A cross-sectional study on mother’s knowledge, feeding practices, childcare and malnutrition in Sumbawanga, Tanzania

Background: Malnutrition is the major cause linked to many diseases and is a burden recognized in many developing countries including Tanzania. A child’s intake can have a significant impact on health, growth, and development. Understanding mothers’ knowledge of children’s intake can play a vital role in improving their nutritional status. This study aimed at exploring mothers’ knowledge, feeding practices, childcare, and malnutrition among children aged between six months and five years. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in Sumbawanga municipal, from September to December 2020. Data was collected from interviews filled in structured questionnaires among mothers of children aged six months to less than five years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 based on a total of 190 study participants. Descriptive statistics and c2 tests were used to assess the significance levels of associated variables. Results: The total sample of children included in the study was 190, therefore 190 mothers. Out of the 190 mothers, 65 (34.21%) had not attended formal education, 53 (27.89%) had a primary education level,  42 (22.11%) had a secondary education level and 30 (15.79%) has a college or university education level. The majority of mothers, 145 (51.58%) were single, divorced or widowed whereas the majority of mothers, 51.58% (98) were not employed. Marital status and education level had an impact on child’s care and malnutrition reported cases (c2 = 15.06, p < 0.0001). Food availability in families of many children with more individuals living together showed to be significantly associated with incidences related to malnutrition (χ2 = 25.76, p < 0.001). Mother’s feeding practices of less than two times a day showed to be significantly associated with and incidences related to malnutrition (χ2 = 23.54, p < 0.0001). Mother’s good maternal care showed to be significantly associated with attendance to ANC services and husband/ partner's financial support (χ2 = 43.22, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Current mothers’ knowledge and practices about malnutrition and incidences of nutritional related-illness in children in Sumbawanga municipal calls for urgent health education to improve children’s health status

Contraceptive practices among women of reproductive age in Mbeya, Tanzania

Background: Non-utilisation of contraceptive contribute to unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, which are major public health problems in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa. Our study investigated contributing factors and contraceptive use practices among women of reproductive age in Mbeya, Tanzania. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on women attending reproductive and child health clinics. Data obtained included participants’ age, education and other demographic characteristics. Awareness of family planning methods, use, attitudes, advocacy and practices were also recorded. A χ2 test was used to examine the association between selected variables.  Results: A total of 217 respondents participated in the study, of which the majority were between the ages of 21 and 26 (mean age = 26.96, standard deviation = 1.37). The majority of the respondents, 157 (72.4%) were married with mostly 1-2 children and had a primary school education or without formal education, 155 (71.4%).  191 (88.0%) respondents had heard about at least one contraceptive for family planning. Injectable was the most known method of family planning, as reported by 158 (72.8%) participants. Awareness about family planning methods and use was significantly associated with educational level (χ2 = 43.01, p = 0.0002). Conclusion: Our study shows awareness and willingness to use family planning methods in Mbeya. Hence, it promotes a better life for families. However, more studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the various reasons affecting some non-utilisation of family planning and how these can be addressed

Immunophoretic rapid diagnostic tests as a source of immunoglobulins for estimating malaria sero-prevalence and transmission intensity

RIGHTS : This article is licensed under the BioMed Central licence at http://www.biomedcentral.com/about/license which is similar to the 'Creative Commons Attribution Licence'. In brief you may : copy, distribute, and display the work; make derivative works; or make commercial use of the work - under the following conditions: the original author must be given credit; for any reuse or distribution, it must be made clear to others what the license terms of this work are.Abstract Background Sero-epidemiological methods are being developed as a tool for rapid assessment of malaria transmission intensity. Simple blood collection methods for use in field settings will make this more feasible. This paper describes validation of such a method, by analysing immunoglobulins from blood retained within immunophoretic rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Plasmodium falciparum. RDTs are now widely used for the diagnosis of malaria and estimation of parasite rates, and this method represents a further use for these devices in malaria control. Methods Immunoglobulins eluted from RDTs, designed to detect parasite histidine rich protein-2 (HRP-2), were analysed by indirect ELISA for IgG recognizing the P. falciparum blood stage antigens merozoite surface protein-119 (MSP-119) and apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1). Optimal storage conditions for RDTs were evaluated by comparing antibody responses from RDTs stored in dry or humid conditions at 4°C or at ambient temperature (with or without air-conditioning) for 7, 31 or 70 days. Antibody levels estimated using 3,700 RDT samples from attendees at health facilities in North-eastern Tanzania were compared with contemporaneously collected filter paper blood spots (FPBS) and used to estimate seroconversion rates. Results Storage of RDTs at 4°C was optimal for immunoglobulin recovery but short-term storage at ambient temperatures did not substantially affect anti-malarial IgG levels. Results from RDTs were comparable with those from FPBSs, for both antigens. RDT-generated titres tended to be slightly higher than those generated from FPBSs, possibly due to greater recovery of immunoglobulins from RDTs compared to filter paper. Importantly, however, RDT-based seroconversion rates, and hence serological estimates of malaria transmission intensity, agreed closely with those from FPBSs. Conclusion RDTs represent a practical option for collecting blood for sero-epidemiological surveys, with potential cost and logistical advantages over filter paper and other blood collection methods. RDT-based seroepidemiology can be incorporated into routine monitoring of malaria endemicity, providing information to supplement parasite prevalence rates and generating rapid, robust assessment of malaria transmission intensity at minimal extra cost.Published versio

