Poor Environmental Sanitation Research Articles

Correlation of Soil Contamination and Incident of STH Infection in Sukokerto Village Sukowono District Jember Regency

The most common worm infections are those caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection. Soil contamination is one of the causes of helminth transmission to humans. Poor environmental sanitation and personal hygiene facilitate the spread and transmission of STH. Jember is a district where the majority of the population lives in rural areas with poor sanitation access. This study aims to determine the correlation between soil contamination and incident of STH infection in Sukokerto Village, Sukowono District, Jember Regency. This cross-sectional analytic observational study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023. The total of samples in this study was 44 fecal and soil around the house. The data obtained from the laboratory examination showed that the total fecal positive of STH was 11 or 25%, and soil was 13 or 29.5%. The results of the Chi-Square test analysis obtained ρ<0.05 (ρ=0.036, OR=4,457). The results showed a significant relationship between soil contamination and the incidence of STH infection in Sukokerto Village, Sukowo District, Jember Regency

Intestinal Parasites among Children from Two Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children residing in Eagle Island in Port Harcourt Local Government Area and Wiiyaakara in Khana local government all in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and twenty (220) faecal specimens were collected from the children aged (2-17) years into a wide-mouthed universal container and were analyzed using wet saline/iodine and formol ether concentration methods for presence of intestinal parasites. Out of the total of 220 samples examined, 44 children were infected with various intestinal parasites with an overall prevalence of 20%. Eagle Island had a higher prevalence 24(54.5%) than Wiiyaakara, 20(45.5%). The species identified and their prevalence were Ascaris lumbricoides 24(54.6%), Trichuris trichuria13(29.5%) and Hookworm 7(15.9%). The result of this study showed a higher prevalence of infection in male 24(54.5%) than female 20(45.5%) with no significant difference (p>0.05) and children within the age bracket of 10-13 years (27.3%) with the highest prevalence. This study therefore shows that intestinal helminths are prevalent among children residing in Eagle Island and Wiiyaakara Communities in Rivers State. This calls for more enlightenment on measures aimed at reducing parasitic infections among children in these areas, which are associated with poor environmental sanitation and unhygienic personal behaviours among children. Periodic treatment of individual with anti-parasitic drugs should also be encouraged.

COMMUNITY SYMPATHY-BASED SLUM SANITATION PLANNING CONCEPT IN BATU BARA DISTRICT, NORTH SUMATERA, INDONESIA

ABSTRACT Slums in the Tanjung Tiram area of Batu Bara Regency are caused by high and uneven population density, limited habitable land and low awareness of environmental conservation among residents. This results in poor environmental sanitation and potentially affects environmental sustainability. The local government is trying to improve this situation through slum upgrading and community empowerment programs. Objectives: This study aims to examine community sympathy for the spatial concept and environmental sanitation improvement programs in Tanjung Tiram neighborhood, as well as the factors that influence it. Methodology and Results: The research method was qualitative with a rationalist approach. The study began with literature analysis and continued with field studies to describe community sympathy in sanitation management, identify patterns of behavior change, and analyze the factors that influence it. Conclusion, Significance, and Implication: The results highlight that the community demonstrated empathy through responsibility and mutual concern for the interests of others, such as involvement in the sanitation improvement process from preparation to monitoring in terms of toilet and bathroom use. Community motivation comes from cadre interventions that provide understanding, increase empathy and responsibility, and strengthen community motivation in sanitation management. Community cooperation and awareness must be increased through community empowerment programs.

Assessment of the Bacteriological Properties of Indoor Dust in some Classrooms of Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro

The bacteriological properties of indoor dust in some classrooms of the Delta State University of Science, Ozoro was examined with a view to identify any possible source of pollution of classroom indoor air quality; measurement of microbial load of classroom dust sample and to compare findings of selected locations as a means to determine high air polluted areas. This was done by the collection of dust samples from classrooms table and chair surfaces. It was observed that the amount of bacteria available in classrooms differ based on activities in and around the classrooms. Bacteria isolates indicated the presence of pathogen associated with disease such as Bacillus sp; Staphylococcus sp; Micrococcus sp. of indoor air pollution exist and this is identified as open dump practice birthing more microbial cells which are transported through air and poor sanitation practice around and within the classrooms. Contamination of sample was observed for dust at different locations with the bacteria count seen to be higher at sample C (1.8x102cfu/m3) and lower in sample D (0.2x102cfu/m3). Staphylococcus sp dominated all the locations that were analyzed while Micrococcus sp. only occurred in site C. This is because poor environmental sanitation is observed at certain classrooms in addition to shattered classroom windows given an ease of access of dust flow indoor. It can be concluded that only a minimal sources of indoor air pollution exist and hence only a small amount of bacteria is present. In spite of this, prevalence of such practices is likely to promote the growth of more microbial cells.

