Attitude Of Health Workers Research Articles

Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Reporting in A Rural District in Ghana

Background: Even though vaccines used in routine childhood immunization programmes are safe, adverse events following immunization (AEFI) may occur. These events must be recognized for prompt and effective response. This can contribute to success of the immunization programme and sustain interest of the public in vaccination.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study comprising primary and secondary data collection methods were used for the study at Jaman North District in Ghana. The secondary data was extracted from immunization reports using a Microsoft excel spread sheet. The primary data was obtained from respondents using structured interview questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to select caregivers and health workers were purposively selected. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows (version 21.0).Results: A total of 140 mothers or caregivers and 47 health workers were studied, with mean age of 27.8 years in each group. The rates of AEFI ranged from 0.02% for pneumococcal vaccine to 0.14% for pentavalent vaccine. In all, 63.8% of the health workers could not define AEFI, and 91.5% of the health workers do not use anaphylactic pack at immunization sessions. Majority (95.7%) of the participants agreed that poor AEFIs monitoring can lead to reduction in immunization coverage. AEFI training for health workers had a strong association (p<0.001) on their ability to identify AEFIs. The study indicated that mothers or caregivers were knowledgeable in many of the indicators of AEFI. In all, 93.7% of mothers or caregivers indicated that attitude of health workers was very good.Conclusion: The study revealed low (<1%) AEFI reporting rate by mothers or caregivers. Only 36.2% health workers had knowledge with respect to definition of AFEI. The study indicated that more than a third of mothers (36%) were of the view that reporting of AEFIscan lead to personal consequences. Increased national efforts at surveillance for AEFI is imperative.

Gaps in measles vaccination coverage in Kasese district, Western Uganda: results of a qualitative evaluation

BackgroundDespite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, measles remains a substantial public health problem in many countries including Uganda. In this study, conducted between June–August 2020 following a local outbreak, we sought to explore the factors that could affect measles vaccination coverage in rural western Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive study using qualitative data collection approaches in the Kasese district. The research team utilized purposive sampling to identify and select participants from the public health sector and district government. We conducted key informant interviews (KII) and one focus group discussion (FGD). Responses were recorded using portable electronic devices with the FGD and KII guide installed. Interviews were conducted at the health centre and district headquarters. Data was coded and analysed using ATLAS.ti version 8 software through deductive thematic analysis to identify key themes.ResultsBarriers to measles vaccination identified in this study were premised around six themes including: (i) availability of supplies and stock management, (ii) health worker attitudes and workload, (iii) financing of vaccination outreach activities, (iv) effectiveness of duty rosters (i.e., health workers’ working schedules), (v) community beliefs, and (vi) accessibility of healthcare facilities. Respondents reported frequent vaccine supply disruptions, lack of resources to facilitate transportation of health workers to communities for outreach events, and health centre staffing that did not adequately support supplemental vaccination activities. Furthermore, community dependence on traditional medicine as a substitute for vaccines and long distances traveled by caregivers to reach a health facility were mentioned as barriers to vaccination uptake.ConclusionsHealth system barriers limiting vaccination uptake were primarily logistical in nature and reflect inadequate resourcing of immunization efforts. At the same time, local beliefs favouring traditional medicine remain a persistent cultural barrier. These findings suggest an urgent need for more efficient supply management practices and resourcing of immunization outreaches in order to achieve the Uganda Ministry of Health’s targets for childhood immunization and the prevention of disease outbreaks.

Evaluation of the knowledge toward communicable diseases prevention among health workers at In Al-Sadr Medical City in Najaf Governorate\ Iraq

Communicable diseases represent a severe burden on human life, so control and prevention are essential to maintaining the sustainability of life. Health workers are the first line of defense against these diseases. Poor knowledge and wrong attitudes of health workers can negatively affect efforts to combat infection.The study aims to evaluate the knowledge levels among health workers toward communicable diseases. Also, determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables with participants' levels of knowledge. A cross-sectional analytical study in Al-Sadr Medical City, Najaf Governorate, from mid-November 2021 to the end of June 2022. On 384 health workers who were using a randomly collected self-questionnaire, the data was collected and analyzed using a statistical program. The main results indicate that (66.1%) of the participants are females, the majority of the age group (20-26) years, half of them are married and hold a bachelor's degree, (66.4%) have less than five years of experience, and (35.9%) receive a training course, In terms of profession, (27.3)% were nurses. The results show that (57.2%) had good overall knowledge. it was found that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and training sessions, as for other socio-demographic characteristics, there is no significant association with both knowledge.

