scholarly journals Performance of Laboratory Professionals Working on Malaria Microscopy in Tigray, North Ethiopia

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megbaru Alemu ◽  
Desalegn Tadesse ◽  
Tesfaye Hailu ◽  
Wondemagegn Mulu ◽  
Awoke Derbie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Kappa Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Panel Testing ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Malaria Microscopy

Background. Microscopic analysis of stained blood smear is the most suitable method of malaria diagnosis. However, gaps were observed among clinical laboratory professionals in microscopic diagnosis of malaria. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2015 among 46 laboratory professionals. Data was collected via on-site assessment and panel testing. The slide panel testing was composed of positive and negative slides. The kappa score was used to estimate the agreement between participants and reference reader. Results. The overall agreement between the study participants and the reference reader in malaria detection was 79% (kappa = 0.62). Participating in refresher training on malaria microscopy (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR = 7, CI = 1.5–36.3)) and malaria epidemic investigation (AOR = 4.1 CI = 1.1–14.5) had statistical significant association with detection rate of malaria parasites. Conclusion. Laboratory professionals showed low performance in malaria microscopy. Most of the study participants were graded “in-training” in laboratory diagnosis of malaria.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis Among Pregnant Women Attending Traditional Birth Homes in Southern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
Utibe-Abasi O. Alfred ◽  
Euphoria C. Akwiwu ◽  
Valerie E. Ugochi ◽  
Josephine O. Akpotuzor
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
Socio Economic Variables ◽  
Study Participants

Despite emerging infections and diseases that are transmissible through poor gynaecology/ obstetrics care, preference for traditional birth attendants over conventional caregivers still exist. Laboratory diagnosis remains essential for detection of new cases as well as overall management of infected persons. Pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes constitute a vulnerable group since laboratory testing for hepatitis is lacking at the centers, hence the present study. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study participants were pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. The subjects were each screened for the presence of antibodies to HBV and HCV using immunochromatographic methods. Data processing was carried out using SPSS version 22.0. Results are presented as numbers and frequencies expressed as percentages. Socio-economic variables including education and income were seen to be disproportionally distributed among the pregnant women accessing care at traditional birth homes. Five (5) out of 88 enrolled pregnant women were reactive to either of both viral hepatitis screened. The prevalence of HBV (4.5%) was higher than that of HCV (1.1%). Six out of the seven (85.7%) centers informed the attendees of the need to undertake laboratory screening for transmissible infections. However, none of the centers made it mandatory for laboratory test results to be obtained. One center out of seven (14.3%) ensured that sharps used during child delivery were not shared. This study observed the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among pregnant women attending traditional birth homes in Uyo, Nigeria to be 4.5% and 1.1% respectively.

scholarly journals Mentorship on Malaria Microscopy Diagnostic Service in Ethiopia: Baseline Competency of Microscopists and Performance of Health Facilities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bokretsion Gidey ◽  
Desalegn Nega ◽  
Adugna Abera ◽  
Abnet Abebe ◽  
Sindew Mekasha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Malaria Microscopy

