Zinder Region Research Articles

Understanding Behavioral Drivers of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation and Vitamin A- and Iron-Rich Food Consumption among Women and Adolescent Girls in Niger.

This study examined drivers and barriers to iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and consumption of iron- and vitamin A-rich foods among women of reproductive age (WRA) and adolescent girls in Niger. This was an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. This study was conducted in the rural areas of three districts in Maradi and Zinder regions of southern Niger. The study included a purposive sample of 56 WRA (15-49 years), 34 non-pregnant adolescent girls (10-14 years), 105 family members and community leaders, 32 health workers, and 12 national and regional level stakeholders. Respondents demonstrated widespread knowledge of recommendations for IFA during pregnancy and had positive attitudes toward supplements. However, supply barriers were significant, and adherence was limited by side effects, among other constraints. Despite knowledge about and positive attitudes towards micronutrient source foods, respondents reported that limited food access was an overriding constraint to increasing consumption. WRA were seen as nutritionally vulnerable, however husbands were often not able to provide sufficient nutritious food and there was a cultural expectation that wives serve themselves food last. Adolescent girls were not seen as nutritionally vulnerable and there was little family support for their consumption of nutritious foods. Projects should work with local actors to develop multi-pronged solutions that address supply and access barriers for IFA and micronutrient-rich foods and to improve social support for nutrition.

Circulation of Non-falciparum Species in Niger: Implications for Malaria Diagnosis.

Niger's National Malaria Control Programme and its partners use histidine-rich protein 2-based RDTs, which are specific to Plasmodium falciparum diagnosis. This study aimed to screen for the circulation of non-falciparum species in Zinder, a region of Niger, West Africa. A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to December 2022 at the district hospital of the Zinder region of Niger. P falciparum histidine-rich protein 2-based rapid diagnostic tests were performed, and dried blood spot samples were collected for further laboratory multiplexed photo-induced electron transfer-polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) analysis on positive light microscopy from all patients with fever who attended the Zinder district hospital during the study period. In total, 340 dried blood spots were collected and analyzed by PET-PCR. Overall, 73.2% (95% CI, 68.2%-77.9%; 249/340) were positive for Plasmodium genus and species and represented the study population. Plasmodium species proportions were 89.5% (95% CI, 85.1%-93.1%; 223/249) for P falciparum, 38.5% (95% CI, 32.5%-44.9%; 96/249) for P malariae, 10.8% (95% CI, 7.3%-15.4%; 27/249) for P vivax, and 1.6% (95% CI, .4%-4.1%; 4/249) for P ovale. Single infection with Plasmodium species counted for 61.8% (95% CI, 55.5%-67.9%; 154/249), and the mixed infections rate, with at least 2 Plasmodium species, was 38.1% (95% CI, 32.1%-44.5%; 95/249). Single non-falciparum infections represented a rate of 10.0% (95% CI, 6.6%-14.5%; 25/249). This study confirms the first evidence of Plasmodium vivax by PET-PCR in Niger in addition to the other 3 Plasmodium species. These findings underline the need to adapt malaria diagnostic tools and therapeutic management, as well as the training of microscopists, for recognition of non-falciparum plasmodial species circulating in the country. This will better inform the strategies toward malaria control and elimination, as well as the decision making of the health authorities of Niger.

Evaluation of the RISE II integrated social and behavior change approach in Niger: A contribution analysis.

Niger faces a myriad of health challenges and development efforts are complicated by persistent poverty, high population growth rates, and climate change. Integrated social and behavior change (SBC) addresses health outcomes through collective action and approaches at the limited points of entry individuals have with the health system. We conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated SBC program in the Maradi, and Zinder regions of Niger. We applied contribution analysis, a theory-based plausibility analysis, to assess contributions of the intervention. We found the program contributed to improved behavioral determinants. Male engagement and income generating activities provided further support for women to practice health behaviors. However, increases in male partner out-migration was negatively associated with health outcomes. While the program did not generate statistically significant improvements in health outcomes in the intervention area, exposure to health messages and participation in women's groups were positively associated with health outcomes suggesting sustained implementation of the integrated SBC approach at scale may achieve improved health outcomes. Programs should continue to invest in health promotion efforts that include gender sensitive interventions. Further research is needed to understand how women's agency and autonomy evolves as household composition changes through male out-migration.

