% to 77.9%, including variants of concern depending on the screening method employed. The literature also indicated these measures can delay onset of the epidemic by 7 to 32 days. Based on our review findings, if POE screening measures are implemented in combination with other public health interventions such as rapid tests, they may help detect and reduce the spread of COVID-19

Correlates of diarrhea and stunting among under-five children in Ruvuma, Tanzania; a hospital-based cross-sectional study

This research article published by Elsevier, 2020Undernutrition affects 20% of children under five in the developing world. Stunting is a form of undernutrition when children have low height for their age. Global prevalence of stunting in 2019 was 21.4%, while current Tanzania national average is 34%. Ruvuma region has one of highest prevalence of stunting (44%) in Tanzania, which prompted this cross-sectional study on correlates responsible for this high prevalence. The study included randomly sampled children below 5 years of age who attended outpatient clinics at hospitals from Ruvuma between April – May 2019. The mean and median ages of children were 18 and 13 respectively. Among children, 46% were females and 45.6% were stunted. More male children (52%) were stunted than females. Through bivariate analysis, stunting was associated with gender (χ2 = 6.6759, df = 1, p = 0.009772), handwashing before food (χ2 = 5.1213, df = 1, p = 0.02363), location of hospital (χ2 = 3.851, df = 1, p = 0.04972) and use of Municipal garbage collection system (χ2 = 3.6814, df = 1, p = 0.05502). Moreover, diarrhea was associated with toilet sharing (χ2 = 5.4703, df = 1, p = 0.002), use of household's toilet (χ2 = 4.0224, df = 1, p = 0.004) and rinsing child feces into toilet (χ2 = 3.6814, df = 1, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that stunting risk increased with male gender (OR (95%CI) = 1.7945 (1.1944 – 2.712), age (OR (95%CI) = 1.3122 (1.1484 – 1.507), and decreased with handwashing before meal (OR (95%CI) = 0.5403 (0.3042 – 0.940). Finally, diarrhea risk increased with toilet sharing (OR (95%CI) = 2.154 (1.153 – 3.953) and decreased with child's use of toilet (OR (95%CI) = 0.510 (0.259 – 0.945). Our study revealed important correlates that determined observed high prevalence of stunting in Ruvuma. These correlates can be modified through health interventions to reduce this high prevalence

The Efficacy of Single-Dose versus Double-Dose Praziquantel Treatments on Schistosoma mansoni

Administering more than one treatment may increase Praziquantel cure and egg reduction rates, thereby hastening achievement of schistosomiasis transmission control. A total of 431 S. mansoni-infected schoolchildren were randomized to receive either a single or repeated 40 mg/kg Praziquantel dose. Heights, weights, and haemoglobin levels were determined using a stadiometer, weighing scale, and HemoCue, respectively. At 8 weeks, cure rate was higher on repeated dose (93.10%) compared to single dose (68.68%) (p0.05) and 8 (p>0.05) months with no difference in reinfection rate. No difference in the prevalence of stunting was observed between the two treatment regimens (p>0.05) at 8 months, but there was an increase in the prevalence of wasting among those on repeated dose (p0.05). To achieve reduction of transmission intensity and disease control in highly endemic areas, repeated treatments alone may not be sufficient. This trial was registered with PACTR201601001416338

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices Associated with Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children in Semi-Pastoral Communities Tanzania.

This research article published by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2018Undernutrition among under-five children is a public health concern in developing countries and has been linked with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. This study aimed at assessing WASH practices and its association with nutritional status of under-five children in semi-pastoral communities of Arusha. The study was cross-sectional in design. Mother-child pairs from 310 households in four villages of Monduli and Longido were involved. Weight and height of children were measured using weighing scale and length/height board, respectively. Children's age was recorded using clinic cards. Hemoglobin level of each child was tested using Hemo Cue Hb 201 + photometer (HemoCue AB, Ängelholm, Sweden) machine. Structured questionnaire was used to gather information on WASH, child morbidity, demographic, and sociocultural characteristics. Prevalence of stunted, underweight, wasted, anemia, and diarrhea were 31.6%, 15.5%, 4.5% 61.2%, and 15.5%, respectively. Children with diarrhea 2 weeks preceding the survey ( = 0.004), children using surface water for domestic purposes ( < 0.001), and those with uneducated mothers ( = 0.001) had increased risk of being stunted and underweight. Children introduced to complementary foods before 6 months of age ( = 0.02) or belonging to polygamous families ( = 0.03) had increased risk of being stunted. Consumption of cow's milk that is not boiled ( = 0.05) or being a boy ( = 0.03) was associated with underweight. Prevalence of undernutrition among under-five children in the population under study was alarming and it could be associated with poor WASH practices and other sociocultural factors. This study underlines the importance of incorporating WASH strategies in formulation of interventions targeting on promotion of nutrition and disease prevention in pastoral communities

The extended scope of neuroimaging and prospects in brain atrophy mitigation: a systematic review