Abstract Background: In Ethiopia, malaria case is declining as a result of proven interventions and the country launched malaria elimination strategy in targeted settings since 2017. Accurate malaria diagnosis and prompt treatment are the key components of the strategy to prevent morbidity and stop continuation of the transmission. However, the quality of microscopic diagnosis in general is deteriorating as malaria burden declines. Therefore, this study was carried out toevaluate the competency of microscopists and the performance of health facilities on malaria microscopic diagnosis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 01 to September 30, 2019 in nine Regional States and one city administration. A standard checklist was used for on-site evaluation, archived patient slides were re-checked and proficiency of microscopists was tested using WHO certified slides from national slide bank in public health institute. Strength of agreement, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.Results: In this study, 102 health facilities (84 health centers and 18 hospitals) were included; from which, 202 laboratory professionals participated. In slide re-checking, moderate agreement (Agreement: 76.0%; Kappa: 0.41) was observed between experts and microscopists on malaria detection in all health facilities. The sensitivity and specificity of routine slide reading and the rechecking results were 78.1% and 80.7%, respectively. Likewise, positive predictive value of 65.1% and negative predictive value of 88.8% were scored in the routine diagnosis. By panel testing, a substantial overall agreement (A: 91.8%; K: 0.79) was observed between microscopists and experts in detecting malaria parasites. The sensitivity and specificity in detection of malaria parasites was 92.7% and 89.1%, respectively. Furthermore, in identifying species, slight agreement (A: 57%; K: 0.18) was observed between microscopists and experts. Conclusion: The study found significant false positive and false negative results in routine microscopy on slide re-checking of Plasmodium parasites. Moreover, reduced grade in parasite species identification was reported on the panel tests. Therefore, implementing comprehensive malaria microscopy mentorship, in-service training and supportive supervision are the key strategies to improve the overall performance of health facilities in malaria microscopy.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Performance between Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (HRP-2), a Rapid Malaria Diagnostic Test and Microscopic-Based Staining Techniques for Diagnosis of Malaria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Baptiste Niyibizi ◽  
Emmanuel Kamana Gatera
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Study Participants

Malaria presents a diagnostic challenge in most tropical countries such as Rwanda. Microscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing malaria, but it is labor intensive and depends upon the skill of the examiner. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been developed as an easy, convenient alternative to microscopy. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Rukara Health Center which is located in Eastern Province, Kayonza district, Rwanda. One hundred and fifty suspected cases of malaria, who attended Rukara Health Centre, during the period, from 21st June to 30th July 2018, were included in this study. HRP-2 RDTs (CareStart™ Malaria HRP-2 (Access Bio, Inc., Somerset, New Jersey, USA)), for malaria were performed. Thick smears were prepared and Giemsa-stained as recommended; then slides were observed under microscopy and reported quantitatively; RDTs were reported qualitatively (positive or negative). Both RDTs and thick smear results were recorded on data collection sheet. This study included a total of 150 study participants, 87 (58%) females and 63 (42%) males. The patients included in the study did not receive any antimalarial drug. The mean age of the study participants was 31.6 ± 12.4 with the majority of participants being between 25 and 44 years and the minority being above 65 years. The sensitivity of RDT (HRP-2) was calculated and found to be 95.0%, whereas the sensitivity of Giemsa microscopy was 100%. The specificity of RDT (HRP-2) was calculated and found to be 59.2%, whereas the specificity of Giemsa microscopy was 100%. Negative and positive predictive values of RDT are 85.4% and 82.7%, respectively. Negative and positive predictive values of Giemsa microscopy were both 100%. According to the results of the current study, the sensitivity, specificity, and both positive and negative predictive values of Giemsa microscopy are higher than those of histidine-rich protein 2-based rapid diagnostic test for malaria. The results obtained in histidine-rich protein 2-based rapid diagnostic test for malaria parasites should be confirmed with tests with high specificity. Further studies should determine the most appropriate type of rapid diagnostic test of malaria diagnosis to be used in combination with Giemsa microscopy. In addition, sensitivity and specificity of RDT (HRP-2) and Giemsa microscopy should be assessed against molecular biology techniques.

scholarly journals Performance Evaluation of Malaria Pf/Pv Combo Test Kit at Highly Malaria-Endemic Area, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Temesgen Eticha ◽  
Tewodros Tamire ◽  
Temesgen Bati
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Test Kit

