International journal of health sciences
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An experimental study to assess the effectiveness of the kaleidoscope in reducing pain during the venipuncture procedure among hospitalized children at selected hospitals of Gurugram, Haryana
Full text linkBackground: Venipuncture is one of the most common invasive procedures in pediatric care, often causing considerable pain and anxiety. Distraction techniques, such as kaleidoscope use, are gaining recognition as effective, safe, and low-cost alternatives to pharmacological pain management. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of kaleidoscope distraction in reducing pain during venipuncture among hospitalized children. Methods: A quasi-experimental post-test only control group design was conducted in three hospitals in Gurugram, Haryana. A total of 64 children aged 5–8 years were selected using non-probability purposive sampling, with 32 in the experimental group (kaleidoscope distraction) and 32 in the control group (standard care). Pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Results: The mean pain score in the experimental group was significantly lower (6.88 ± 1.51) compared to the control group (9.06 ± 1.13), indicating the effectiveness of the kaleidoscope in reducing venipuncture-related pain (p < 0.05). A significant association was found between age and pain level in the experimental group (p = 0.030). Conclusion: Kaleidoscope is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce procedural pain in children. Its simplicity, affordability, and engagement potential make it a valuable addition to pediatric care
Maternal and newborn outcomes of upright versus supine birthing position in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Full text linkBackground: Maternal positioning during the second stage of labour, such as the supine (including lithotomy) or upright (like sitting) positions, plays a significant role in influencing both maternal and fetal outcomes during delivery. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between upright and supine birthing positions during labour. Methods: A search was done across various research databases but only three research databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) yield articles carried out in sub-Saharan Africa. The Search was done to identify related studies carried out within Sub-Saharan Africa, for the past twenty-year period (2004-2024), in English language or translated to English. In addition, manual searches were conducted on the reference lists of the identified studies. Out of all searched literature, five studies retrieved (1quantitative comparative study1 prospective study, 1 quasi-experimental, 1 three-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Results: Five studies involving 3,376 laboring women from diverse Sub- Saharan African countries, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, Benin, Nigeria, and South Africa, met the inclusion criteria. The literature review highlighted five key themes: duration of the second stage of labor, mode of delivery, maternal labor pain, fetal outcomes, and the most prevalent theme—perineal tears and the performance of episiotomies
Seasonal dynamics of anopheline species and entomological parameters involved in malaria transmission in Mokolo, Far North, Cameroon
Full text linkIn order to inventory anopheline species and assess entomological parameters directly involved in the transmission of malaria to humans, an entomological study based on nocturnal captures of adult mosquitoes on human bait was carried out during the dry and rainy season of 2022 at four sites in the town of Mokolo, Far North Cameroon. Mosquitoes were captured on human bait using the method developed by Le Goff et al. (1992). A total of 2835 adult anopheles were captured at the four sites in the town of Mokolo. Anopheles gambiae s.s ranked first in proportion (1705/2835), i.e. 60.14%, followed by Anopheles arabiensis (882/2835), i.e. 31.11%, Anopheles funestus (248/2835), i.e. 8.74%. The anopheles aggressiveness rate is 13.32 p/h/year. Of the 1705 female of Anopheles gambiae ss ovaries dissected, 1258 showed parous ovaries, giving an average share rate of TP=73.78%. Which means that the town of Mokolo is an epidemiologically dangerous zone. The average daily vectorial capacity is 25.34 days. This means that Anopheles gambiae ss is potentially responsible for more than 25 new infections per day. The average annual malaria stability index in Mokolo is Ist =9. This classifies Mokolo as an area of stable transmission during the study period
From soil to stomach: How worms worsen nutritional deficits: A systematic review
Full text linkBackground: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections—caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms—affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide. These infections exacerbate undernutrition through blood loss, nutrient malabsorption, and impaired appetite. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between STH infections and nutritional deficits, including anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, growth impairments, and cognitive outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of deworming interventions. Methods: Literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE (2007–2023). Data synthesized narratively; a meta-analysis performed for haemoglobin outcomes. Results: 19 studies included. Hookworm infection strongly associated with iron-deficiency anaemia (pooled mean difference: −0.78 g/dL). Other helminths contributed to reduced micronutrient levels, stunting, and poor cognitive outcomes. Nutritional recovery observed when deworming combined with supplementation and sanitation. Conclusion: STH infections significantly contribute to nutritional deficits, particularly among children. Sustainable control requires integrated deworming, nutrition, sanitation, and education
Knowledge, attitude and practice about sexually transmitted disease among young adults: A cross-sectional observational study
Full text linkBackground: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant public health issue, particularly among young adults. Despite efforts to promote awareness, knowledge gaps persist, leading to risky behaviors. Aims: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding STDs among young adults and to identify areas for targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted at Parul University, involving 300 participants aged 18-30 from medical and non-medical backgrounds. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge of STDs, attitudes toward sexual health, and preventive practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis assessed the relationships between variables. Results: The study revealed that 84.7% of participants were aware of common STDs like HIV/AIDS, but only 59.3% could identify specific symptoms. A significant portion (24.7%) expressed discomfort in discussing STDs, indicating persisting stigma. Conclusion: There are clear knowledge gaps and stigma-related barriers among young adults regarding STDs. Enhanced sexual health education is necessary to address these issues and promote safer sexual practices
