Low Socioeconomic Standards Research Articles

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS LIVING IN CONDITIONS OF CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC SOCIAL TENSIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUVA

The article presents results of a study of psychological characteristics of Tuvan first-year students living in conditions of climatic and geographic social tensions of the Republic of Tuva. The peculiarity of the Republic of Tuva is not only harsh climate, national way of life and lifestyle, but also low socio-economic standards of living. The study was conducted in the framework of the monitoring in the University Health Centre with the computer program «Methodology for integrated assessment of physical and mental health of students in higher and secondary professional educational institutions» by R.I. Aisman. The Tuvan students were characterized by optimal parameters of anxiety, stress resistance, aggression and hostility, neurotization and psychopathology corresponding to the middle-age norms. They had quite a high level of motivation to succeed. Among the parameters of social and psychological adaptation, orientation to dysaptation prevailed. The nervous system's neurodynamic indicators indicated the medium-weak type of the nervous systems of Tuvinians. There have been identified gender characteristics of the girls, they had higher anxiety, hostility and motivation to succeed. The young men were more emotionally stable, calm, optimistic, because there were no persons with the high neurotization level among them. The girls were characterized by lower psychological adaptation, however, they had a higher level of physiological adaptation in comparison with the young men.

Asymptomatic intestinal protozoa in school age children in Pategi, Pategi LGA of Kwara state, Nigeria.

Intestinal protozoan infection is one of the principal diseases contributing to human illness and suffering in tropical countries with significant effect of morbidity and mortality on children. The prevalence of intestinal asymptomatic protozoan infection was assessed (November, 2012 through May, 2013) among school age children in Pategi, Pategi Local Government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Four public primary schools with nursery, prebasic and basic sections were used for the study. The age range was from 1 to 15 years old. Seven hundred and forty eight (748) stool specimens were collected and examined for protozoan cysts using the direct wet preparation and formol-ether concentration methods. One hundred and ninety seven (26.3%) of the samples were positive for intestinal protozoan parasite. The distribution of the parasites was E. histolytica/dispar (75.1), E. coli (18.8) and G. lamblia (6.1%). Balantidium coli cyst was not detected in the stool samples of the pupils. Highest prevalence of E. histolytica was observed among Gboke primary school (35.0%), closely followed by Nyamkpan (31.7%) and Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) (5.9%). Due males (28.0%) were more infection and female (24.7%), the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05) except for G. lamblia infection (P<0.05). The public health implication of asymptomatic carriage of cyst of intestinal protozoan among low socioeconomic and sanitary standards of environments and children with poor personal hygiene was discussed. The use of mass chemotherapy and integrated measures of parasitic control would be of utmost importance in reducing the level of symptomatic infections among children.

Home Unintentional Non-fatal Injury Among Children Under 5 Years of Age in a Rural Area, El Minia Governorate, Egypt

Injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children aged 1-14years, with home injuries a particular problem in the preschool-age group. The focus of this study was to determine the frequency, and the outcome of unintentional non-fatal injuries among children under 5years of age in the household, and to describe the related risk factors through a community-based survey. A cross-sectional community based study was conducted on a random sample of 1,255 rural Egyptian children under 5years of age. Data were collected by a questionnaire which included; socio-demographic data, history, type, and the outcome of unintentional home injuries in the previous year. Of 1,255 children, 55.9% were males and 44.1% were females, and their mean age was 28.6±11.8months. The frequency of unintentional non-fatal home-related injuries was 20.6%. Injury rates were the highest among children during the third year of life, those of less educated parents, those whom mothers are of young age, and those with low household socioeconomic standard. Homes of injured children were not significantly different from the homes of non-injured children. Burns were the most common injuries among all the study groups (38%) followed by falls (35.3%). 'Handicaps' were more strongly associated with falls and burns (6.6 and 4.1% respectively). Unintentional injuries are common among children under 5years of age in rural Egypt. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent children from the most frequently recorded home injuries such as burns and falls.