Background. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are alternative diagnostic methods that have enabled reliable biological diagnostic testing in all situations where previously only clinical diagnosis was available. Varying diagnostic accuracy of malaria RDTs makes policymakers confused while choosing malaria test kits for their country. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of currently being used malaria RDT in Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 1 to December 15, 2016. A total of 160 patients were included in the study. Finger-prick blood sample was obtained from study subjects for the RDT test and microscopic examination. Collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Result. The test kit evaluated had an overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 97.44%, 93.67%, 93.83%, and 97.37%, respectively, to detect the presence or absence of malaria. Sensitivity and specificity of the kit for P. falciparum detection were 63.27% and 94.3% and for P. vivax detection were 86.96% and 95.62%, respectively. The agreement between microscopy and RDT for specific identification of malaria species was moderate with a kappa value of 0.568. Conclusion. The overall performance of the kit was below the WHO standard. Further study on a large sample size is recommended to be carried out in the study area to use the test kit instead of microscopy for malaria diagnosis. Providing training on quality malaria laboratory diagnosis and availing necessary supplies for malaria diagnosis shall also be considered.

scholarly journals The association between clinical laboratory data and chest CT findings explains disease severity in a large Italian cohort of COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Canovi ◽  
◽  
Giulia Besutti ◽  
Efrem Bonelli ◽  
Valentina Iotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Arterial Oxygen ◽  
Emergency Rooms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ct Findings ◽  
Patient Prognosis

Abstract Background Laboratory data and computed tomography (CT) have been used during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly to determine patient prognosis and guide clinical management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between CT findings and laboratory data in a cohort of COVID-19 patients. Methods This was an observational cross-sectional study including consecutive patients presenting to the Reggio Emilia (Italy) province emergency rooms for suspected COVID-19 for one month during the outbreak peak, who underwent chest CT scan and laboratory testing at presentation and resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2. Results Included were 866 patients. Total leukocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, AST, ALT and LDH increase with worsening parenchymal involvement; an increase in platelets was appreciable with the highest burden of lung involvement. A decrease in lymphocyte counts paralleled worsening parenchymal extension, along with reduced arterial oxygen partial pressure and saturation. After correcting for parenchymal extension, ground-glass opacities were associated with reduced platelets and increased procalcitonin, consolidation with increased CRP and reduced oxygen saturation. Conclusions Pulmonary lesions induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with raised inflammatory response, impaired gas exchange and end-organ damage. These data suggest that lung lesions probably exert a central role in COVID-19 pathogenesis and clinical presentation.

scholarly journals Undernutrition and associated factors in orphan children aged 6–59 months in Gambella Southwest, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e045892
Author(s):  
Solomon Feleke ◽  
Gudina Egata ◽  
Firehiwot Mesfin ◽  
Gizachew Yilak ◽  
Abebaw Molla
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Orphaned Children ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Children Under 5

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and associated factors in orphaned children under 5 years old.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingGambella City, Ethiopia.ParticipantsA sample of 419 under 5 orphaned children included in the study. Eligible households with orphans had selected using a systematic random sampling method. The lottery method was used when more than one eligible study participants live in the household. An OR with 95% CI was performed to measure the strength of association between each dependent variable and independent variables. Variables with p<0.05 were declared statistically significant.Primary outcomeThe main outcome of this study was the prevalence of undernutrition among orphaned under 5 and its associated factors.ResultsPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in orphan children under 5 were 12.2%, 37.8% and 21.7%, respectively. The prevalnce of wasting peaks among age group of 36–47 months (42.5%), whereas underweight peaks in 48–59 months (27.7%). Food insecurity, wealth index, family size, vitamin A supplementation, diarrhoea, fever 2 weeks before the survey, children under 5 and parents’ death were associated with undernutrition.ConclusionThe prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among orphan children under 5 was significantly high. Multisectoral collaborative efforts towards access to health services, improving income-generating activities, micronutrient supplementation and social support and protection targeting orphan and vulnerable populations have to be built up.

scholarly journals Association of breastfeeding and risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in postmenopausal parous women: Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2010 ~ 2016)