Recreation methods and self-reported accidents or injuries, their period of recovery among garment factory (Desi Arts) workers located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Full text link58 workers in a garment factory volunteered to take part in a cross-sectional survey, using a Google form after consent. One-way ANOVA was used as a statistical tool to analyze the relation between the impact of recreation methods on injury and accident incidents in the past year as well as their recovery time (resuming work). There were 22.4% female workers. Maximum workers were in the age group of 21-30 years. 41.4% were permanently residing in the vicinity and the majority (55.2%) were Muslims, 51.7% belonged to Rajasthan, India. The prevalence of self-reported accidents and injuries at and outside work was 9 episodes,15.52%. Maximum workers spent 6-8 hours in their occupation. 63.8% lived with their family. The majority were married. Maximum could pass time on phone, followed by sleeping (other than night sleep) for recreation. Cooking having meals together, and early morning walks were also highly practiced for recreation. Discussions with friends and family and outings with family were significantly associated with recovery. Higher salary and marriage were inversely associated with accidents, injuries, and periods of recovery
Distal humerus fracture fixation using anatomical distal humerus plate
Full text linkBackground: The complex geometry of the distal humerus makes distal humerus fractures the rarest form of humerus fracture in the adult population. Their treatment is a challenge. The patients and orthopaedic surgeons are both significantly burdened by these injuries. The locking compression plate and distal humerus plate (LCP-DHP) system facilitates early mobilisation for distal humerus fractures by offering high-quality reconstructions and sufficient stability. Objective: The objective of this investigation is to assess the functional and radiological results of fixed distal humerus fractures using an anatomical humeral plate. We will evaluate functional outcomes using Mayo elbow performance (MEP) scores. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 20 patients with supracondylar intercondylar humeral fractures was treated by anatomical distal humeral plates in the department of Orthopaedics at El-Menoufia university hospitals from November 2022 till October 2023. Age, sex, fracture type, mode of injury, limb involvement, associated injuries, follow-up, complications, and final outcomes were all taken into account when recording and analysing the variables of each patient. The patients were monitored at varying intervals, beginning with weekly visits for the first month, followed by one-month intervals for the subsequent six months, and finally, three-month intervals
Effect of chromium on glycemic control among patients with diabetes mellitus attending family medicine clinic, Suez Canal University Hospitals, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt
Full text linkBackground. Diabetes mellitus is a serious worldwide health issue and a chronic illness. Approximately 463 million persons between the ages of 20 and 79 have diabetes, which accounts for 9.3% of the global population in this age range. With a current national prevalence of 15.2% and 8.9 million people with diabetes, Egypt ranks the ninth out of ten nations in this category. Chromium is a trace and a necessary element, which may decrease glucose tolerance. Objectives: To determine the effect of chromium on glycemic control among patients with diabetes mellitus attending the family medicine clinic, Suez Canal University hospitals, and to identify the reported side effect. Patients and methods: A double blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at the family medicine clinic, Suez Canal University hospitals in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. Socioeconomic status was determined using El-Gilany score. Participants were assigned to receive either 200 mcg of chromium picolinate capsule or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Results: Chromium supplements in the intervention group viewed a statistically significant reduction in all glycemic control parameters, in contrast to the control group. There was a statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose after 1 month of intervention (P value < 0.05). 
Optimization of gel formula from active fraction of manggost fruit (Garcinia mangostana. L) and antibacterial activity test against Staphylococcus epidermidis
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of mangosteen peel and the effect of the combination of Carbopol, HPMC, and Propylene glycol as humectants on physical properties and antibacterial activity. The results of the fractionation of the extract were tested on Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria using the diffusion method, the ethyl acetate fraction which had antibacterial activity with a concentration of 10% was made into a gel preparation with the composition of carbopol, HPMC, propylene glycol with run 14 obtained by the Simplex Latice Design method. The physical quality test of the preparation was carried out, namely organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH, adhesion, spreadability, viscosity, and antibacterial activity. Test data for physical quality and antibacterial activity analyzed using the Simplex Latice Design method, after which the analyzed using the Simplex Latice Design, and statistics using SPSS with the One Way Anova test. The results of the study stated that the ethyl acetate fraction of mangosteen peel can be made into mangosteen peel gel preparations for concentrations of Carbopol 94 1.5 g, HPMC 1000DB 2.5 g, propylene glycol 5 g with a spreadability value of 4.35 cm, viscosity 433.33, antibacterial 21, 4mm
Influence of community mobilisation on utilisation of primary health care services among residents of Ilorin-West LGA, Kwara State
Full text linkCommunity mobilisation remains a vital strategy for achieving health for all through effective primary health care (PHC) delivery in Nigeria. Despite this, PHC facilities in Kwara State are largely under-utilised, especially in rural areas. This study examined the influence of community mobilisation on the utilisation of PHC services among residents of Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State. Specifically, it investigated whether increased awareness, improved access to health services, and enhanced community participation influence PHC utilisation. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 422 respondents. Data were collected using a validated researcher-designed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.80, and analysed using chi-square at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that increased awareness (ᵪ² = 56.28, df= 6), improved access to health services (ᵪ² = 21.37, df = 6), and enhanced community participation (ᵪ² =77.87, df= 6) significantly influenced PHC utilisation. The study concluded that community mobilisation positively impacts the use of PHC services in Ilorin West LGA. It recommended that residents support continuous health education campaigns, advocate for regular mobile clinics and outreach initiatives, and actively participate in local health committees to ensure community health needs are effectively met