scholarly journals Impact of universal childhood vaccination against hepatitis B in Ghana: A pilot study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oheneba C.K. Hagan ◽  
Paul Nsiah ◽  
Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah ◽  
Felix Yirdong ◽  
Isaac Annan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
The Impact

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is of public health importance worldwide. Vaccination against the infection, especially in early childhood has significantly reduced the public health impact. This pilot study was undertaken in Cape Coast Metropolitan area to assess the impact of the introduction of HBV vaccination in children. A cross-sectional multi-stage cluster sampling of 501 pupils from 30 public and private primary and junior high schools within the Cape Coast metropolis. A questionnaire covering basic demographic details and immunisation history were administered to the participants after consent and assent had been sought. Hepatitis B serological test for HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb, HBeAg and HbeAb was undertaken using Hepatitis B test kit and capillary blood from the participants. The general prevalence of HBcAb, HBsAg and HBsAb was found to be 3.6, 2.6 and 19.8% respectively. The prevalence of HBcAb was 2.6 and 6.1% among pupils delivered after and before the vaccine programme introduction respectively. Introduction of the vaccination programme in Ghana has had a positive impact on the HBV infection in Ghana.

scholarly journals Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Febrile Patients in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Cornelius Arome Omatola ◽  
Bernard Anyebe Onoja ◽  
Joseph Agama
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Test Kit

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has become a significant public health problem in developing countries, and the high rate of morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic infections is worrisome. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of HBV and associated risk factors in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. Sera randomly collected from 200 participants in three public hospitals in Ankpa were screened for HBsAg using commercially available HBsAg rapid test kit (Swe-Care (R), China). Structured questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic details and history of exposure to risk factors. Results. Seventeen (8.5%) of the 200 patients were positive for HBsAg. Males had higher prevalence (10.89%) than females (6.06%). The age group with the highest rate of infection was 24–44 years. Patient’s occupation and marital status were significantly higher in relation to HBsAg seropositivity. Risks of HBV infection in Ankpa are sharing of sharp objects (OR = 11.62, 95% CI, 3.59–37.59), multiple sexual partners (OR = 3.39, 95% CI, 1.23–9.38), blood transfusion (OR = 13.74, 95% CI, 4.22–44.71), surgeries (OR = 3.02, 95% CI, 1.03–8.83), alcoholism (OR = 6.94, 95% CI, 2.32–20.75), mouth-to-mouth kissing (p=0.001), and contact with HBV patient (OR = 4.14, 95% CI, 1.01–17.06). People without prior knowledge of HBV infection were more infected. Conclusion. This study reaffirms the endemicity of HBV in a part of sub-Saharan African country. Public health practitioners should focus attention on apparently healthy patients in developing countries. We suggest inclusion of HBsAg screening for patients coming for routine hospital care.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Hepatitis B viral infection amongst pregnant women in rural community in Southern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-397
Author(s):  
Orluwene CG ◽  
Eli S ◽  
Okagua KE ◽  
Owhonda G ◽  
Tee GP ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Surface Antigen ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Southern Nigeria ◽  
The Mean

Background: Hepatitis B Viral (HBV) infection is a potentially fatal infection of public health importance globally. Pregnant women and their unborn children are at risk of this infection due to its mode of transmission especially when in contact with infected body fluids and from mother to child transmission respectively. The prevalence of HBV infection in Nigeria is 13.6%. Aim: To determine the prevalence of HBV infection amongst pregnant women in rural community in southern Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective cross sectional study of pregnant women at Ogoni Primary Health Centers and General Hospitals in Southern Nigeria carried over a 4-month period. Serological test results for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of subjects were retrieved from the laboratories. Permission was gotten from Director of Public Health Rivers State Ministry of Health. The information gotten was analyzed using independent t test, chi square and fisher exact tests. Significance level was set at 0.05. Result: One hundred and eighty-five pregnant women were recruited for the study. The mean age of the antenatal clinic attendees was 28 ± 2 years, the mean gestational age at booking was 25 weeks and the mean parity was 2. Majority had secondary level of education represented by 122 (66%). Fifteen (8.1%) of the pregnant women were positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection was 8.1% in Ogoni southern Nigeria. This is worisome, hence preventive measures including HBV vaccines should be made available to the populace.

scholarly journals Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnancy: Immunological Response, Natural Course and Pregnancy Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2926
Author(s):  
Sirinart Sirilert ◽  
Theera Tongsong
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Natural Course ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Chronic Hbv Infection ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Chronic Hbv ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
The Impact