Evaluation of medical waste management in Al-Diwaniyah governorate hospitals under the corona pandemic

Background: Medical waste attracts the world's attention because of its negative effects on the safety of society and the environment. Medical waste management is of great importance due to its infectious and dangerous nature that can cause undesirable effects on humans and the environment. Objective: To assess the sociodemographic, knowledge and attitudes of health workers, cleaning workers, and medical waste administrators among three different hospitals in the Al diwaniya governorate. Methodology: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey. A self-administered Arabic language questionnaire was employed to identify cases at random. SPSS Version 21 was used for the analysis. Result: knowledge of all healthcare staff about medical waste management (MW) was insufficient, and attitude levels were weak in all three hospitals. Al-Furat hospital cleaners had average knowledge. The percentage of knowledge in the management of Al-Diwaniyah Hospital was zero, while the other two hospitals had an average rate. Health workers with 1 to 5 years of experience in all establishments have the most knowledge about medical waste. Nurses were the most prevalent job title for dealing with waste. The level of knowledge of the administrative staffوhealth worker, and cleaning workers about medical waste was not up to the required level.

Motivators and demotivators to accessing malaria in pregnancy interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-ethnographic review

BackgroundDespite the introduction of efficacious interventions for malaria control, sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the highest burden of malaria and its associated effects on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children. This meta-ethnographic review contributes to literature on malaria in pregnancy interventions in sub-Saharan Africa by offering insights into the multiple factors that motivate or demotivate women from accessing MiP interventions.MethodsA meta-ethnographic approach was used for the synthesis. Original qualitative research articles published from 2010 to November 2021 in English in sub-Saharan Africa were searched for. Articles focusing on WHO’s recommended interventions such as intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, long-lasting insecticidal nets and testing and treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) were included. Selected articles were uploaded into Nvivo 11 for thematic coding and synthesis.ResultsTwenty-seven original qualitative research articles were included in the analysis. Main factors motivating uptake of MiP interventions were: (1) well organized ANC, positive attitudes of health workers and availability of MiP services; (2) Women’s knowledge of the effects of malaria in pregnancy, previous experience of accessing responsive ANC; (3) financial resources and encouragement from partners, relatives and friends and (4) favourable weather condition and nearness to a health facility. Factors that demotivated women from using MiP services were: (1) stock-outs, ANC charges and health providers failure to provide women with ample education on the need for MiP care; (2) perception of not being at risk and the culture of self-medication; (3) fear of being bewitched if pregnancy was noticed early, women’s lack of decision-making power and dependence on traditional remedies and (4) warm weather, long distances to health facilities and the style of construction of houses making it difficult to hang LLINs.ConclusionsHealth system gaps need to be strengthened in order to ensure that MiP interventions become accessible to women. Additionally, health managers need to involve communities in planning, designing and implementing malaria interventions for pregnant women. It is important that the health system engage extensively with communities to facilitate pregnant women and communities understanding of MiP interventions and the need to support pregnant women to access them.

Integration of systematic screening for tuberculosis in outpatient departments of urban primary healthcare facilities in Zambia: a case study of Kitwe district

