Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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Determinants of early breastfeeding initiation among women in Nigeria using the 2021 multiple indicator cluster survey (MICS).
No full textBackground: Breastfeeding initiation is important in reducing child mortality. It also serves as a predictor for prolonged breastfeeding. The World Health Organisation recommends that early initiation should be within the first hour of birth. This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the early initiation of breastfeeding.
Methods: Data was obtained from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Also, chi-square test for trend was run to show the linear relationship between the ordinal variables and the dependent variables.
Results: 51.2% of male children were breastfed earlier than the female children. Regarding place of delivery, mums who gave birth at home (52.9%) initiated breastfeeding earlier than mums who gave birth in a facility. According to the binary logistic regression, mums who live in rural areas were more likely to initiate breastfeeding on time (OR+1.326, 95% CI 1.101-1.593). The trend test revealed a linear relationship between wealth index quintile, education, and breastfeeding within 24hrs. Other factors related to early EIBF includes the size of the baby, being a traditionalist and wealthier household index. Mothers in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones had less likelihood of EIBF when compared to other geopolitical zones.
Conclusion: Breastfeeding initiation is quite low in many regions of Nigeria. Several characteristics were shown to be strongly linked with breastfeeding. Therefore, policies that encourage Early Initiation of Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding should be implemented
Prevalence of vascular dementia and alcohol associated risk factors among adults in Sub-Saharan Africa.
No full textBackground: Vascular dementia, a devastating cognitive illness, has become a growing global problem. Understanding the prevalence of vascular dementia and its association with alcohol-related risk factors is critical for effective public health efforts, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare difficulties are exacerbated by an ageing population and changing lifestyle patterns. This dissertation presents a comprehensive systematic investigation that tries to shed light on the complex relationship between the prevalence of vascular dementia and alcohol-related hazards among individuals in Sub- Saharan Africa.
Methods: To achieve this, the study focused on specific objectives: firstly, assessing the prevalence of vascular dementia among adults in the region; secondly, identifying the demographic and clinical features linked to the condition; and finally, examining the correlation between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing vascular dementia in sub-Saharan Africa, while considering consumption patterns and related factors.
Results: A total of 1,253 studies were located through database searches and references (n=28), yielding 1,281 entries. After removing 561 duplicates, 720 records were reviewed. 334 with erroneous titles and 188 with useless abstracts were removed. From the remaining 198 reports, 17 were removed for being done outside of Sub-Saharan Africa, 14 for not being in English, and 113 for not covering the alcohol and vascular dementia theme. In addition, 15 review articles were removed, and 11 reports were removed for other reasons. Finally, the review included eight papers (Besigye et al., 2016; Ochayi and Thacher, 2006; Guerchet et al., 2010; Raquel et al., 2021; Paraso et al., 2011; Gureje et al., 2006; Adeyemi et al., 2015; Guerchet et al., 2009).
Conclusion: The study emphasizes the scarcity of studies specific to Sub-Saharan Africa, indicating the necessity for additional research. However, present research reveals a considerable link between alcohol intake and the prevalence of vascular dementia, highlighting the necessity of treating alcohol-related risk factors as part of preventive interventions
Assessing the impact of food poverty on student health, wellbeing, and academic performance at Liverpool John Moores University: An online Survey.
No full textBackground: This research delves into the implications of food poverty on the health, wellbeing, and scholastic accomplishments of students at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Nutrition, a cornerstone of personal growth and academic prowess, has long been recognised for its significance. However, food poverty remains a formidable global challenge, stimulating academic dialogue and scholarly exploration.
Methods: This research methodology employed a predominantly quantitative approach, relying heavily on a comprehensive survey analysis to assess the depth of food poverty within the university setting. The online survey, undertaken by 50 students, elucidated the extent and ramifications of food poverty amongst this demographic.
Results: The research findings underscored the critical role of a nutritious, balanced diet in the students\u27 comprehensive development and wellness. It emerged that food poverty among students lead to adverse outcomes, detrimentally impacting their physical and mental wellbeing. These problems stemmed from inadequate financial support and the socioeconomic status of their families. The key revelation from this research is that one out of every 10 students suffered from food poverty in the LJMU.
Conclusion: Focusing on food poverty, as opposed to the more general concept of food insecurity, enables a more nuanced understanding of this multifaceted problem. By emphasising the unique perspectives of the Liverpool John Moores University student population, this dissertation contributes substantively to the overarching discourse on public health
A qualitative exploration of the health and wellbeing of international students studying in full-time United Kingdom (UK) higher education.
No full textBackground: Young adults are increasingly leaving their families to pursue higher education, and many of them choose the UK as their study destination. These students may encounter several challenges as they attempt to settle into their new environment. Language and cultural hurdles, a lack of social support, feeling homesick, and rigorous academic requirements are some of the identified challenges for this group. Currently, UK institutions have not looked at the health and wellbeing of international students in great detail. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the challenges and coping methods faced by international students attending Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) in the UK, as well as their health and well-being.
Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used to examine the experiences of eleven international students attending LJMU, with the first interview serving as the pilot study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data from the interviews.
Results: The data analysis highlighted a number of issues relating to the wellbeing of the international students attending LJMU. Firstly, several of the participants spoke positively about their experiences studying in the UK. Secondly, the majority of the international students described difficulties with sociocultural transition, language barriers, loneliness, financial hurdles, and issues adjusting to a new educational system. Thirdly, the students overcame these challenges by using coping mechanisms such as maintaining relationships with family and friends, developing resilience, practising their faith, and utilising university facilities and resources.
Conclusion: Overall, this thesis thoroughly examined the health and wellbeing of international students and provided a comprehensive picture of their experiences living and studying in the UK. The findings also offered insightful ideas that higher education institutions may use, including assistance with English proficiency, planning orientation and social wellness activities, visa services, and assistance with job searching. Future research on international students\u27 health and wellbeing using mixed methodologies is recommended
Workplace violence among healthcare workers in Nigeria: A systematic review.
No full textBackground: Although violence occurs among workers in different fields, it is important to note that workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers is a major risk to public health and a global concern that has serious consequences for both healthcare workers and patients. It is recorded that workers in the healthcare industry are five times more likely to record injuries compared to workers in other industries. More so, it is revealed that WPV is the leading cause of death among workers worldwide which includes healthcare workers-1.5 million workers have been recorded dead annually due to WPV. Hence, this study aims to explore the factors that affect WPV among healthcare workers in Nigeria.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted to explore the factors that affect WPV among healthcare workers in Nigeria. Literature was searched from four databases using clearly outlined criteria for inclusion and exclusion and a total of 9 articles were sourced and appraised.
Results: The study recorded that the prevalence of WPV among healthcare workers is high. It also revealed that there are different types of violence being experienced by healthcare workers ranging from physical, sexual, and verbal abuse-with verbal abuse being most predominant. There are several factors that affect WPV, and these are inclusive of long working hours, miscommunication, attitude of healthcare workers and shortage of healthcare supplies. Furthermore, the study revealed that workplace violence impacts job satisfaction and job productivity among healthcare workers.
Conclusion: This study therefore concludes that the high prevalence of workplace violence influenced by several factors should be mitigated to reduce the burden of violence on healthcare workers and improve healthcare services to patients and subsequent increase job satisfaction among healthcare workers
The impacts of social media on young people during the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
No full textBackground: The investigation focused on identifying the influence of social media on people aged 18-25 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021. The challenges that young individuals encountered due to their inclination to use social media platforms almost on a 24/7 basis were also addressed as an essential part of this analysis.
Method: The methodology applied facilitated the completion of a survey between the friends and family members of the investigator. The survey was further aimed at asking 31 close-ended questions to its respondents regarding the positive and negative influence of social media on their mental and physical wellbeing during the pandemic situation.
Results: The acquired survey implications indicate social media as a positive medium that was extensively used for gathering reliable information. The respondents indicated social media posed a minimal influence on their well-being and capability to make accurate decisions.
Conclusion: Despite the major advantages of social media, it was also responsible for disseminating misinformation about the pandemic. High levels of social media use were accountable for increasing stress, anxiety and causing major sleeping disorders among participants
A scoping review of the impacts of gambling on health and wellbeing amongst the United Kingdom adult population.
No full textBackground: There are calls for gambling to be considered as a public health issue due to the harms associated with its participation for some individuals and at-risk groups. Ranging from psychological harms, financial stresses to health harm behaviours and wider family and community affects. This scoping review aimed to address if the UK population experienced health harm effects of gambling and also the consideration of the evolving accessibility of online based gambling comparable to land-based methods.
Methods: PRISMA guidelines and flow diagram framework for scoping reviews were followed for retrieval of relevant studies for this review. The database EBSCOhost was searched for qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies using pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria tailored to the topic of interest between 2018 and 2023, based in the UK with adult participants. 875 studies were retrieved, and after screening processes including duplicate removal, ten studies were included in the final review.
Results: Harms relating to gambling tended to primarily affect individuals with problematic gambling behaviours, including heightened anxiety and depression levels, financial and relationship strains. Alcohol’s relationship to gambling harms is a theme examined often, with associations between gambling frequency and alcohol intake. Although limited research pertaining to online gambling was retrieved, aspects of this were included in a small number of the studies particularly with regards to younger people. Three populations were common when assessing harms: armed forces, young people and males. This highlights at-risk groups but also gaps in the research for other potentially vulnerable populations.