The Concept of Sustainable Eco-Urban Settlement in Yogyakarta Peri-urban Area Regarding to Public Health Prevalence Reduction Efforts

Settlement quality has always been a concern in development issues in Indonesia. Humans as residents who live in a settlement act as subjects and objects in development so the role of humans in the quality of settlements is also closely related. Settlement quality is one of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), more precisely, the 11th goal which aims to make cities and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The general problem related to the quality of settlements is that most areas still have inadequate quality settlements and the density of existing settlements exceeds the carrying capacity and carrying capacity of the environment. This can affect the decline in environmental quality in these settlements. Diseases that occur due to environmental conditions can occur due to interactions between humans, human behavior, and the environment in which they live that have the potential to transmit disease. Poor residential environmental conditions will increase the risk of environmental-based disease transmission. One of the common environmental-based diseases that occurs in settlements is leptospirosis which is usually caused by poor environmental sanitation conditions and the presence of rats. Poor environmental conditions will indirectly affect the health conditions of residents, such as mothers and children in the house. Poor maternal and child health creates opportunities for stunting to occur. Stunting is a nutritional status outcome that occurs when a child has a height of less than −2.0 standard deviation (SD) compared to the population average.

Analisis Sumur Resapan Sebagai Pengendali Genangan Pada Perumahan Sompu Raya, Kelurahan Kallabirang, Kabupaten Takalar

The importance of housing control in housing cannot be ignored. Inundation in housing can cause various problems such as infrastructure damage, poor environmental sanitation, and health problems. Therefore, inundation control is very important. One method that can be used to control deposition is to use infiltration wells. Infiltration wells are an effective way to overcome the problem of stagnant water in the train area. The aim of this study was to analyze infiltration wells as structural controllers at Sompu Raya Housing, Kallabirang Village, Takalar Regency. This research was conducted using a field survey and literature study method. The data obtained were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. The results of this study indicate that 189 units of infiltration wells are needed to overcome inundation with 100% efficiency of air seeping into the ground with a duration of 1 hour, while the efficiency of infiltration wells by applying it to each house is 83.95%.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among primary school children in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections have become a global public health, and this burden is even higher among children in primary schools. Therefore, the study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in both public and private schools in Uyo urban was investigated. A cross sectional parasitological study consisting of 2000 school children 1000 each from five private and five public primary schools was carried out in Uyo metropolis. Structured questionnaire was used to obtained data on associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection. Microscopic examination of stool specimen of children by wet mount and formol either concentration technique was used for parasitological analysis of faecal samples. The results implicate poor toilet facilities, contamination of sources of drinking water, poor environmental sanitation and children attitude of playing bare footed and poor personal hygiene as the major risks factors. The overall prevalence of 952 (47.6%) was recorded with 342 (34.2%) from private school and prevalence of 610 (61.0%) from public school out of 1000 pupil examined from each group of schools. The most dominance parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (10.5%) Guardia intestinalis (8.9%) Ancyclostoma duodenales (8.9%) Entamoeba histolystica (10.5%) Trichuris trichuira (10.9), E coli (3.0%) Enterobius vermicularis (2.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (2.1%). There was corresponding decrease in infection rate as the age increase. There is an urgent need for government and school authorities to create and maintain better sanitary and toilet facilities in school.

The Prevalence of Trichuriasis in School-age Children in Asia: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Trichuris trichiura, hookworms, and Ascaris lumbricoides are known as soil-transmitted helminths that commonly infect humans. Transmission is more common in areas with poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine available information on the prevalence of T. trichiura infection in school-age children in Asia. This information can be used for additional studies to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for T. trichiura infection locally that can inform regional control programs and look at laboratory examination techniques to diagnose this parasite disease. Methods: Multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature on the trichuriasis prevalence published from 2011 to January 2021. Results: A total of 13,836 studies were identified through database searches. The included studies represent 16 countries, with the highest number of study conducted in Yemen. Conclusions: The prevalence of trichuriasis in school-age children was found to vary widely by country. The Kato-Katz technique was commonly used to detect T. trichiura eggs in school-age children in Asia. Health sector should implement surveillance programs, particularly in countries with high infection prevalence. Educational programs aimed at improving personal hygiene and environmental sanitation to decrease trichuriasis transmission.