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent globally, killing about 1.5 million people annually, yet 3 million cases are missed every year. The World Health Organization recommends systematic screening of suspected active TB patients among those visiting the healthcare facilities. While many countries have scaled-up systematic screening of TB, there has been limited assessment of the extent of its integration into the health system. This study sought to explore factors that shape the integration of systematic screening of TB in outpatient departments of primary healthcare facilities in Kitwe district, Zambia.MethodsThis was a qualitative case study with health providers including district managers, TB focal point persons and laboratory personnel working in six purposively selected primary healthcare facilities. Data was collected through key informant (n = 8) and in-depth (n = 15) interviews. Data analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software and guided by Atun’s Integration framework.ResultsThe facilitators to integration of systematic screening for TB into out patient departments of primary health facilities included the perceived high burden TB, compatibility of the systematic screening for TB program with healthcare workers training and working schedules, stakeholder knowledge of each others interest and values, regular performance management and integrated outreach of TB screening services. Constraining factors to integration of systematic screening for TB into outpatient departments included complexity of screening for TB in children, unbalanced incentivization mechanisms, ownership and legitimacy of the TB screening program, negative health worker attitudes, social cultural misconceptions of TB and societal stigma as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionSystematic screening of TB is not fully integrated into the primary healthcare facilities in Zambia to capture all those suspected with active TB that make contact with the health system. Finding the missing TB cases will, therefore, require contextual adaptation of the systematic screening for TB program to local needs and capacities as well as strengthening the health system.

REINFORCING AND ENABLING FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE UPTAKE OF SICKLE-CELL DISEASE SCREENING AMONG COLLEGE OF EDUCATION STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common hereditary diseases occurring worldwide, which may affect any organ or system of human body. Some studies have shown that the knowledge of SCD and genetic screening among unmarried youths is low in Sub-Saharan Africa countries. However, genetic counseling offers help and guidance to individuals who may have or are at the risk of having genetic diseases based on their genetic information, including their family background. Aims and Objectives: This study assessed the social support and enabling factors towards sickle cell screening and counseling uptake among students Materials and Methodology: The cross-sectional study was carried out among students of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo and Osun State College of Education, Ilesha. Self-administered questionnaire was administered to 612 participants and 4 FGD was conducted in both study sites. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Result: Most (60.9%) and (70.8%) of the respondents were female in both Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (EACE) and Osun State College of Education (OSCE) respectively and respondents aged between 15-30 years. Almost half (47.7%) of respondents in EACE and some (21.8%) of OSCE respondents have not gone for their genotype testing. In the OSCE, most of the FG participants were of the opinion that going for SCD screening is not common due to fear of the result and the effects it may have on them. Most (64.1%) and (69.8%) of the respondent from EACE and OSCE respectively said that support from health care providers is very important in influencing their uptake of SCD screening. In both EACE and OSCE, FGD participants highlighted lack of proper screening centers, distance of such centers, as well as poor attitude of health workers as factors that can hinder the uptake of SCD screening. Conclusion: The findings from the study revealed that almost half of respondents in EACE and some of OSCE respondents have not gone for their genotype testing. A greater percentage of the respondents stated the need for social support including support from health care providers, friends, families, religious leaders as very important. There should be a collaboration between governmental and non-governmental health organizations to facilitate the promotion of free genotype screening and promote access to genetic counseling in public hospitals for young people.

Health Workers' Knowledge and Attitude Towards Intimate Partner Violence: A Descriptive Study in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundIt is important that health workers understand intimate partner violence (IPV) and its link with ill health. Increasing their awareness will help them play a stronger role in identifying survivors and providing appropriate health care. We assessed the knowledge and attitude of health workers towards IPV survivors taking into account their professional roles.MethodsData was collected in 2018 in 12 health centers and 55 health posts located in 3 districts of the former Sidama zone using a self-administered questionnaire. The main outcome variable was proportion of wrong responses of the knowledge questions. We also calculated scores from the 10 knowledge questions and 10 Likert items of attitude. Proportions of wrong responses were compared between health post and health center staff. Mean knowledge score was compared using an independent samples t-test and a one-way analysis of variance. A Tukey’s honestly significant difference test was performed to determine significant analysis of variance results.ResultsThere were 139 participants. Most (78%) of them were females. Nurses and midwives accounted for 54% of the total. Few (13%) of the participants had received previous training regarding IPV. More than half of the participants were not confident about how to care for women exposed to IPV. “Wrong responses” (incorrect or “don’t know”) ranged from 5.8% to 30.9%. The mean knowledge score was higher for women older than 30 years (p = 0.03). Negative attitudes ranged from 4 to 47%. One-third of the participants believed that they could not suspect IPV unless they saw physical injuries. More knowledge about IPV was associated with better attitude scores.ConclusionAround half of the health workers felt unprepared to provide care to IPV survivors, and a third would not consider IPV unless they saw physical evidence. Increasing knowledge may improve attitudes and support for IPV survivors.

