Tropical Parasitic Diseases and Women

Tropical parasitic diseases constitute the greatest threat to the health and socio \u2013 economic status of women as a gender and social group. There are some gender specific ways in which parasitic diseases affect women in contrast to men due to differences in exposure, occupational risk, sociocultural behavior, gender roles and practices. These parasitic diseases confer some social stigma, which affects the health seeking behavior of women. Women are therefore important in the control of these parasitic diseases and they are key agents of change, if they are included in community control programs. Women need more attention in endemic areas as a group that had been neglected. This deprived and excluded group have got vital role to play, as discussed in this review.Les maladies parasitoses tropicales constituent une tres grande menace pour la santee. Un probleme socio economique aux femmes comme un genre et en tant qu'un groupe. Ils ya des manieres specifiques par les quelles ces maladies attaquent les femmes contrairement aux hommes a cause de la facon differente d'exposition, occupation, reagisment culture et social Cette maladie entraine une honte sociale et nuire la santee des femmes. Les femmes sont donc tres importantes, et meme des elements cles a conbatttre cette maladie si l'on les incure dans programmes de la commisnaute. En tant au qu'un groupe exclusif et negligee les femmes ont besoin de beaucoup d'attention puis quelles ont un role importante a jouer dans ce contexte

Effect of subclinical, clinical and supraclinical doses of calcium channel blockers on models of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Drug-related hepatotoxicity is the leading cause of acute liver failure, and hepatic problems are responsible for a significant number of liver transplantations and deaths worldwide. Calcium has been associated with various metabolic processes that lead to cell death and apoptosis, and increased cytosolic Ca2+ has been implicated in hepatotoxicity. This study was designed to investigate the effects of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) on isoniazid-rifampicin, zidovudine and erythromycin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Treatment groups comprised control, hepatotoxicant, hepatotoxicant along with each of silymarin, nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem at subclinical, clinical and supraclinical doses. A day to the end of treatment for each model, rats were subjected to the hexobarbitone-induced hypnosis test. On the last days of treatment, blood samples were collected and serum was analyzed for relevant biochemical parameters. Animals were sacrificed after blood collection and livers were harvested, and samples obtained for in vivo antioxidant indices assay and histopathology. The hepatotoxicants significantly increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as duration of sleep in the hypnosis test. These drugs significantly reduced the hepatic levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). The CCBs at the various doses significantly reversed the effects of isoniazid-rifampicin, zidovudine and erythromycin. The results obtained in this study suggest that the CCBs possess hepatoprotective activity in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and may be beneficial at the subclinical and clinical doses

Utilization of insecticide treated nets during pregnancy among postpartum women in Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pregnant women are susceptible to symptomatic malaria due to invasion of the placenta by plasmodium. Malaria increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers, the foetuses and newborns. The effective use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) would be of benefit to these vulnerable women. Previous studies have focused on prenatal-women but this study sought to explore the actual trend of utilization of the proven strategy across all the pregnancy stages among postpartum women in Ibadan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This cross-sectional survey utilized a validated structured questionnaire for data collection. A calculated sample of 335 postpartum women was proportionately recruited from three fee-paying facilities within Ibadan, Nigeria using a simple random sampling technique. These hospitals have high client flow for maternity cases and are known for provision of care under traditional ANC model. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by means of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. The level of significance was set at = 0.05.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The women's age ranged between 18 and 47 years, mean age was 29.4 ± 0.8 years. Various irregularities marked the traditional model of ANC provided at the settings and no exposure to preconception care. Also, 276 (82.4%) had heard of ITNs. Antenatal clinics formed the major source of information. Low utilization and compliance rates were observed. One hundred and twenty-seven (37.9%) of the women had high knowledge of Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) but only 70 (20.9%) demonstrated positive attitude towards the use of ITNs. Participants' educational status, family types, employment and residential areas significantly influenced ITNs utilization.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The women knew and learned about ITNs from ANC visits. Majority of the women did not own ITNs because of lack of access to free distribution. The existing traditional model of ANC was marked by irregularities and none of the women was exposed to preconception care. In addition, negative attitude in spite of increased knowledge of MIP was observed among the women. Therefore, evaluation of free distribution of ITNs is recommended. Integration of focused ANC and preconception care are advocated to promote early access to health information.</p

Knowledge and utilization of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary health care centers in rural southwest, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Intermittent preventive treatment for prevention of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) is a key component of malaria control strategy in Nigeria and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is the drug of choice. Despite the evidence of the effectiveness of IPTp strategy using SP in reducing the adverse effects of malaria during pregnancy the uptake and coverage in Nigeria is low. This study set out to assess the use of IPTp among pregnant women attending primary health centres in the rural area and determine factors that influence the uptake.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was carried out between July and August 2007 among 209 pregnant women selected by systematic random sampling from antenatal care attendees at primary health care in a rural Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Information on knowledge of IPT, delivery, adherence and acceptability was obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as means, range, proportions were used. Chi-square test was used to examine association between categorical variables. All analyses were performed at 5% level of significance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>One hundred and nine of 209 (52.2%) respondents have heard about IPTp but only 26 (23.9%) were able to define it. Fifty seven (27.3%) reported to have received at least one dose of IPTp during the index pregnancy and all were among those who have heard of IPTp (52.3%). Twenty one of the 57 (36.8%) took the SP in the clinic. Only three of the twenty-one (14.3%) were supervised by a health worker. Twenty two of the 36 women (61.1%) who did not take their drugs in the clinic would have liked to do so if allowed to bring their own drinking cups. Almost half (43.9%) of those who had used IPTp during the index pregnancy expressed concern about possible adverse effect of SP on their pregnancies. Periodic shortages of SP in the clinics were also reported.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this study, IPTp use among pregnant women was very low and there was poor adherence to the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) scheme. Concerted effort should be made to increase awareness of IPTp among the public especially women of child bearing age. Health workers should also be trained and monitored to ensure adherence.</p