The Implementation of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) in Sick Children from 2 Months up to 5 Years Age Old with Diarrhea in Community Health Center

Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a program that focuses on the main childhood diseases that occur in children under five years of age with a focus on pneumonia (acute respiratory infection), diarrhea, malaria, measles, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), ear and malnutrition. Diarrhea is a global health problem that causes high morbidity and mortality in developing countries due to poor environmental sanitation and hygiene, inadequate water supply, poverty and limited access to education. IMCI is a strategy that focuses on child as a whole, not on a single disease or condition, but on a combination of illnesses that need to be treated in an integrated manner at home and in primary health care facilities. Based on the Becora Community Health Center report that cases handled using the IMCI strategy totaled 2,204 cases in 2021, 4,273 cases in 2022 and 3,160 cases, from January to June 2023. Diarrhea cases ranked first, namely 584 cases in 2021, and in 2022 experienced an increase to 758 cases and until June 2023 cases of diarrhea reached 416 cases. The purpose of this residency is to know the management of cases of diarrhea by using IMCI strategies at the Becora Health Center, Dili, Timor Leste. Using descriptive studies because they only wanted to know the frequency distribution of cases handled with IMCI and specifically wanted to observe the management procedures in cases with diarrhea. Based on the results residence from 17-29 July 2023, 598 cases were not handled according to the IMCI strategy, of which 10.37% (n=62) cases had diarrhea and 0.5% (n=3) dysentery cases. In accordance with the results of observations that the IMCI management procedures are not in accordance with ministry standards or policies issued by the Ministry of Health Timor Leste. During residence it appears that health professionals conducting consultations are more directed to using general consultations than using the IMCI strategy.

The Correlation Between Widal Diagnostic Test, Total Leukocyte Count, and Platelet Count in Suspected Typhoid Fever Patients at RS Aura Syifa Kediri

Typhoid fever is an acute systemic infectious disease that is related to poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. The diagnosis of typhoid fever is established through laboratory examinations, including serological, hematological, and bacteriological tests. This research aims to determine the correlation between the Widal diagnostic test and the total leukocyte count and platelet count in suspected typhoid fever patients at RS Aura Syifa Kediri. The study design used in this research is quantitative descriptive analysis with a cross-sectional approach. The data was collected retrospectively from secondary sources, specifically medical records of patients from August 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, at RS Aura Syifa Kediri. The total population comprised 157 patients, and a purposive sampling method was used to select 41 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The statistical analysis using the Spearman correlation test resulted in p-values ≥ α = 0.05 for the following correlations: Widal test O with leukocytes (0.538 ≥ 0.05), Widal test H with leukocytes (0.915 ≥ 0.05), Widal test O with platelets (0.476 ≥ 0.05), and Widal test H with platelets (0.965 ≥ 0.05). These findings indicate that there is no significant correlation between the Widal test O and H with the platelet count in patients with typhoid fever. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between the Widal test O and H results and the platelet count in typhoid fever patients.

DETERMINAN KEJADIAN DIARE DI DESA SAMURA KECAMATAN KABANJAHE KABUPATEN KARO

Diarrhea is a disease in which the frequency of bowel movements is more frequent than usual or more than 3 times a day, accompanied by a change in the structure of the stool, which becomes softer and even more liquid. The cause of diarrhea is one of the environmental-based diseases which is still a public health problem where one of the causes of diarrhea is poor environmental sanitation conditions. This study aims to determine the determinants of the incidence of diarrhea in Samura Village, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency in 2022. This type of research is analytic observation with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were all heads of families who lived in Samura Village, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency, totaling 3,398 families, with a sample size of 97 samples. The sampling technique was carried out by means of Simple Random Sampling. Data analysis used the Chi Square test. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there are two variables related to the incidence of diarrhea, namely: personal hygiene with a p-value = 0.014 (p <0.05) and landfills with a p-value = 0.016 (p <0.05) and there are two variables that are not related to the incidence of diarrhea, namely: sources of clean water with a p-value = 346 (p> 0.05) and sewerage with a p-value = 0.472 (p> 0.05).
 Suggestions for the community to always maintain a clean environment and always apply PHBS, especially in maintaining personal hygiene so that it is far from various diseases