PENGARUH SIKAP TENAGA KESEHATAN DAN KETERSEDIAAN OBAT TERHADAP TINGKAT KEPUASAN MASYARAKAT PEMEGANG KARTU JAMKESMAS RUMAH SAKIT AHMAD RIPIN KABUPATEN MUARO JAMBI

This study aims to find out the influence of the attitude of health workers and the availability of drugs on the level of community satisfaction of jamkesmas cardholders of Ahmad Ripin Hospital Muaro Jambi Regency, both independently and simultaneously. This research uses a quantitative approach. The type of research used is ex-post facto. The variables used in the study were the attitude of health workers, the availability of drugs and the level of satisfaction. The data collection techniques used in the study used questionnaires, observations, documentation and interviews. Sampling technique uses probability sampling with a sample number of 250 patients. The subjects of the trial were as many as 30 patients at Abdul Manap Hospital in Jambi City. Instrument trials are conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument. The validity of the instrument is calculated using the Product Moment Correlation Analysis and obtained 47 valid items. Test the reliability of the instrument using The Cronbach Alpha and all variables have high reliability. The data analysis techniques used are simple regression analysis techniques and double regression analysis. The results of this study showed that (1) there was a positive and significant influence of the attitude of health workers towards the level of community satisfaction of jamkesmas cardholders of Ahmad Ripin Hospital Muaro Jambi Regency which was shown by rhitung > rtabel 5% of 0.409 > 0.138, (2) the influence there was a positive and significant increase of the availability of drugs to the level of satisfaction of the community of jamkesmas card holders of Ahmad Ripin Hospital Muaro Jambi Regency indicated by rhitung > rtabel 5% of 0.355 > 0.138, and (3) there was a positive and significant influence of the attitude of health workers and the availability of drugs to the level of community satisfaction of jamkesmas card holders of Ahmad Ripin Hospital Muaro Jambi Regency indicated by Fhitung > Ftabel 5% of 35,111 > 3.04. The study's effective contribution was 22.1%, while 77.9% was explained by other factors not analyzed in the study.

THE ROLES OF CADRE AS A SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

The people living with HIV (PLWH) are vulnerable population with several health problems and stigma from the community. People living with HIV need social support from the people around them, include community health worker as support groups. The purpose of this activity was to increase the knowledge and attitude of cadre as support group in providing support to PLWH. This program consists of health education and training as support group for PLWH. The target of the activity was 20 community health workers in Turen district, Malang Regency. The activity was held on October 16, 2021. Participants were given a knowledge and attitude questionnaire before and after the activity. The results of the paired t test about community health worker knowledge obtained a value of 0.000 (<p value 0.05) so it means there was a significant difference between the average level of pre-test and post-test cadre knowledge. The results of the paired t test about community health worker attitudes obtained a value of 0.000 (<p value 0.05) so it menas that there is a significant difference between the average of pre-test and post-test community health worker attitudes. It can be concluded that support group training can improve the knowledge and attitudes of community health worker as support group for PLWH.

Patient Safety Perception and Attitude Of Health Workers and Patients: A Case Of Education and Research Hospital