Non-compliance Factors and Side Effects of Ivermectin in a Community Directed Treatment of Onchocerciasis in a Rainforest Focus of Nigeria

Community directed ivermectin distribution was carried out in Jago Village around Asejire dam, Oyo State, Nigeria in 2004. Jago is a mesoendemic rainforest focus of onchocerciasis. A total of 550 residents including 50 distributors were randomly selected and mobilized. The community designed the method of delivery of the drug and test subjects were left to decide whether or not to come for the 3-day ivermectin distribution. Non-compliance to ivermectin was described as voluntary rejection of the drug which is failure to turn up within the 3 days. Non compliers were 135 (24.5%), subject, 108 (19.6%) were women and 18 (3.3%) were pregnant. Religious occupational and health reasons were given as reasons for non-compliers. Post treatment reporting indicated that 308 (74.2%) felt better after the treatment and mild itching with rashes was the most reported side effect. There were no significant differences between non-pregnant and pregnant women in terms of side effect but differences between males and females differed significantly in terms of non-compliance and effects of ivermectin. Side effects were mild showing that the community was not also endemic for Loa loa.. Intense targeted health education campaigns involving psychosocial counseling directed specially at women should be taken as a priority before mass drug distribution, for high degree of compliance. Keywords: Onchocerciasis, Ivermectin, Non-Compliance.Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 4-

Tropical Parasitic Diseases and Women

Tropical parasitic diseases constitute the greatest threat to the health and socio – economic status of women as a gender and social group. There are some gender specific ways in which parasitic diseases affect women in contrast to men due to differences in exposure, occupational risk, sociocultural behavior, gender roles and practices. These parasitic diseases confer some social stigma, which affects the health seeking behavior of women. Women are therefore important in the control of these parasitic diseases and they are key agents of change, if they are included in community control programs. Women need more attention in endemic areas as a group that had been neglected. This deprived and excluded group have got vital role to play, as discussed in this review.Les maladies parasitoses tropicales constituent une tres grande menace pour la santee. Un probleme socio economique aux femmes comme un genre et en tant qu&apos;un groupe. Ils ya des manieres specifiques par les quelles ces maladies attaquent les femmes contrairement aux hommes a cause de la facon differente d&apos;exposition, occupation, reagisment culture et social Cette maladie entraine une honte sociale et nuire la santee des femmes. Les femmes sont donc tres importantes, et meme des elements cles a conbatttre cette maladie si l&apos;on les incure dans programmes de la commisnaute. En tant au qu&apos;un groupe exclusif et negligee les femmes ont besoin de beaucoup d&apos;attention puis quelles ont un role importante a jouer dans ce contexte

Onchocerciasis in two communities in Oyo State, Nigeria

As far back as 1961, Onchocerciasis was reported in Oyo State. From past studies, the prevalence of Onchocerciasis was higher in males than females. Rapid assessment procedure is the current method of assessing communities for mass scale treatment. This method that identifies skin diseases due to Onchocerciasis could have some gender differences in communities where Onchocerciasis still constitute a public nuisance. Rapid assessment of Onchocerciasis was carried out in two communities in Ona-Ara local government area of Oyo state, Nigeria. The two villages with a population of 2500 adults of which 1,028 are women and 1472 are men indicated a prevalence of 53.72% for men and 31.6% for women. The overall prevalence being 56.88% indicating a {49.64%} mesoendemic status for these communities. Open group discussions with the villagers revealed that women were more concerned about their skin diseases than men. The men were more worried about their reduced productivity as farmers. These factors were identified as being positive factors that could facilitate future compliance to drugs. There was still poor knowledge and perception of the cause of Onchocerciasis as the people still held on to their old beliefs. Health education was carried out to change these beliefs. Women were mapped out as vehicles of social mobilization and treatment facilitators for ivermectin control programmes. KEY WORDS: Onchocerciasis, rapid assessment procedure, and ivermectin. Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol.3(2) 2004: 89-9

The Status of Malaria among Pregnant Women: A Study in Lagos, Nigeria

A study was carried out on the status of malaria among 800 randomly selected pregnant women in Lagos State, Nigeria. Blood samples were obtained from finger pricking and tested for malaria parasites in thin blood films and 60% prevalence of malaria parasites was obtained. Interviews were conducted and structured questionnaires were administered to the pregnant women to obtain information on the clinical and social aspects of malaria. Results show that primigravidae accounted for a greater part of the 60% prevalence of malaria that affected mainly women in their 1st to 3rd month of pregnancy. The ages of the infected women ranged from 30 to 39 years (77%). Women with blood groups A and O had the highest prevalence of malaria, but there was no statistically significant difference between them and the uninfected women. Women with genotype AA had the highest prevalence of malaria, while pregnant women in Ikeja division had the highest incidence of malaria (41.7%). Majority of the infected women believed that mosquito bites and stress were responsible for their infection. Only 21.8% of the women did not associate mosquitoes with malaria. All the women were familiar with the symptoms of malaria but did not see it as a serious disease that could lead to death. Most of the women used bed nets but not the impregnated brands. There is need to educate women, especially during antenatal visits, on the severity of malaria and the risk of their susceptibility to it during pregnancy. (Afr J Reprod Health 2003; 7[3]: 77-83