Defining malaria burden from morbidity and mortality records, self treatment practices and serological data in Magugu, Babati District, northern Tanzania

Malaria morbidity and mortality data from clinical records provide essential information towards defining disease burden in the area and for planning control strategies, but should be augmented with data on transmission intensity and serological data as measures for exposure to malaria. The objective of this study was to estimate the malaria burden based on serological data and prevalence of malaria, and compare it with existing self-treatment practices in Magugu in Babati District of northern Tanzania. Prospectively, 470 individuals were selected for the study. Both microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) were used for malaria diagnosis. Seroprevalence of antibodies to merozoite surface proteins (MSP-119) and apical membrane antigen (AMA-1) was performed and the entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was estimated. To complement this information, retrospective data on treatment history, prescriptions by physicians and use of bed nets were collected. Malaria prevalence in the area was 6.8% (32/470). Of 130 individuals treated with artemisinin combination therapy (ACT), 22.3 % (29/130) were slide confirmed while 75.3% (98/130) of them were blood smear negative. Three of the slides confirmed individuals were not treated with ACT. Fever was reported in 38.2% of individuals, of whom 48.8 % (88/180) were given ACT. Forty-two (32.3%) of those who received ACT had no history of fever. About half (51.1%) of those treated with ACT were childre

Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in selected military camps in Tanzania

Background: Despite a decrease in malaria burden reported between 2000 and 2015, an increasing trend of malaria transmission has been recently reported in some endemic countries including Tanzania. Periodic monitoring to identify pocket areas for asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection   is vital for malaria elimination efforts. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections among military recruits in selected camps in Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 at four military camps (Bulombora, Mgambo, Ruvu, and Rwamkoma) of National Service located in regions with varying malaria endemicity in Tanzania.  Finger prick blood samples collected from asymptomatic military recruits who had been at the camps for over two months were simultaneously tested using microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) to detect malaria parasite infections. Results: Malaria parasite prevalence among asymptomatic recruits was 20.3% and 19.4% by microscopy and mRDT respectively. There was moderate agreement (Kappa=0.724) between microscopy and mRDT test results. A significant difference (p<0.001) of malaria parasite prevalence among the four study camps was observed; ranging from 1.9% in Bulombora to 39.4% in Rwamkoma. The geometric mean parasite density was 11,053 asexual parasites/µl and most recruits (56.8%) had 200 to 1999 asexual parasites/µl. P. falciparum was the predominant (99.2%) malaria parasite species. Conclusion: Our study found high prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections among military recruits in the selected camps, and this varied from one camp to another. The study has highlighted that public residence institutions such as military camps can be potential hotspots for malaria infection and therefore should not be skipped in routine national malaria surveillance system for monitoring trends of infection

Assessing knowledge, attitude and practice towards prostate cancer screening among males in Southwest Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

Background: Prostate cancer is common among men, and awareness can reduce associated deaths. Low knowledge of prostate cancer screening and wrong perceptions about prostate cancer leads to poor screening practices. Our study assessed knowledge, attitude and practice towards prostate cancer screening among male adults at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study used a random sampling technique to select men attending the hospital. Data was collected using a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, personal and familiar medical history of prostate cancer, knowledge about prostate cancer and its screening. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Results: One hundred and thirty-two (132) men participated in the study. Participants ranged from 18 to 75 years, with a mean age of 41.57. This study found that while 72% of respondents had heard of prostate cancer, only 43.9% had knowledge of prostate cancer screening. Age was associated with prostate cancer screening knowledge (COR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.54, p < 0.001). Only 29.5% of respondents had a positive attitude toward prostate cancer screening. A small percentage (16.7%) had been tested for prostate cancer, but the majority (89.4%) were willing to be screened in the future. Conclusion: The study found that while most men in the study area had a basic understanding of prostate cancer, only a small percentage had a favourable knowledge of prostate cancer screening, with a low positive perception of screening. The study highlights the need to increase awareness of prostate cancer screening in Tanzania

A population-based study on smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance use among women of reproductive age in Mbeya, Tanzania