Etude de la cardiomyopathie du péri-partum dans un contexte à ressources limitées : cas de la région de Zinder, Niger

To describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in the internal medicine department of the Zinder National Hospital (ZNH). This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out from 2018 to 2022 at the ZNH Department of Internal Medicine. Included were all patients admitted for PPCM who met National Heart Blood and Lung Institute criteria. The data collected was analyzed using Excel and EPI INFO v7. We had collected 100 cases of PPCM out of a total of 8706 hospitalized patients, i.e. a hospital prevalence of 1.14%. The mean age of the patients was 27.9 years ± 7.4 [17-45]. The majority of patients were from underprivileged social strata (n=64). The risk factors for PMPC found were essentially hot bath (n=66), home birth (n=40), natron porridge (n=35) and multiparity (n=57). Cardiac symptomatology appeared postpartum in 56% of patients. Dyspnea was the main symptom in 98% of cases. The physical signs were dominated by the functional systolic murmur (66%). Three quarters (75%) of the patients had congestive heart failure. Electrocardiographic signs were dominated by left ventricular hypertrophy (n=65). Cardiomegaly was present in 94% of patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction was altered in all patients. Impaired renal function was found in 31% of patients. Management was based on a low-sodium diet tripod, diuretics and converting enzyme inhibitors. Two cases of death were recorded. PPCM is common in the Zinder region. It affects young women with several risk factors and is revealed by signs of congestive heart failure. For a better understanding of this still poorly elucidated condition, it is necessary to pursue research efforts.

Epidemiological aspects and follow-up of purulent meningitis sequelae in the Zinder Region, Niger in 2023.

Epidemiological aspects and follow-up of purulent meningitis sequelae in the Zinder Region, Niger in 2023.

Socio Economic Study of Toukoudi Millet Technology in Niger, Africa

Background: The study was carried out at the level of the municipalities of intervention of the REDSAACC (Research and Development Project for Food Security and Adaptation to Climate Change) project in the Zinder region. Materials and Methods: The data was collected on a restructured questionnaire including socio-cultural, technological and economic questions. The study took place in the form of an interview based on a questionnaire and observation of the actors at work. The study was carried out at the level of the municipalities of intervention of the REDSAACC (Research and Development Project for Food Security and Adaptation to Climate Change) project in the Zinder region.

Application of the integrated gateway model on child nutrition behaviors in Niger: An exploratory analysis.

To identify potential gateway factors and behaviors that are associated with infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in the Maradi and Zinder regions of Niger through application of the Integrated Gateway Model. We analyzed data from 2,727 married women of reproductive age including details on child feeding practices for their 2,551 children between the ages of 0 to 23 months. We assessed the association of three gateway behaviors (i.e., any antenatal care, facility delivery, and communication on nutrition practices) and gateway factors (i.e., behavioral determinants, exposure to information, decision-making agency, and woman's group participation) on four IYCF practices (i.e., early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, minimum meal frequency, and minimum dietary diversity) while controlling for age, parity, educational attainment, and household wealth. We found antenatal care was associated with exclusive breastfeeding of children 0-5 months [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.33)], and minimum meal frequency of children 6-23 months [aOR: 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03-1.17)], and facility delivery was associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among children 0-5 months [aOR: 2.08 (95% CI: 1.39-3.12)]. We found negative associations with exclusive breastfeeding and communication on nutrition practices with husbands, family/friends, and health workers. Exposure to nutrition messages through radio, women's groups participation, and with health workers was positively associated with minimum dietary diversity. Self-efficacy was positively associated with both early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding among children 0-5 months and minimum dietary diversity among children 6-23 months. Women's agency was positively associated with early initiation of breastfeeding. The association of antenatal care and facility delivery with child nutrition outcomes suggest intervening before a woman becomes pregnant or early in her pregnancy could improve nutrition outcomes. Programs strengthening the continuum of care should identify gateway behaviors to maximize adoption of priority health behaviors.