Conclusion: Gambling related harms are experienced by those at varying risk levels of problematic gambling participation, however this can also affect families and the wider community. Whether a health issue existed prior to, as an outcome of, or is exacerbated by, gambling for some individuals should not deter from a public health multifaceted approach to harm reduction. Further research into emerging online gambling related harms and on a whole population level, as well as at risk populations, will provide a greater representative sample of the UK and address health support needs
Exploring prevalence and attitudes of Liverpool John Moores University students towards vaping; A quantitative study.
No full textBackground: The increase in vaping among student populations and youths in the United Kingdom and around the world has become a major public health concern. There is emerging evidence on the negative effects that vaping can have on individual health necessitating the need to explore prevalence and attitudes of university students towards vaping and determine the factors that influenced vaping.
Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was delivered to students on the public health, midwifery, and criminology departments of LJMU to assess the prevalence, patterns of vaping, attitudes towards vaping and their dependence on nicotine by adapting Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence. The link to the survey was sent to students via their email addresses. SPSS was used to analyse the results.
Results: A total of 82 students completed the survey. 85.4% were female and 70.7% were 25 years and above. Those that have ever vaped were 26.7% and 20.7% had vaped in the last six months. 17.6% of those who have vaped in last six months vaped daily. Compared to 18-24 years, students aged 25 and above vaped more. Peer pressure was the influencing factor to vape. 50% of UK students vaped compared to 16.1% of international students. 58.8% were classified as low dependence and 41.2% were low to moderate dependence. Above 80% of those that have vaped and never vaped agreed that vaping should be illegal for under 18, banned in public spaces and subject to the same rules as cigarettes.
Conclusion: The students had a positive attitude towards the current regulation on vaping. The percentage of students that have ever vaped was lower than other European Countries and higher than other studies in China and Saudi Arabia. None of the respondents have a high nicotine dependence. Peer pressure was the major factor that influenced vaping
Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV in Indonesia: A scoping review.
No full textBackground: HIV remains a significant global health concern, especially in low-middle income countries. Indonesia ranked fourth in HIV cases in Asia in 2020, reporting 456,453 HIV cases by the end of 2021. The Indonesian government has taken various actions to combat HIV, including establishing the AIDS Commission to develop national policies and providing universal access to Antiretroviral Treatment (ART). Despite the impressive progress in lowering the AIDS case fatality rate among people living with HIV, medication adherence remains a significant challenge. The low ART adherence rates in Indonesia could lead to increased new HIV infections, potentially losing lives and income. Improvement in ART medication treatment and services is crucial to address this situation. The study aims to map out literature on the factors associated with adherence among people living with HIV in Indonesia.
Methods: Four electronic databases were searched for studies published from 2004. Additionally, to ensure comprehensive inclusion of relevant publications that might have been overlooked during the initial literature search, both a grey literature and a manual search of the reference lists of the included studies were conducted. Subsequently, the screening procedure involved evaluating the titles and abstracts first, followed by a full-text screening. Studies were chosen based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: The initial search recognized 134 studies, of which 16 were included in the scoping review, with the majority being observational studies with cross-sectional methodology. The study identified seventeen factors and further divided into four main themes, including: patient factors, social-economic factors, medication factors, and health structure factors.
Conclusion: Among the four themes emerged, patient and social factors were the most discussed in the included studies. Five factors appear to be the most critical: self-efficacy, self- esteem, family and spouse support, stigma, and type of ARV. Understanding and addressing these factors could lead to targeted interventions to improve ART adherence and ultimately enhance the health outcomes of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Indonesia. Recommendations for improving adherence include involving PLHIV\u27s family in the HIV management, providing transportation assistance, and clinicians actively providing essential support for PLHIV
The prevalence of amenorrhea in Nigeria and influencing factors.
No full textBackground: This study investigated the prevalence of amenorrhea among Nigerian women and the factors influencing them. Particular attention was given to the women who had no period for intervals of six or twelve months. The study was designed to examine the role of socioeconomic and cultural factors in determining the interval of secondary amenorrhea among Nigerian women involved in the survey.
Methods: Secondary data was used for the analysis. The data came from the 2021 UNICEF- MICS survey across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The data was carefully filtered and sorted to suit the researcher’s interest. A multinomial logistics regression model was used for the analysis.
Results: The study found that there was a 14.3% prevalence of six months of amenorrhea and 5.4% for twelve months of amenorrhea. Again, the majority (90.4%) of women in the study had not experienced amenorrhea due to pregnancy, while 90.2% did not experience it due to contraception/sterilization. Based on detailed demographic information, the study revealed that many of the women were between the age of 15-19 years. From the binary logistic regression, the study determined the socioeconomic and cultural variables influencing the prevalence of amenorrhea, the variables with significant relationships include geopolitical zone, education, area, age, ethnicity, and wealth index.
Conclusion: The most prevalent type of amenorrhea was secondary. During the design of policy interventions, women’s sociocultural information like age, ethnicity, tribal heritage, area of residence, and education attainment should be considered to ensure effective targeting and intervention should be designed with the user to meet their specific needs for sustainability
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