This review aimed to provide an update on the impact of pregnancy on the natural course of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and also on the impact of HBV infection on adverse pregnancy outcomes, including mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). For the literature review, original research articles, review articles, and guidelines were narratively reviewed and comprehensively validated. The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were carefully searched for articles in English on topics related to HBV infection, pregnancy, and vertical transmission from 1960 to May 2021. Immunological changes during pregnancy such as suppression of Th1 response and induction of Th2 immunity lead to an impaired immune reaction to HBV and stimulate viral activity along with the reduction of CD8 T cells to escape immune detection. The impact of pregnancy on the natural course of chronic HBV infection seems to be minimal, while pregnancy can increase morbidity and mortality in the case of advanced HBV hepatitis or cirrhosis. Importantly, hepatitis flare or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare can occur during pregnancy and is more common during the postpartum period due to the interaction between HBV and the immune response. Interestingly, the impact of HBV infection on adverse pregnancy outcomes is more serious than ever thought. Updated evidence indicates that pregnancies with chronic HBV infection increase the risk of preterm birth and gestational diabetes, especially in cases of positive hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg).

scholarly journals The Impact of Enhanced Antimicrobial Stewardship Support on Antibiotic Starts in Long-Term Care Facilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s527-s527
Author(s):  
Gabriela Andujar-Vazquez ◽  
Kirthana Beaulac ◽  
Shira Doron ◽  
David R Snydman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
The Impact

Background: The Tufts Medical Center Antimicrobial Stewardship (ASP) Team has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to provide broad-based educational programs (BBEP) to long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in an effort to improve ASP and infection control practices. LTCFs have consistently expressed interest in individualized and hands-on involvement by ASP experts, yet they lack resources. The goal of this study was to determine whether “enhanced” individualized guidance provided by an ASP expert would lead to antibiotic start decreases in LTCFs participating in our pilot study. Methods: A pilot study was conducted to test the feasibility and efficacy of providing enhanced ASP and infection control practices to LTCFs. In total, 10 facilities already participating in MDPH BBEP and submitting monthly antibiotic start data were enrolled, were stratified by bed size and presence of dementia unit, and were randomized 1:1 to the “enhanced” group (defined as reviewing protocols and antibiotic start cases, providing lectures and feedback to staff and answering questions) versus the “nonenhanced” group. Antibiotic start data were validated and collected prospectively from January 2018 to July 2019, and the interventions began in April 2019. Due to staff turnover and lack of engagement, intervention was not possible in 2 of the 5 LTCFs randomized to the enhanced group, which were therefore analyzed as a nonenhanced group. An incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs were calculated comparing the antibiotic start rate per 1,000 resident days between periods in the pilot groups. Results: The average bed sizes for enhanced groups versus nonenhanced groups were 121 (±71.0) versus 108 (±32.8); the average resident days per facility per month were 3,415.7 (±2,131.2) versus 2,911.4 (±964.3). Comparatively, 3 facilities in the enhanced group had dementia unit versus 4 in the nonenhanced group. In the per protocol analysis, the antibiotic start rate in the enhanced group before versus after the intervention was 11.35 versus 9.41 starts per 1,000 resident days (IRR, 0.829; 95% CI, 0.794–0.865). The antibiotic start rate in the nonenhanced group before versus after the intervention was 7.90 versus 8.23 antibiotic starts per 1,000 resident days (IRR, 1.048; 95% CI, 1.007–1.089). Physician hours required for ASP for the enhanced group totaled 8.9 (±2.2) per facility per month. Conclusions: Although the number of hours required for intervention by an expert was not onerous, maintaining engagement proved difficult and in 2 facilities could not be achieved. A statistically significant 20% decrease in the antibiotic start rate was achieved in the enhanced group after interventions, potentially reflecting the benefit of enhanced ASP support by an expert.Funding: This study was funded by the Leadership in Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Public Health (LEAP) fellowship training grant award from the CDC.Disclosures: None

Students Exposed to Domestic Violence

2012 ◽  
pp. 129-138
Author(s):  
A. BURGESS Deseri ◽  
Lisa Weed Phifer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Development ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Domestic Abuse ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Performance Behavior

Domestic violence is a growing public health problem that affects children nationwide. In fact, research estimates that anywhere between three and 17.8 million children witness domestic abuse each year5. Therefore, it is likely that teachers will regularly encounter students in their classroom who have been exposed to domestic violence. The impact of domestic violence is widespread, affecting academic performance, behavior, and social development. Teachers can make a positive impact by learning how best to identify and support these students. The following chapter will provide an overview of domestic violence, developmental considerations, and strategies for helping children who have been affected by it.