Risk factors associated with congenital central nervous system abnormalities in the National Hospital of Zinder, Niger

IntroductionCongenital malformations of the central nervous system (CNS) are morphological abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord that occur during fetal development. They constitute the second most common congenital disability, after congenital cardiac defects. Many risk factors have been identified; however, these studies included various types of congenital abnormality. Furthermore, there is a lack of information on risk factors for congenital CNS malformation, and notably in the Zinder region of Niger. ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with congenital CNS malformations in the Zinder region. MethodsIn a case-control design, patients with congenital CNS malformation were enrolled between June 2022 and April 2023 in the Department of Neurosurgery of the National Hospital of Zinder. ResultsFamily history of malformation (aOR:3.31, 95% CI:1.25−8.78) and consanguine marriage (aOR:2.28, 95% CI:1.23−4.20) were significantly associated with congenital CNS malformation. In contrast, folic acid supplementation (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.13, 0.89), multiparity (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.13, 0.89), and grand multiparity (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI:0.23, 0.97) had a protective effect. ConclusionRisk factors such as family malformation history and consanguine marriage increased the risk of developing congenital malformations of the central nervous system. In contrast, folic acid supplementation in the index period and multiparity had a significant protective effect.

Sickle Cell Disease in the Zinder Region in 2023: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors

Sickle Cell Disease in the Zinder Region in 2023: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors

Meningitis in Niger Republic amidst COVID-19: current issues and novel recommendations.

Amidst coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there has been a misplaced priority on meningitis in the Niger Republic, thus refocusing resources and attention away from the continuing meningitis campaign in the Niger Republic. The over-strained state of public health resources and staff has also led to decreased surveillance, postponed diagnoses, and constrained immunization efforts in Niger Republic. This review aims to bridge the gaps regarding meningitis amid COVID-19 in Niger Republic and offer recommendations to government to mitigate meningitis in the country, with the hope of finding a permanent solution to this debilitating disease. The authors reviewed 45 past and present pieces of literature on meningitis and COVID-19 from 2013 to 2023 in well-renowned scientific databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, Medline, and Embase. Since 2015, Niger Republic has experienced multiple meningitis epidemics that have resulted in 20,789 cases and 1, 369 deaths [a case fatality rate (CFR) of 6.6%]. A total of 231 cases of meningitis were reported from 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022. And recently, 559 cases of meningitis (of which 111 are laboratory confirmed), including 18 deaths (overall CFR 3.2%), occurred in the Zinder region, southeast of Niger Republic, from 1 November 2022 to 27 January 2023. Meningitis remains a public health concern in the world, especially in Niger Republic, which could lead to serious long-term complications. Therefore, adequate and novel measures and therapeutic actions should be implemented by the Niger Government to lessen the burden of the disease in the country.

Optimization of the releases of the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor Say in jute bags containing different support diets of Corcyra cephalonica Stainton for the management of the millet ear miner Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis in the Zinder region of Niger

Optimization of the releases of the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor Say in jute bags containing different support diets of Corcyra cephalonica Stainton for the management of the millet ear miner Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis in the Zinder region of Niger

Agromorphological evaluation of six varieties of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in the Zinder region (Niger)

Cowpea is the main food leguminous plant grown in Niger. It is mainly cultivated for its protein-rich haulms and seeds and for its ability to improve soil fertility through its symbiosis with atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The present study evaluated genetic variability among six cowpea varieties for yield, yield related and phenology traits in the Zinder region. The experiment was conducted at the experimental area of André Salifou University in Zinder. An experimental device composed of three completely random blocks was used. The six varieties (four local and two improved) of cowpea were evaluated based on 24 quantitative agronomic and morphological characters according to IBPGR descriptors. The comparison of the means and the PCA revealed significant differences between the varieties in almost all the traits tested, with substantial phenotypic variations. IT98 was the most productive variety, with an average yield of 385.50 kg/ha. It also recorded the earliest flowering (38.41 days after sowing) and maturity (55 days after sowing) dates. BlAr gave the highest 100-Seed weight with an average value of 29.21g. CDSb and BTAr were the tallest plants at 40.44 and 40.26 cm respectively. The completed PCA indicates that the first two axes expressed 78,7% of the total variability whereby PC1 and PC2 highly contributed to the total variation at 54.76% and 23.94, respectively. Thus, IT98 may be a good candidate to be considered in Niger struggle to fight food shortage and face nutrition challenges, especially for the Zinder region due to abiotic constraints.