Risk Factors of Infection and Transmission of Viral Hepatitis B and E

Viral hepatitis is a disease burden in Africa and globally. It can be caused by RNA or DNA virus, which is hepatotropic and can pose a financial burden on the individual, their family, and society. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus that can be present in blood and body fluids, including saliva, semen, and vaginal secretion. It is par-enterally transmitted with horizontal and vertical transmission. The risk of infection and transmission of hepatitis B virus infection could be a result of occupational exposure, use of unsterilized blades for traditional and cultural practices in Africa like tribal marks, level of awareness on prevention and adherence to standard or universal precautions. The risk of infection and transmission of hepatitis B virus infection also includes individual sexual history, the availability and access to vaccines, the level of occupational hazards exposure, the level of vaccine acceptance and the vaccination status of individuals. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that is transmitted through the faeco-oral route by consumption of contaminated food and water. Low socio-economic status, poor environmental sanitation, poor water supply, poor sewage disposal facilities, level of awareness on prevention, poor social condition and decreased personal hygiene are associated factors for the risk of hepatitis E virus infection. Knowledge and community-based awareness and practice of World Health Organization (WHO) preventive practices and treatments could reduce the burden of hepatitis B and E virus infections. Mediscope 2023;10(2): 89-92

Faktor Determinan Stunting pada Balita : Tinjauan Literatur

Stunting is a condition of inhibited or stunted body growth caused by chronic malnutrition that is not addressed properly and promptly. Stunting is one of the nutritional problems that occur worldwide, including in Indonesia. There are many factors that can cause stunting. The purpose of this study is to review the factors that can lead to stunting in toddlers.The study was conducted by conducting a literature review through searching relevant articles from various electronic databases (Google Scholar, DOAJ, Pubmed, portal garuda) using keywords such as "stunting," "toddler," "determinant factors," "stunting incidence," "factors of stunting occurrence," and "stunted toddlers." A total of 11 articles were found with a time limit from 2017 to 2022, and then a thorough analysis was carried out.The results of this study indicate that factors contributing to stunting in toddlers include low maternal education and mothers' inadequate knowledge regarding meeting their children's nutritional needs, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, inappropriate introduction of complementary feeding according to age, a history of infectious diseases such as Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and recurrent diarrhea, poor environmental sanitation, and low socioeconomic status in fulfilling children's nutritional needs.Appropriate and effective management is required to address the issue of stunting so that it does not become a factor that hinders children's growth and development in the future.
 Keywords: stunting, toddlers, determinant factors

Prevalence of intestinal parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Prevalence of intestinal parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria, was studied from the month of September to November, 2022. The study was aimed to determine the prevalence, sample that harboured the parasite most and species of parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in the study area. Eight different fruits and five vegetables were purchased from the main markets of the three selected areas in the Local Governments (Biu, Buratai and Miringa) once in a week. A total of 384 samples, comprising of 280 fruits (Tomatoes, Guava, Watermelon, Orange, Bitter Garden Egg, Cucumber, Apple and Bananas) and 104 vegetables (Spanish, cabbages, lettuces, onions and Carrot) were purchased and examined for intestinal parasites using sedimentation method. An overall prevalence of 250 (65.1%) was observed and vegetables had the highest prevalence rate 82 (78.8%) while fruits had 168 (60%). The difference in prevalence rate in different locations within the study area on both fruits and vegetables were statistically not significant (p<0.05). Ascaris lumbricoide was the most prevalent specie 110 (44%) while hymenolopis nana was the lowest prevalence specie 7 (2.8%) on both fruits and vegetables. Others parasites encountered include Entamoeba histolytica 32 (12.8%), Trichuira trichuris 30 (12%), Ancylostoma spp 27 (10.8%), Taenia spp 16 (6.4%), Strongyloid stercoralis 16 (6.4%) and Giadia lamblia 12 (4.8%). From the results of this study fruits and vegetables sold in this study area were highly contaminated with intestinal parasites due to poor environmental sanitation, handling method and preservation techniques by vendors, farmers and consumers as well as use of wastewater and poor fertilizer during farming. This can be reduced or prevented through proper disposal of human and animal waste, proper handling and use of modern preservation techniques, use of clean or treated water and recommended fertilizer during farming as well as proper washing of fruits and vegetables before consumption.