Mass scabies management in an orphanage of rural community: An experience

Scabies is an important health problem characterized by continuous transmission throughout the year. It is ubiquitous, contagious, and debilitating parasitic dermatoses, known since antiquity and having widespread distribution in the tropics. The worldwide prevalence has been estimated at about 300 million cases yearly, although it may be an overestimate.1 Scabies occurs in both sexes, at all ages, in all ethnic groups, and at all socioeconomic levels. In India, the incidence ranges from 13% to 59% in rural2 and urban areas.3 Scabies is a Latin word that simply means to scratch and is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var-hominis, and is usually associated with conditions of overcrowding, low socioeconomic standards, low level of education and poor hygiene.4 Overcrowding and sexual contacts are the most common, but not exclusive modes of transmission. The mite of scabies burrows into the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and feeds on skin cells and fluids. It is this feeding action, and its products (digestive secretions and feces) that provoke an immune reaction from the body which results in itching and other symptoms of scabies. Scabies causes considerable discomfort and can result in severe secondary complications such as impetigo, cellulitis, pyoderma, bacteraemia and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.5–7 The study was undertaken in the Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college located at Kasurdi village, in Pune district of Maharashtra. During routine visits, three school going children of a nearby orphanage reported with the clinical symptoms suggestive of Scabies i.e. insomnia due to severe itching at night, rashes, irritability leading to school absenteeism and poor quality of life. On examination, the children were found to be having scabies. Scabies in orphanages are not uncommon but unfortunately are hard to treat because of reasons like delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, malnutrition, associated allergic and bacterial infections and inadequate follow-up.8 It was thus decided that all the children at the orphanage be examined and an intervention to cure all children of the orphanage be undertaken. The study thus aimed to assess the prevalence of Scabies in an orphanage in a rural village of Maharashtra State and to conduct a mass Scabies treatment and follow-up of all children and care givers. The study in addition also provided health education and trained the care givers for timely management of scabies in the setup.

Pattern of milk feeding and family size as risk factors for iron deficiency anemia among poor Egyptian infants 6 to 24 months old

Infants between 6 and 24 months of age are at the highest risk of development of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in developing countries. Consuming unmodified cow's milk, delayed introduction of solid foods after 6 months, and high birth order could be predictors of the presence of IDA. Three hundred infants between the ages of 6 and 24 months (mean, 13.94 ± 6.17 months) from Ain Shams University Children's Hospital were enrolled in the study. Data collected included demographic information and dietary assessment including the type of milk feeding, introduction of solid foods, and daily iron intake. The infants were examined, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Anemic infants (hemoglobin level <11 g/dL) were further evaluated by complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and iron profile. Anemia was diagnosed among 198 infants (66%), of whom 129 (43%) had IDA. Red cell distribution width at a cutoff value of 15.8% was 86% sensitive and 74% specific in predicting IDA. The main risk factors for IDA included being between 6 and 18 months of age, of the male sex, birth order above the second order, consuming cow's milk, predominant breast-feeding beyond 6 months of age, and low daily iron intake. We conclude that IDA is the most common cause of anemia among Egyptian infants 6 to 24 months old of low socioeconomic standard. Independent clinical predictors were consuming cow's milk during the first 6 months, delayed introduction of solid foods after 6 months, and birth order beyond the second order.

Abandonos en el seguimiento de recién nacidos de muy bajo peso antes de los 2 años

Introduction The increase in survival rates of very low weight newborns (VLWN) and their neurodevelopmental morbidity has led to the implementation of follow-up programmes. The withdrawal from follow up limits the achievement of care goals and the validity of studies in this field. Goals To assess the neurodevelopmental status, morbidity, social and economical data in the VLWN seen in our Neonatal Care Unit between 2002 and 2005 and lost in the follow up programme before the age of two, and compare these findings with the group who completed follow up. Patients A total of 318 VLWN were included, of 53 had died. At the age of two, 215 had completed the monitoring visits (group S) and 50 had quit (group A). Methods Using the SEN 1500 data base, and telephone interview of those parents who quit the programme. Results A total of 30 cases were interviewed (Group R). Six patients hade been admitted to hospital due to respiratory illness; 26.7% had neurodevelopmental impairment (1 case, severe; 1 case, moderate; 6 cases, mild) compared to 14% in group S ( P < .05). In group R, compared with group S, included more immigrants (40 vs. 14%), parental education level was lower and distance between home and hospital was greater ( P < .05). In group R, 57% of families had a low socioeconomic standard. Conclusions The telephone interview allowed the clinical status of 60% of VLWN lost to follow up to be determined. Sequelae rate, mainly mild, was higher in the lost-to- follow-up group. Some unfavourable social, economical and cultural factors could have influenced the interruption. It is advisable to develop strategies to prevent loss in the follow up.