Perception and social acceptability of the extension of chemoprevention of seasonal malaria in the health districts of Damagaram Takaya and Takeita in Niger

Objective: To assess the perception of the extension of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) and its social acceptability. Methods: The data used in this study comes from a qualitative survey commissioned by The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and conducted in October 2022 in the Damagaram Takaya and Takeita Health Districts, Zinder region. Four focus groups were carried out per health district with members of the Health Management Committee (COGES), distributors, fathers of families benefiting from the extension of the SMC and mothers (baby-sitters). In addition to the focus groups, individual interviews were conducted with health staff, authorities and other stakeholders involved in implementing malaria control policies. The data collected was transcribed and then summarised in a matrix to serve as a basis for this work. Results: The population was aware of the extension of the SMC and was in favour of receiving it again. The extension of the SMC is accepted, but the side effects of taking the drugs are the main obstacle to the success of the operation. In practice, the 2nd and 3rd doses are not always administered as scheduled, either because they are forgotten or because they are kept in reserve for future treatment. As far as the communication system is concerned, town criers and health workers are the most effective means of reaching the population. Conclusion: The extension of the SMC is well received by the community. However, to achieve its objectives, means must be found to monitor the administration of the 2nd and 3rd doses to children. Similarly, its success depends on the number of teams and distribution days now that the target is almost doubled.

The meningitis outbreak returns to Niger: Concern, efforts, challenges, and recommendations.

Meningitis, a disease that commonly manifests in African meningitis belt, continues to be a public health problem as it is a fatal disease that leave survivors with long-term effects. Most cases of meningitis are due to bacterial and viral infection, although parasites, fungus, cancer, drugs, and immune disorders can rarely cause meningitis. Stiff neck, high temperature, light sensitivity, disorientation, headaches, and vomiting are the most typical symptoms of meningitis. Niger, being in African meningitis belt, has been affected by many meningitis outbreaks. Since 2015, a total of 20,789 cases and 1369 fatalities (CFR 6.6%) have been documented in Niger. In contrast to earlier seasons, the current outbreak of meningitis in Niger exhibits both an increase in the number of cases and a rise in the growth rate. A total of 559 cases of meningitis, including 18 fatalities (overall CFR 3.2%), were reported in the Zinder Region, southeast of Niger, from 1 November 2022 to 27 January 2023, compared to 231 cases reported from 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022. In the current outbreak, the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC) is responsible for the majority of laboratory confirmed cases (104/111; 93.7%). To organize the response to the outbreak, a global team of WHO and other partners, including MSF and UNICEF, has been sent to Niger. Even though there are many challenges in battle against meningitis in Niger, immunization, antibiotics administration and strong disease surveillance are recommended techniques to cope with the current meningitis outbreak in Niger.

Impact and prevalence of Newcastle disease and associated risk factors in village chickens in southern Niger

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Newcastle disease and to identify potential risk factors in village chickens in Niger. A total of 1,627 serum samples were collected using a stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation. Samples were collected from village breedings in the departments of the Maradi region (Guidan Roumdji, Madarounfa, Aguié, Gazaoua, and Tessaoua), departments of Zinder region (Takeita, Kantché, Magaria, Dungass, and Mirriah), and cities of Maradi and Zinder. Data on risk factors were collected through an interview with the herders. All collected sera were subjected to competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) to detect Newcastle disease virus-induced antibodies. The findings were indicative of 302 positive sera, representing an overall seroprevalence of 18.6%. The Student’s t-test at p<0.05 revealed a significant difference between regions and among some departments. Furthermore, the logistic regression test identified the agroecological zone, type of breeding, species mix, and the origin of the animals as risk factors associated with seropositivity to Newcastle disease virus. The present results confirmed the exposure of village chickens to the Newcastle disease virus, emphasizing the need to intensify vaccination campaigns and educate poultry farmers on adopting biosecurity measures.