Sağlık hizmetlerinde kaliteli hizmet beklentisi her geçen gün artmaktadır. Sağlık hizmetlerinde tedavi ve bakım kalitesinin yanı sıra kalite ve hasta güvenliğini sağlamak da giderek önem kazanan ve üzerinde çalışılan bir konu haline gelmiştir. Bu çalışmada, özel eğitim araştırma hastanesi ile kamu eğitim araştırma hastanesi arasında sağlık çalışanları ve hastaların hasta güvenliğinin tıbbi hatalar ile ilgili tutum ve algılarının karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Kesitsel tipteki bu araştırmada veriler, İstanbul ilinde bulunan kamu eğitim araştırma hastanesi ve özel eğitim araştırma hastanesinde görev yapan toplam 1205 sağlık çalışanı ve bu hastanelerden hizmet alan 581 hasta ile Nisan-Temmuz 2017 tarihleri arasında toplanmıştır. Araştırmamız Sağlık Çalışanı Hasta Güvenliği ve Toplum Hasta Güvenliği Anket Formu olmak üzere iki veri toplama aracı kullanılarak sağlık çalışanları ve hastalara yapılmıştır. Araştırmamızda verilerin analizinde tanımlayıcı istatistikler ki- kare testi, t testi kullanılmıştır. Sağlık çalışanlarının %60,24’ü, hastaların %53,7’si kadın, çalışanların %28,1’i 33-40, hastaların %28,7’si 41-48 yaş aralığındadır. Araştırmamıza katılan sağlık çalışanlarının %33,9’u hemşire, %25,8’i hekim, %11,5’i temizlik personellerinden oluşmaktadır. Araştırmamızda sağlık çalışanları tıbbi hataları önlemede %97,4 ile eczaneden ilaç alınırken reçetedeki ilaçların aynısının verildiğinden emin olunmasını etkili bulmuşlardır. Hastaların %99,8’i yazılan reçetenin okunaklı olmasını tıbbi hataları önlemede daha etkili bulmuşlardır. Tıbbi hatalara maruz kalma, tıbbi hataların sorumlusu, tıbbi hataların sebebi, tıbbi hatalar konusunda duyum, tıbbi hatalar konusunda bilgi ve farkındalık düzeyi, tıbbi hatalardan sorumlu tutulması gereken kişiler, tıbbi hatalar ile ilgili konuların önlenebilirliği, uygulanabilirliği ve hastanelerde yeterliliği konuları incelenmiş hasta ve sağlık çalışanlarının hizmet aldıkları hastaneler ve sağlık çalışanlarının görev türlerine göre farklılıklar olduğu görülmüştür.

The Analysis of Personal Protective Equipment Covid-19 in The Hospital Sallewangan, Maros Regency 2020

Purpose: to analyze of the use of Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment on health workers atSalewangang Hospital, Maros Regency.Methods: The type of research used is the analytical survey method of research conducted withoutintervention to the research subject. Data collection regarding free and dependent variables was carriedout online using Google Form and the results of Google Form data collectionResults: Availability of personal protective equipment has a significant effect on the behavior ofusing personal protective equipment Covid-19, Knowledge of health workers has a significant effecton behavior of using personal protective equipment Covid-19, Attitudes of health workers have asignificant effect on behavior of using personal protective equipment Covid-19 in health workers at theSalewangang Hospital, Maros Regency with a sig. 0.000Conclusion: there is a relation between personal equipment on helath workers at the sallewanganhospital at maros regency

Women’s perception of quality and utilization of antenatal care and delivery services in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Background: The perception of quality of antenatal care and delivery services is one of the several factors that influence utilization of these services. This study assessed the perception of quality and utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and delivery services among women of childbearing age in Oshimili South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study among 301 women aged 15-49 years selected by multistage random sampling technique using mixed methods of data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 while thematic analysis was done for the qualitative data.Results: The mean age of the women was 32.0 ± 2.5 years. Most were married 287 (95.3%), had secondary education 211 (70.1%)) and self-employed 227 (75.4%). One hundred and forty-eight (49.2%) had good perception of technical competence of staff, 132 (43.9%) their safety consciousness and 134 (44.5%) effectiveness/efficiency of drugs. However, 136 (43.5%) had poor perception of waiting time, 118 (39.2%) health workers respectfulness and 116 (38.5%) compassion for patients. Two hundred and seventy-three (90.7%) and 251(83.4%) utilized ANC and delivery services, respectively, while 22 (7.3%) delivered at home.Conclusion: The women’s perception of quality of ANC and delivery services varied across domains. There was a high level of utilization of antenatal care and delivery services. However, there were few traditional birth attendant (TBA) and home deliveries. Addressing the issues of long waiting time and attitude of health workers will encourage full scale utilization of health facilities and discourage TBA and home deliveries
 Keywords: Antenatal care; Delivery services; Perception; Quality of care; Utilization; Nigeria