Rhinosinugenic Intracranial Abscesses: A Review Of 4 Cases From Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Intracranial abscesses complicating rhinosinusitis are now uncommon. Attitude of patients to the so called common cold, delay in diagnosis and relative inaccessibility to computed tomography scan contribute to persistence of the entity and its sequelae in our environment. Case Description: Four patients presented to our centre with this condition over an eighteen month period. All were male teenagers. Late presentation was common to all, and rhinological symptoms were less emphasized. Radical treatment of the intracranial abscesses and three of the primary foci was employed. Three of the patients were left with morbidities while one died. Conclusion: Claims of its rarity may not continue to be true in the developing countries where the factors associated with poverty and low socioeconomic standard of living are prevalent. Therefore clinicians need to be more alert and work as a team for early diagnosis and reduce its morbidity and mortality. Parents need to be educated.

Malnutrition-modulated diabetes mellitus (MMDM): a state of review

Diabetes is a worldwide public health problem and is progressively increasing in Third World countries, particularly in African continent and Southern Asia due to low socio-economic standards. Since malnutrition and undernutrition with cassava consumption and cyanide intoxication have been thought to be the major cause of diabetes in tropical countries, WHO Expert Committee on Diabetes suggested, in its report, that the relationship between Malnutrition-Modulated Diabetes Mellitus (MMDM) and high cassava consumption should be clarified. Be that as it may, many recent studies have failed to establish a link between tropical diabetes and cassava malnutrition. In this paper, we shed light on MMDM in order to reach a consensus on its clinical, physiological and pathogenic features. Keywords: Tropical diabetes, cassava, immune disease, clinical features. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 230-238

Interrupting wild poliovirus transmission using oral poliovirus vaccine: Environmental surveillance in high‐risks area of India

Global eradication of poliomyelitis has reached critical stage. Sabin Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) has been successful in three major regions of the world. In India eradication of poliomyelitis from states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar has been difficult due to high population and low-socioeconomic standards of living. Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance and intensive OPV rounds continues with the World Health Organization (WHO) operational strategies. Yet apparent lack of progress in reducing the number of wild cases has resulted in occasional impatience and frustration, even leading to questions about ultimate feasibility of global eradication using OPV. Lucknow in UP is in geographical area endemic for poliomyelitis and is surrounded by high-risk areas yet maintains a polio-free status since 2002. Environmental surveillance study was conducted (2004-2006) to authenticate the decline in the wild poliovirus (PV) cases in Lucknow. Sewage sample analyses were compared with stools of AFP patients and healthy children from same geographical area. Study reveals useful information on OPV circulation and proves important epidemiological tool to trust WHO's OPV immunization program. Genetic sequencing had detected silent wild PV-1 circulation of RCP1PGI (EU049849), RCP2PGI (EU049850), RCP3PGI (EU049851), and RCP4PGI (EU049852) in sewage waters. Properties of isolates from sewage reflected those of viruses excreted from human. This study provides valuable information and encouragement to AFP surveillance to maintain high levels of OPV immunization campaigns in the most difficult endemic region of India to interrupt the wild PV transmission.