The relationship between environmental sanitation and nutritional status with soil-transmitted helminths infection in elementary school children

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) infection is still a significant public health problem worldwide, including in Indonesia. This infection is caused by worms whose life cycle requires a soil medium in the maturation of eggs or larvae into an infective form and mainly occurs in children of primary school age. Poor environmental sanitation and malnutrition are the leading causes of STH infection. This study aims to determine the relationship between ecological sanitation, nutritional status, and STH infection incidence in elementary school children. This type of research is descriptive research. The research location is SDN 22 Telaga Biru, Telaga Biru District, Gorontalo Regency. The sample was 32 SDN 22 Telaga Biru students, obtained using the total sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaire instruments, Body Mass Index (BMI) examinations, and fecal examinations at the UPTD Regional Health Laboratory Center of Gorontalo Province. The data were further analyzed univariately. The results showed that most environmental sanitation conditions did not qualify, such as latrine conditions (68.8%), SPAL conditions (75.0%), trash can conditions (87.5%), and clean water facilities (68.8%). Nutritional status (BMI/U) was most in the normal category (65.6%), and no helminth eggs were found in respondents (negative STH), so a relationship analysis could not be carried out. It is suggested that the school and parents support government programs related to providing mass worm-prevention drugs.

Application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods in distinguishing pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira from the traditional market environment in Denpasar City

Background: Leptospirosis disease is still a health problem in Indonesia. The number of leptospirosis cases and deaths in Indonesia tends to increase. Indirect transmission of Leptospira bacteria can occur through poor environmental sanitation polluted by rat urine has the potential to cause leptospirosis. Traditional markets are good places for rats to breed. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of contamination by pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira bacteria in the environment around traditional markets in Denpasar City by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using three specific primers. Methods: The sample is water from the market environment, taken at 19 location points from eight traditional markets in Denpasar City. After being homogenized, the sample water is filtered. Isolation of specific genes from samples by the PCR method was performed to differentiate pathogenic and saprophytic leptospira using three specific primers designed from the 16S rRNA gene. Starting from the DNA extraction stage, amplification by PCR, and detection of PCR product DNA by electrophoresis. Results: This study found that from 19 water sampling locations, 5/19 (26.3%) point locations found specific DNA genes for pathogenic Leptospira bacteria. 10/19 (52.6%) point locations found specific genes for saprophytic Leptospira bacteria DNA, and 4/19 (21.1%) point locations found no specific genes for pathogenic or saprophytic Leptospira bacteria. Conclusion: PCR examination using a combination of three primers could distinguish the presence of pathogenic Leptospira, saprophytic Leptospira, and the absence of pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira simultaneously from traditional market environments in Denpasar City.

Environmental enteropathy and its association with water sanitation and hygiene in slum areas of Jimma Town Ethiopia.

Environmental Enteropathy is an inflammatory condition of the gut that leads to intestinal barrier dysfunction. It is a common problem in resource-limited countries and results from exposure to larger quantities of fecal bacteria to poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Due to poor intestinal permeability, there is a problem with absorption of nutrients, which in turn leads to growth faltering, poor cognitive development, and oral-vaccine failure. The aim of this study was to identify the children with an elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (indicative of possible environmental enteropathy) and its association with water sanitation and hygiene in slum areas of Jimma Town so as to mitigate the problem of malnutrition in under-five children. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January to April 2021. A Lactulose mannitol test was performed to determine the prevalence of elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (possibly environmental enteropathy) in children aged 12 to 59 months. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) indicators and sociodemographic characteristics. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to isolate independent predictors for possible environmental enteropathy. All tests were two-sided and statistical significance was declared at P<0.05. The results of this study showed that 19.3% (95%CI: 14.8-23.7) of children had an increased lactulose to mannitol ratio (>0.15). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the variables drinking water from unimproved water sources (AOR 3.741; 95%CI: 0.914-15.310,p = 0.048), unsafe coverage of water storage (AOR 0.363; 95%CI: 0.169-0.777, P = 0.009), public latrine utilization (AOR 0.139 95%CI: 0.024-0.816, P = 0.029),and hand washing less than 3 critical time of hand washing practices (AOR 4.369;95%CI: 1.411-13.524,P = 0.011) were significantly associated with an increased in lactulose mannitol ratio (possible indicative of intestinal permeability/environmental enteropathy). This study showed that one fifth of under-five children in Jimma Town had an elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (possibly environmental enteropathy). The WASH sectors and other governmental organizations should give emphasis to areas with poor water sanitation and hygiene to mitigate the problem of environmental enteropathy and related consequences like growth faltering, poor cognitive development, and oral-vaccine failure in the study area.