Kepatuhan Protokol APD Pada K3 dan Kinerja Karyawan Instalasi Radiologi RSUD dr. Saiful Anwar Malang

Background: Occupational Safety and Health (K3) is one of the labor protection systems to prevent and reduce the occurrence of health problems and accidents caused by dangerous environments and ways of working. Preventing these hazards and damages, safety is a very important factor so that it can reduce the risk due to work in radiology installations by using radiation protection. The purpose of the study is to know the impact of APD protocol compliance on employee safety, health and performance.Methods: Research design uses qualitative deskriotive methods. The selection of informants was obtained from observations and interviews to employees of radiology installations of dr. Saiful Anwar Malang Hospital. The study used purposive sampling techniques. Research instruments use observation sheets, interview guidelines and documentation study sheets. The study was conducted in November 2021 at dr. Saiful Anwar Malang Hospital.Results: The results showed radiology unit officers had compliance with APD usage protocols that impacted employee safety and occupational health. Radiology Installation Officer dr. Saiful Anwar Malang has implemented employee work safety and has compliance with occupational health. Radiology Installation Officer of rsud dr. Saiful Anwar Malang has an excellent performance.Conclusions: The results of this study can be used as a reference by health workers to measure the level of compliance in the use of PPE, as well as to improve the knowledge and attitude of health workers in using PPE. The institution is expected to further increase supervision on radiographers, especially in working to be more disciplined in implementing the use of PPE.

Health Education in Management Radiological Examination in the Era of the Covid 19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic impacts increasing psychological problems (anxiety disorders, depression, and insomnia) in the community and health workers. People experience clinical anxiety, so they are afraid to check their health to health services when they experience symptoms of illness. The purpose of this community service is to increase the knowledge and attitudes of health workers in providing good health education to the community so that people understand health behaviour and can make decisions based on the information that has been obtained. This education was conducted online for 300 health workers (Indonesian Radiographers/PARI), with the media zoom meeting. The implementation of this education begins with a pre-test, implementation of education, questions and answers, then a post-test. The results of the pre-test before the implementation of health education obtained a mean value of 36.50, a median of 30, and a standard deviation of 17,060, while the post-test results after the implementation of health education obtained a mean value of 93.00, a median of 100, and a standard deviation of 10.773. There is an increase in the knowledge of health education participants between before and after the health education is given. Recommendations from this community service activity are expected that health workers can continue to provide good health education to the community. The level of anxiety and stigma against Covid-19 decreases, and people feel calm and safe to check their health.

Ethical Leadership, Job Satisfaction, and Organisational Commitment among Health Workers in Ghana: Evidence from Central Region Hospitals

The study aims to examine the causal links ethical leadership and job satisfaction have with commitment of health workers in Ghana, given the recent sit-down strikes and lamentations against the attitude of health workers. Cross- sectional survey design based on a quantitative approach using structured questionnaires was used. 617 health workers comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and laboratory workers participated in the study. Pearsons’ correlation and linear regression were employed as analytical techniques. It was found that ethical leadership and job satisfaction positively affect organizational commitment. Job satisfaction however emerged with a greater effect size over ethical leadership. This study explored the commitment of health workers only. When narrowing the findings, generalization to groups such as the private sector and non-governmental organizations, reduces the scope of the findings. Management of public health centers should avoid reading between the lines in adopting and exhibiting ethical behaviors that would enhance employee’s commitment to their work. Similarly, factors that foster job satisfaction must be given ultimate attention.

Comparative Assessment of the Implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in Public and Private Health Facilities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.