scholarly journals Impact of hepatitis B vaccine in Tunisia 20 years after its introduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Lahchaichi ◽  
M Ben Hadj ◽  
H Bouguerra ◽  
K Talmoudi ◽  
A Bahrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Coverage Rate ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Vaccination Coverage Rate ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Vaccination against hepatitis B represents the most effective preventive measure to reduce the global impact of this infection. In Tunisia hepatitis B vaccination was introduced for health professionals in 1992 and for the general population in 1995. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of vaccination twenty years after its introduction. Methods It was a descriptive study of data provided by the national survey of prevalence of Hepatitis B in Tunisia, which was a household-based study conducted in 2015. Blood samples sent to the reference laboratory to test markers of hepatitis B virus infection. The Vaccine effectiveness rate was calculated using the following formula: VE = 1 - Odds-ratio (OR), where OR = ratio of odds of being vaccinated among subjects with positive HBsAg test results to the odds of being vaccinated among subjects with negative HBsAg test results. Results Approximately a quarter of our population reported having been vaccinated against HBV, a coverage rate of 26.9%. Among subjects above 20 years of age, this rate was 85.3%. Besides, 83.7% of vaccinated subjects had received the three required doses of the HBV vaccine. Analysis of vaccination status by great regions of the country showed that the vaccination coverage rate was higher in the southern region. Regarding HBsAg prevalence, the rate was significantly higher among unvaccinated subjects 0.3% vs 2.2% in those vaccinated (OR = 0.11 [0.07-0.18]). We found that among vaccinated subjects, the serologic response rate at vaccination was only 63.2% which represented 16.2% of the total population. The vaccine effectiveness indicated that vaccination reduced by 88.6% the risk of HBV infection. Conclusions These results demonstrate that vaccination against hepatitis B introduced in the national immunization schedule since 1995 has reduced the infection although the vaccination coverage rate remains below 90%. Key messages Importance of vaccination that reduced by 88.6% the risk of HBV infection. More effort required to raise awareness about vaccination against HBV.

Post-Graduation Impact of a Program Planning Service-Learning Project

2020 ◽  
pp. 237337992090764
Author(s):  
Deb Risisky ◽  
Tess Goldson ◽  
Robert DeMezzo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
New England ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Program Planning ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Group Settings ◽  
Health Course ◽  
The Impact

Research has shown that service-learning can increase student-learning outcomes across various disciplines. Service-learning opportunities have been steadily increasing in college settings, especially in health-related fields. This evaluation of an undergraduate public health course at a mid-size, public university in New England sought to understand the impact of service-learning on material retention, internships, and post-graduation public health careers. A 25-item questionnaire was emailed to students who took the course between the Fall 2010 and Spring 2016 semesters with 75 completed (33.3% completion rate). More than half of the respondents noted that their participation in a service-learning project positively affected their internship experience, their first post-graduation job, and their overall career, while also helping them retain the course material after graduation. Open-ended responses provided insight to the qualitative responses. Respondents noted that in addition to having the understanding and ability to put on programs in their community, they also had more confidence in their abilities. The opportunity to practice public speaking skills as well as work collaboratively in group settings, were both noted as essential skills needed to succeed in the public health workforce. It was concluded the project had a positive impact on student’s learning and retention in planning, implementing, and evaluating an actual health promotion program as well as how they were able to use those skills in their careers.

scholarly journals The Infant Cuddler Study: Evaluating the effectiveness of volunteer cuddling in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 414-418
Author(s):  
Amanda Hignell ◽  
Karen Carlyle ◽  
Catherine Bishop ◽  
Mary Murphy ◽  
Teresa Valenzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives St. Michael’s Hospital launched a volunteer cuddling program for all infants admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit in October 2015. The program utilizes trained volunteers to cuddle infants when caregivers are not available. This was a pilot study to assess the impact of a volunteer cuddle program on length of stay (LOS) and feasibility of implementation of the program. Methods A mixed methods approach was utilized to measure both quantitative and qualitative impact. A pilot cohort study with a retrospective control group assessed the feasibility of implementing a volunteer cuddling program for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Length of stay was used as a surrogate marker to measure the impact of cuddling on infants being treated for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Focus groups using semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers and nurses at the end of the pilot study. Results LOS was reduced by 6.36 days (U=34, P=0.072) for infants with NAS in the volunteer cuddling program. Focus groups with both bedside nurses and program volunteers described a positive impact of cuddling programs on infants, families, staff, and volunteers alike. Conclusions The study results suggest that the volunteer cuddling program may reduce LOS in infants with NAS and have potential economic savings on hospital resources. However, larger prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.

There’s Something Happening Here: The Positive Impact of Collaborative Songwriting on Veterans Suffering from PTSD

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Mary Judd
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Small Pilot Study ◽  
Writing Workshops ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Skilled Professional ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Creative Writing Workshops

SongwritingWith:Soldiers (SW:S) is a non profit, coaching-based program that uses collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections and strengths in order to help improve people’s lives. The results have been positively life changing, even lifesaving, for many. The focus of a recent small pilot study by Harvard Mass General researchers on the impact of SW:S’s collaborative songwriting intervention (CSI) on veterans found the CSI sessions to reduce PTSD (-33%) and Depressive symptoms (-25%), potentially sparking further positive change and movement forward. In full SW:S weekend retreats, 8-12 veterans are paired with highly skilled professional songwriters to turn their military experiences into songs. When not writing songs, the participants attend creative writing workshops, meditation or yoga sessions and other activities to foster further connections and post traumatic growth. More than 400 veterans and family members have attended SW:S events; more than 400 songs have been written, countless lives changed. Feedback from retreat participants reveals post-retreat increases in feelings of hope and optimism (77%), increased creative pursuits (83%), connections with others (78%) and a 100% endorsement for other veterans to attend. Efforts are under wayto expand the study and eventually broaden it to include additional components of the positive psychology, coaching-based program.

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