Performance and Prospects of the Wa Municipal Assembly in Revenue Generation

The Wa Municipality has several developmental challenges such as rapid population growth, high rates of illiteracy, poor environmental sanitation, and poverty. Besidesthe developmental challenges, the Municipality’s average contribution of IGF to its total annual revenue basket is minimal. This has created room for more dependence on external sources for development funds which often fluctuate and are generally on a decline. The study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the prospects of the Wa Municipal Assembly in relation to levels of revenue generation. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. Questionnaires and structured interview schedules were used to collect primary data from 467 respondents within the Municipality. The study shows that the Assembly’s potentials in relation to revenue generation are tourism promotion, investment in agriculture, improving on the database, expanding the revenue base, and taking advantage of the presence of NGOs and CBOs. It is concluded that the Wa Municipal Assembly should properly identify and valuate properties in a timely manner, adopt good resource mobilisation strategies, properly train Revenue Collectors and finally take keen interest in tapping into the prospects identified by the study so as to improve on levels of revenue generation.

Disease perception, impacts and coping strategies for onchocerciasis in Southeast Nigeria: a qualitative study among patients and program managers

BackgroundOnchocerciasis is a disease of public health concern due to the devastating consequences of the disease which impacts negatively on the lives of the people. The negative impact of the disease may affect its perception and lead to the adoption of some coping strategies. Therefore, understanding the disease perception, impacts and coping strategies used by onchocerciasis patients will help plan health interventions aimed at improving their general well-being.MethodsThis was a community-based study that employed a qualitative method through Key informant interviews (KII) with program managers and focus group discussions (FGD) among people who had Onchocerciasis. Four sessions of FGDs with a total of thirty-two (32) participants and eleven KIIs were conducted to ascertain their in-depth experience in five thematic areas.ResultsIn these communities, onchocerciasis is perceived to have been caused mainly by the bite of blackflies. Other presumed causes by the patients included drinking polluted water, poor environmental sanitation and witchcraft. The disease had a significant detrimental influence on both the physical and financial aspects of life with limited emotional and social impacts. The long-term clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis triggered pain and insufficient mobility. Thus, onchocerciasis patients experienced impairment in normal daily life activities (farming, etc.), dependency, depression and inability to participate in social events. These manifestations stimulated various coping strategies, mainly, nodulectomy by traditional healers. Others included self-medication, taking an overdose of ivermectin, and the use of alcohol.ConclusionMisconceptions about the cause of onchocerciasis still exist among people with the disease. The consequences of the disease impact negatively on various aspects of their lives and stimulate various coping strategies. Therefore, health promotion messages to the public should aim at dispelling misconceptions about the disease and promote healthy coping strategies.

Protocol for a systematic review of the evidence-based knowledge on the distribution, associated risk factors, the prevention and treatment modalities for noma

Introduction: Noma (cancrum oris) is a devastating opportunistic infection resulting in severe tissue destruction that affects mouth and oro-facial structures. There are substantial gaps in our current knowledge and understanding of its aetiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment efficacy, as well as its distribution and burden. Although observed worldwide, the disease impacts the most vulnerable and marginalised populations, and is most reported in young children from sub-Saharan Africa. Noma often presents alongside conditions of extreme poverty, malnutrition and poor environmental sanitation. This protocol paper outlines the methodology for a systematic review planned to exhaustively synthesize the findings of the available noma literature. The project aims to generate an account of the present state of knowledge about the various aspects of noma to aid in framing effective strategies and interventions to curb this disease which disproportionately afflicts the poorest in society. Methods and analysis: The following databases have been searched by a medical librarian from database inception to 7 December 2022: OVID (MEDLINE/ Embase/ CAB abstracts/ Global Health), Scopus, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online: Health, French language search: Pascal, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP. All primary research studies reporting on patients of any age diagnosed with noma will be eligible for inclusion in the review, including clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control, cross-sectional, other observational studies, case studies and case series. Data will be extracted from included studies to analyse the current evidence-based knowledge on the distribution, risk factors, microbiology, prevention and treatment modalities, and outcomes of noma. Ethics and dissemination: Results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal upon completion. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42019124839 (08/03/2019)