Background:Due to the continuous increase in the spread of epidemic-prone diseases and the associated morbidity and mortality, integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) was introduced as the main strategy in resource-poor settings for the detection and notification of these diseases. Integrated disease surveillance is a combination of active and passive systems using a single infrastructure that gathers information about multiple diseases or behaviors of interest.Methods:A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2018 among selected public and private health facilities in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State. Quantitative data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and facility-based checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Statistical significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence level.Results:A total of 126 health workers were studied. IDSR-trained health personnel was found in 52.7% of the public health facilities compared with only 16.7% of the private health facilities studied (P < 0.001). Awareness of IDSR was higher in the public health facilities than in the private ones (P < 0.001). IDSR implementation was poorer in the private health facilities 40.7% compared with 76.4% in public health facilities (P < 0.001). Evidence of previous disease notification and reporting was seen only in 33.3% and 16.7% of public and private health facilities, respectively (P < 0.001).Conclusion:This study revealed that awareness and attitude of health workers in public health facilities in Jos North were higher than that of those in private health facilities and there is the sub-optimal implementation of IDSR among the health workers in Jos North LGA, especially among the private health facilities.

Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury with Delayed Ischemic Stroke - A Case Report with Discussion on Diagnosis and Management

Blunt cerebrovascular injury(BCVI) can cause devastating morbidity and mortality. The problem with BCVI is that most physicians and health workers are not aware of this condition. It can present with periods of a varying time frame of about 12 to 36 hours or as late as 1 week after trauma. This may result in the complacent attitude of health workers that all is well given the initial normal finding in CT. This article aims at highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, to prevent and halt the progression of the injury into stroke and its resultant morbid consequences. This case report is that of a young male patient who came to the casualty with a history of assault and neck injury. He was hemodynamically stable and was managed with suturing of the wound. Initial imaging did not reveal any vessel injury, but he developed a stroke 36 hours later. A brief commentary on causes, presentation, early diagnosis, and management is described.

Reproductive health education: a qualitative study of health seeking behaviour of in-school female adolescents

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents in developing countries are often vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies. It is estimated that about 13 million adolescent girls have unplanned births each year in developing countries. This study examined the scope of the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) and health-seeking behaviours of female adolescents in Junior High School (JHS). METHODS: this qualitative research used the narrative approach. Group discussions were conducted among 100 female adolescents aged 12-19 years. Interviews were conducted among five community health workers in five health centres that provide reproductive health services. The in-depth interviews and group discussions were documented, transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 11, whilst thematic analysis was used in analyzing data. RESULTS: the mean age of adolescents was 15.5 years, with 74% reporting having knowledge of STDs. It was observed that the SHEP offers various information on health issues such as menstrual hygiene, STDs, personal hygiene, contraceptives, personal development and unsafe abortion practices. Adolescent reproductive health services were also available in the health centres but patronage was low as a result of perceived negative attitude of health workers and trust. Knowledge on issues of reproductive health is insufficient among JHS female adolescents, with many of them relying on the media and peers for reproductive health support. CONCLUSION: in this study, female adolescents are generally involved in risky sexual behaviour due to their low level of knowledge on reproductive issues and their unwillingness to patronize available reproductive health services because of the health system and cultural barriers.

Incident reporting reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary Italian hospital: A retrospective analysis.

BackgroundIncident reporting (IR) is one of the most used systems to gain knowledge of adverse events (AEs) and to identify sources of risk. During COVID-19 pandemic, several organizational changes have been implemented to respond adequately and effectively to the emergency; this required the suspension of most deferrable activities.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate whether IR attitude of health workers has been reduced during the pandemic event.MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted at the Azienda Ospedale – Università di Padova (Italy), considering IR of years 2019 and 2020. To standardize the effects of the decrease in admissions, we considered the number of incidents per 1000 admissions.ResultsData shows that during the first (March–May 2020) and second waves (October–December 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a statistically significant reduction in the rate of IR for every 1000 admissions (P = 0.001—Wilcoxon test), especially for AEs and in COVID-19 units.ConclusionThis study shows a reduction in IR especially during the first and second pandemic waves of COVID-19 in year 2020. Education and training interventions could be fundamental to raise awareness of the importance of IR in health workers, as this could provide opportunities to understand what is impacting on safety in a particular healthcare context and enable continuous improvement.