This research article published by Elsevier B.V., 2020Brain atrophy is a condition associated with a reduction of brain volume. It is a common manifestation of aging even though it occurs in some childhood conditions and carried forward to pre-senile middle age. There are several causes of brain atrophy resulting in different patterns of brain volume loss which spans from focal, global, central, cortical, and hemiatrophy. These conditions are commonly associated with other neurodegenerative changes that lead to different dysfunctions. Neuroimaging is critical for the diagnosis, evaluation of lesions and quantification of the atrophy. However, radiological quantification of brain volume is done by both automated and manual methods to study brains basing a wide variation of cranial sizes and shapes. A multidisciplinary approach is the future of brain atrophy management. An extended scope of knowledge beyond image interpretation is inevitable

Influence of Land Cover and Host Species on Trypanosome Infection in Cattle and its Socio-Economic Impacts to Pastoralists of the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania

This research article published by the Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Volume 6 | Issue 1, 2020Introduction Trypanosome infections result into trypanosomosis in cattle and this is an infection detrimental to pastoralist income. The patterns of transmission are thought to be influenced by ecological factors including wildlife and land cover. We assessed the influence of the relative abundance of wildlife and land cover (cultivation and habitat type) on the presence of trypanosome infections in replicated cattle herds of the Maasai Steppe. Methodology We undertook a cohort field study in three villages of the Maasai Steppe: Sukuro, Kimotorok and Oltukai. The study took place in July 2017 and October 2017 and utilized 50 cattle from each village. Pastoralists were asked questions during each visit when blood sampled were taken to seek their viewpoint on the relative abundance of wildlife, habitat types and cultivation observed in the areas their cattle grazed. In addition, the percentage cover of cultivated land and habitat types in the grazing areas were determined during field visits and participatory mapping with pastoralists. A systematic review was used to understand the socio-economic importance of trypanosomosis. The species of trypanosomes in cattle were identified using nested Polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR). Results There was a significant and positive association between the presence of trypanosome infection and the abundance of wildlife within grazing areas, in particular the abundance of buffaloes (Odd Ratio > 1, P = 0.038, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.38) when cattle grazed in woodland habitats. Cultivation on grazing areas had a negative association with the presence of trypanosome infections (R < 1, P = 0.001, 95% CI 0.0614 to 0.0986) in cattle but this varied between villages. A systematic review showed that trypanosomosis had socio-economic impacts such as loss of income, reduced quality, and quantity of livestock products, management cost, and inadequate provisions of socio-services and potential zoonotic transmission to humans. Conclusion & recommendations The socio-economic impacts of trypanosomosis will continue to be a challenge to pastoralists when cattle are grazed close to wildlife areas which are infested with tsetse fly habitats. Control strategies for trypanosome infection in cattle on the Maasai Steppe should consider the interaction of cattle with ecological factors

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Human Taenia solium Cysticercosis in Mbulu District, Northern Tanzania

This research article was published by MDPI,2024.Background: Taeniosis and cysticercosis are human infections caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This study is a baseline for community-based intervention. We determined the prevalence of human cysticercosis and associated risk factors following a deworming program conducted throughout the country, with Mbulu District being among the districts in Northern Tanzania. Methods: Human cysticercosis was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag- ELISA). Household interviews and observations were conducted to identify risk factors for cysticercosis transmissions among households and communities. Results: Three hundred individuals participated in this study. The age ranged from 5 to 89 years, with a median of 19 years. The prevalence of human cysticercosis was 23 (7.67%). The prevalence was high with 6 (11.76%) among individuals aged 26 to 35 years and ±45 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence by age group, sex, or occupation. Among the 300 participants, 82 (27.3%) had received anthelmintics during the previous year; among these, 5 (21.7%) were infected. The likelihood of infection was low among anthelmintic users by 28% [0.72 (0.26–2.01)], but the protection was not significant. The communities differed in risk factors on the availability of a clean and safe water supply; 52.7% (46/86) of households visited had no pit latrine. The cysticercosis prevalence showed a significant difference in communities. Conclusions: The prevalence of human cysticercosis was high and associated with higher age groups. The prevalence was low among those who had taken anthelmintics and was associated with lower age groups. The current school deworming program has a positive effect on school children, while the elderly are at higher risk because the intervention did not target them. It is recommended to scale up anthelmintic intervention to higher age groups

A Review on the Status of Breast Cancer Care in Tanzania

This research article published by Multidisciplinary Cancer Investigation, 2020Tanzania continues to enjoy stability and growth in different sectors similar to other countries; however, some challenges persist in the health sector, especially in the area of cancer care. The current study aimed at reviewing social economic status (SES), as well as factors contributing to the increased burden of breast cancer (BC) in Tanzania. The current study reviewed different literature ranging from nationally/ internationally published statistics, academic publications, health information of non-governmental organizations, academic researchers, and other sources of health information to better understand the socioeconomic and BC care status in Tanzania. The current review showed that BC is still the second most prevalent malignant disease in Tanzania, and most of the patients referring to medical centers are in the advanced stage of the disease due to shortage and unaffordability of health care services. The majority of health-related interventions and investments target infectious diseases, including HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, as well as maternal and child health-related conditions, compared to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as BC. In spite of some setbacks and improvements in healthcare facilities (e g, novel techniques for early detection), the best way to address BC care is affordable fees for clinical and laboratory investigations, accessible treatment, palliative care, follow-up, rehabilitative care, and better management and allocation of resources