Natural history of Helicobacter pylori infection

This report describes the modalities of chronic gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori infection in different populations. The full gamut of lesions representing the precancerous cascade is very prevalent in populations of low socioeconomic background experiencing very high gastric cancer risk, as seen in the Latin American Andes Mountains. In populations of high socioeconomic standards and high cancer risk, such as Japan and Korea, the precancerous cascade predominates and “early” cancers are also diagnosed frequently. Some reports describe frequent corpus atrophy, not prominent in the former group. The so-called African enigma is seen in populations of low socioeconomic standards, usually living at low altitudes, with high prevalence of infection but low frequency of cancer and precancerous lesions. In populations in transition from high to low cancer risk, duodenal ulcer and antral non-atrophic gastritis are frequently seen. In affluent societies at low risk of cancer, such as Western Europe, Australia and North America, mild non-atrophic gastritis associated with low virulence Helicobacter pylori genotypes predominate. The varied phenotypes of gastritis may reflect secular changes in the ecology of our species.

Epidemiology and control of scabies in an Egyptian village

Some studies have addressed the epidemiology of scabies among rural populations in developing countries; however, the epidemiology of scabies among the rural population in Egypt is unknown. We sought to determine the magnitude of scabies infestation in an Egyptian village and to evaluate the control measures after 1 year. This study was carried out on 3147 residents of Mit-Moaned village in Dakahlia govemorate, Egypt. It was a cross-sectional follow-up study where the same individuals examined in round I were re-examined in round III. The two rounds were separated by a period of 1 year, during which infested patients were followed up and new cases were discovered (round II). Patients and their household contacts received treatment with topical permethrin. Patients showing resistance to permethrin received a single oral dose of ivermectin. In round III, the overall prevalence rate of scabies was reduced from 5.4% in round I to 1.1%. The incidence of new cases among susceptible persons during round II was 1.1%. Scabies was significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent among families of large size, high crowding index at night, low socioeconomic standards, and those receiving their water supply from a hand pump. Children younger than 10 years showed the highest prevalence. Our data provide the first complete picture of the epidemiology of scabies in rural Egypt. The epidemiologic characteristics of the disease should be considered in the design of disease control programs for other villages with scabies epidemics. Our findings revealed that good control was achieved with the following: increased awareness and better case finding, education of the staff at the rural health unit, improved hygiene measures, and massive treatment campaigns using effective drugs such as topical permethrin and oral ivermectin.

Carcinoma of the uterine cervix and schistosomiasis

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of carcinoma of the uterine cervix and its relationship to schistosomiasis infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a 10-year period (1980–1990) at the department of histopathology (cancer registry) of the University of Dar es Salaam using statistical evaluation of the proportional rate of histomorphological diagnosis, clinical symptoms and epidemiological aspects. RESULTS: There were 4520 cases classified as cervical carcinoma. Unexpectedly, only 76 of these (1.7%) revealed an association with schistosomiasis. Precancerous lesions of the squamous epithelium of the uterine cervix were a relatively common feature in carcinoma of both groups. Furthermore, epidemiological analysis indicates that the occurrence of cancer and schistosomiasis infection of the cervix is not strictly confined to the population of rural regions, known as endemic areas, with low hygienic and socioeconomic standards. This fact is most probably due to the rural people moving into urban areas, hoping to improve their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Our data do not support the assumption of an etiologic role of schistosomiasis in the oncogenesis of cervical carcinoma.

We Are Learning - Slowly

“The Minister directs that you take up duties at X school.” Ye gods and little fishes! What does a teacher new to a school like this do?The school concerned in this paper is in a small, isolated, North Queensland town with a population of about 200. The racial mix is about 75% Aboriginal descent. The “best” jobs are mainly confined to the European sector, with the high profile occupations being held by itinerants, (teachers, nurses, and police). The local council is the main employer in the town, but there is still a high level of unemployment. Low socio-economic and educational standards and high alcohol consumption are prevalent throughout the community.

An epidemiological and biochemical study on osteomalacia among pregnant women in Egypt.

230 pregnant women of low socio-economic standard were studied regarding the nutritional status and state of calcium and bone mineralization, social, environmental, dietary and biological factors of the women were also investigated to determine their possible role in such state. Results revealed a low nutritional status associated with biochemical abnormality denoting an impaired calcium state and defective bone mineralization. The low intake of available calcium and lack or inefficient supplements are suggested to be the main factors in causing the low state of calcium.