Background: Knowledge of smoking, alcohol and substance use during pregnancy among women of reproductive age is critical in reproductive health and managing unintended pregnancies. Methods: A population-based and descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for six months, from July to December 2020. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol, smoking, and other substance use patterns. Descriptive statistics and c2 tests were used to assess the significance levels of associated variables. Results: The study involved 376 respondents with ages ranging from 15 to 45 years, with a mean age of 30.4 years. The majority of the respondents, 336 (89.36%) were aware of substance use and its effects during pregnancy. Knowledge about the effects of alcohol, smoking, and other substances was significantly associated with the level of education (χ2 = 37.06, p &lt; 0.0001). Among all respondents, 161 (42.82%) reported everyday consumption of substances during pregnancy; the majority consumed alcohol, 120 (74.53%). Findings show an association between younger age and substance use (χ2 = 34.03, p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: The existing perceptions and behaviours of people regarding substance consumption necessitate urgent health education to promote healthy pregnancy and avoid mental health issues that could jeopardize women's safety and well-being

Neglected massive multinodular goiter during pregnancy with dyspnea and successful normal delivery: A case report

Key Clinical Message Prompt coordinated care enables vaginal delivery for severe goiter‐induced airway compression in late pregnancy when expectant management is precluded. Abstract Long‐standing neglected multinodular goiter rarely causes life‐threatening airway compression in late pregnancy. Most cases report cesarean delivery to relieve respiratory distress. Vaginal birth may also be possible, but the evidence is limited. A 30‐year‐old woman with a 7‐year goiter history developed severe dyspnea at 34 weeks gestation. Despite the risks, labor was induced by urgent decompression. She vaginally delivered a premature but healthy infant. Her breathing improved after delivery. She later underwent an uncomplicated thyroidectomy. With careful selection and monitoring, vaginal delivery can be considered for goiter‐induced respiratory compromise when expectant management is precluded. This case demonstrates successful urgent decompression and favorable maternal‐fetal outcomes are possible with a coordinated approach despite the high‐risk scenario

Comparison of sampling techniques for Rift Valley Fever virus potential vectors, Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens complex, in Ngorongoro District in northern Tanzania

We investigated mosquito sampling techniques with two types of traps and attractants at different time for trapping potential vectors for Rift Valley Fever virus. The study was conducted in six villages in Ngorongoro district in Tanzania from September to October 2012. A total of 1814 mosquitoes were collected, of which 738 were collected by CDC light traps and 1076 by Mosquito Magnet trapping technique. Of the collected mosquitoes, 12.46% (N= 226) were Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens and 87.54% (N= 1588) were Culex pipiens complex. More mosquitoes were collected outdoors using Mosquito Magnets baited with octenol attractant, 36.38% (N=660) followed by indoor trapping using CDC light traps without attractant, 29.60% (N=537). Most of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected outdoor using Mosquito Magnets, 95% (N=214) whereas Cx. pipiens complex were trapped both indoor using CDC light traps without attractant and outdoors using both CDC light traps baited with carbon dioxide (CO2) sachets and Mosquito Magnets. Analysis on the differences in abundance of mosquitoes trapped by different techniques using Generalized Linear Models was statistically significance at p-value < 0.05 for both species. Three hours mosquito collections show differing patterns in activity, most Ae. aegypti species were collected primarily during the first and last quarters of the day. Cx pipiens complex was active throughout the night, early evening and early morning then decreased markedly during the day time. The results presented in this paper emphasize the possibility of using Mosquito Magnets in order to efficiently capture these potential RVF vectors

Inter-epidemic abundance and distribution of potential mosquito vectors for Rift Valley fever virus in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania

Background: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that primarily affects ruminants but also has the capacity to infect humans. Objective: To determine the abundance and distribution of mosquito vectors in relation to their potential role in the virus transmission and maintenance in disease epidemic areas of Ngorongoro district in northern Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional entomological investigation was carried out before the suspected RVF outbreak in October 2012. Mosquitoes were sampled both outdoors and indoors using the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and Mosquito Magnets baited with attractants. Outdoor traps were placed in proximity with breeding sites and under canopy in banana plantations close to the sleeping places of animals. Results: A total of 1,823 mosquitoes were collected, of which 87% (N=1,588) were Culex pipiens complex, 12% (N=226) Aedes aegypti, and 0.5% (N=9) Anopheles species. About two-thirds (67%; N=1,095) of C. pipiens complex and nearly 100% (N=225) of A. aegypti were trapped outdoors using Mosquito Magnets. All Anopheles species were trapped indoors using CDC light traps. There were variations in abundance of C. pipiens complex and A. aegypti among different ecological and vegetation habitats. Over three quarters (78%) of C. pipiens complex and most (85%) of the A. aegypti were trapped in banana and maize farms. Both C. pipiens complex and A. aegypti were more abundant in proximity with cattle and in semi-arid thorn bushes and lower Afro-montane. The highest number of mosquitoes was recorded in villages that were most affected during the RVF epidemic of 2007. Of the tested 150 pools of C. pipiens complex and 45 pools of A. aegypti, none was infected with RVF virus. Conclusions: These results provide insights into unique habitat characterisation relating to mosquito abundances and distribution in RVF epidemic-prone areas of Ngorongoro district in northern Tanzania