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jusuk Lee ◽  
Taehong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Korean Women ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding (BF) and metabolic syndrome (Mets) is important for maternal long-term health benefits and disease prevention. This study aimed to examine the association between BF and Mets and its components among postmenopausal parous Korean women. Methods This cross-sectional study on 10,356 Korean women used nationally representative data from the KNHANES from 2010 to 2016. Anthropometric, laboratory data and manual BP were measured. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of BF with Mets and its components after adjusting for potential confounding variables. A p-value < 0.05 was to be considered statistically significant. Results Mets was present in 42% of the study participants. The BF group had low household income and education level. The prevalence of Mets in the BF group was higher than that in the non-BF group (42.69% vs. 34.76%, p <  0.001). BF was associated with increased risk of Mets (odds ratio [OR]: 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.65, p <  0.001). The BF group was at higher risks for diabetes (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.14–1.98), hypertension (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.03–1.68), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.02–1.99) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06–1.65). Conclusion In this study, BF did not affect decreasing the prevalence of Mets and its components.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a multi‐center facility‐based cross‐sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maru Mekie ◽  
Dagne Addisu ◽  
Minale Bezie ◽  
Abenezer Melkie ◽  
Dejen Getaneh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
South Gondar

Abstract Background Preeclampsia has the greatest impact on maternal mortality which complicates nearly a tenth of pregnancies worldwide. It is one of the top five maternal mortality causes and responsible for 16 % of direct maternal death in Ethiopia. Little is known about the level of knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia in Ethiopia. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was implemented in four selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone among 423 pregnant women. Multistage random sampling and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the study participants respectively. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 while cleaned and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval were used to identify the significance of the association between the level of knowledge on preeclampsia and its predictors. Results In this study, 118 (28.8 %), 120 (29.3 %) of the study participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards preeclampsia respectively. The likelihood of having good knowledge on preeclampsia was found to be low among women with no education (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI (0.06, 0.85)), one antenatal care visit (ANC) (AOR = 0.13, 95 % CI (0.03, 0.59)). Whereas, those who booked for ANC in the first trimester (AOR = 6.59, 95 % CI (1.43, 30.33)), gave the last birth at a health facility (AOR = 2.61, 955 CI (1.03, 6.61)), and experienced a complication during previous births (AOR = 3.67, 95 % CI (1.78, 7.57)) were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Conclusions No formal education and not attending four ANC visits were associated with poor knowledge of preeclampsia. While participants who visited health facilities during the first trimester, who gave birth at health facilities, and those who experienced a complication in previous births were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Improving the numbers of ANC visits and encouraging facility delivery are important measures to improve women’s knowledge on preeclampsia. Health education regarding preeclampsia risk factors, symptoms, and complications shall be emphasized.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Knee Pain and Heel Pain in Youth Soccer Players Aged 8 to 12 Years

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596711988337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiyuki Iwame ◽  
Tetsuya Matsuura ◽  
Naoto Suzue ◽  
Joji Iwase ◽  
Hirokazu Uemura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Pain ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Heel Pain ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Soccer is played by many children younger than 12 years. Despite its health benefits, soccer has also been linked to a high number of sport-related injuries. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between clinical factors and knee or heel pain in youth soccer players. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Study participants included 602 soccer players aged 8 to 12 years who were asked whether they had experienced episodes of knee or heel pain. Data were collected on age, body mass index, years of playing soccer, playing position, and training hours per week. Associations of clinical factors with the prevalence of knee or heel pain were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Episodes of knee and heel pain were reported by 29.4% and 31.1% of players, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age and more years of playing soccer were significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of knee pain ( P = .037 and P = .015 for trend, respectively) but did not identify any significant associations for heel pain. Conclusion: In this study of youth soccer players, knee pain was associated with older age and more years of play, but heel pain was not significantly associated with any factor.

scholarly journals Low prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kessete Ayelgn ◽  
Tadesse Guadu ◽  
Atalay Getachew
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Active Trachoma ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. Objective To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Method A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1–9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5–13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5–8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.

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