Improving women's purchasing power through land-enhancing technologies: The case of bio-reclamation of degraded lands in Niger

In Niger, about 50% of the land surface is composed of degraded lateritic soils, and rural women farmers have limited access to productive land. Targeting largely marginalized rural women with bio-reclamation of degraded land (BDL) technologies restores their rights to earn a livelihood through agriculture. This study examines the determinants and impacts of land-enhancing technology on women farmers in Niger. Data were collected from 1,205 randomly selected women farmers in the Maradi and Zinder regions. The sample included 69% of participants into BDL program and 31% of non-participants. To account for selection bias from observable and unobservable factors, an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model was used to estimate the impact of BDL technology on women's household income. A simple probit model was used to analyze the determinants of participation. The results show that key determinants of participation in BDL include income level before participation in BDL, household size, age of participants, number of women in the household, number of children under 5 years old, sex of household head, age of household head, and institutional support. Participation in BDL positively influences participants' income (+14%); non-participants may not benefit from participating as they would probably lose 31% of their income, and the impact of participation in BDL varies widely across regions. Before the advent of BDL, the income of non-participants was higher than that of participants by 25%. It can be inferred that BDL is a pro-poor technology that is not beneficial to all women farmers. This study makes a critical contribution to the literature on land-enhancing technologies. It suggests that the impact of land-enhancing technologies, such as BDL, is closely linked to spatial, economic, environmental, temporal, and cultural contexts. Accordingly, land-enhancing technologies should target locations with large percentages of degraded farmlands and the poorest farmers. These results contribute to food security and poverty alleviation policies in rural dryland areas.

Sexual Violence in the Zinder Region, about 441 Cases in Reference Motherhoods

Background: Niger is one of the countries that have the highest fertility rate in the world, with 7, 6 children per woman. Zinder is the most populated region of Niger with 5 million inhabitants that is 1/5 of Niger population. The demographic impact that has affected Niger the last 10 years: unemployment poverty and drug use, spawned violence of all kinds in Zinder region (physical and sexual violence). Sexual abuse is a major risk for poor psychiatric and physical outcomes. As sexual violence has serious consequences on the life and future of women and the community and it concerns our field of intervention, we initiated this study whose objective was to determine the socio-epidemiological and lesional aspects, the consequences and appropriate solutions of sexual violence in the Zinder. Methodology: This was a retrospective collection study of all cases of alleged sexual violence received over a 12-year period from 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2021 in Zinder’s referral maternity wards. Results: During the study period, 441 cases of sexual violence were collected; an annual average of 36 cases (441/12). The frequency is 1.29% on the 34,186 consultations. The mean age was 12.31 years with age extremes of 3 to 43 years. Students accounted for 25.39%. Street vendors were found in 224 cases or 50.79%. The predominant reason for admission is rape in 64.63%. The defloration was 52.15%. Pregnancy was found in 118 cases or 26.75%. HIV serology was positive in 1 victim. School dropout was 26.75%. Conclusion: The victims of sexual violence were minors, mostly street vendors and school children. The lack of means of repression at the time allowed the expansion of this violence. The consequences of sexual violence were severe. Advocacy has improved the phenomen on of sexual violence in Zinder.

Epidemiology and treatment of groin and ventral hernias in the Zinder region, Niger Republic

Epidemiology and treatment of groin and ventral hernias in the Zinder region, Niger Republic

Impacts of Agroecological Technologies Adoption on Agricultural Yield and Income for Millet and Cowpea Producers from Maradi and Zinder Regions in Niger

Impacts of Agroecological Technologies Adoption on Agricultural Yield and Income for Millet and Cowpea Producers from Maradi and Zinder Regions in Niger

Epidemiological, Clinical and Prognostic Characteristics of Haemorrhage in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy at the Mother and Child Health Center in the Zinder Region

Epidemiological, Clinical and Prognostic Characteristics of Haemorrhage in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy at the Mother and Child Health Center in the Zinder Region