3 research outputs found
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF MULTI DRUG RESISTANT TUBERCULOSISAMONG REFUGEES IN THE RESETTLEMENTCAMPS OF ADJUMANI, MOYO AND YUMBE DISTRICTSWEST NILE REGION
Background:
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a name given to tuberculosis agents when the bacteria are resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, two of the most effective TB drugs. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of MDR-TB among the refugees in the resettlement camps of Adjumani, Yumbe, and Moyo districts, West Nile region.
Methodology:
This was a cross-sectional study where questionnaires were used to capture risk factors associated with MDR-TB and sputum samples (n=223) collected were examined using the gene expert machine. P values and corresponding 95% CI were calculated. All statistical tests were two-tailed and P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Results:
143(64.1%) were males while 80 (35.9%) were females, with the age range of 3- 64 years and mean age of 32 years, out of 223 sputum samples analyzed on GeneXpert machine; 178 (79.8%) tested negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) while 45 (20.2%) tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of the 45 samples that tested positive for MTB; 39 (17.5%) were rifampicin sensitive and 6 (2.7%) were rifampicin-resistant. Of the 39 case MTB cases detected in the refugee resettlement camps of Bidibidi, Itula, and Mungula, 17 (43.6%), 14 (35.9%), and 8 (20.5%) were from each mentioned camp respectively; whereas of the 6 MDR-TB cases detected; Mungula camp had the majority cases 3 (50%), Bidibidi camp had 2 (33.3%) cases and Itula had 1 (16.7%) cases. The Risk factors associated with MDR-TB among refugees was overcrowding 5 (83.3%) and not enrolled on DOTs, 5 (66.7%). There was no significant association between MDR-TB and age (P=0.43; 95%CI=0.163-0.233)
Conclusions and recommendations:
The general prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is 20.2% and MDR-TB is 2.7%
Perceptions about mercury and lead in fish consumed in Lake Albert fishing communities Uganda ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abstract: Fish consumption is a lifestyle in fishing communities influenced by individual and communal perceptions. However, information about individual perceptions about fish consumption in the vulnerable fishing community in a developing country is lacking. Without this study, the benefits of fish consumption in a vulnerable community may not be realized. Data collection was executed using key informant interviews and survey structured questionnaires. The key informants include fisheries, community development, veterinary, community and environmental officers. The household heads were the respondents. The Qualitative data was organized and queried using QSR Nvivo 10 and quantitative data analyzed with SPSS version 22. The perceived benefits of eating fish are health, income, nutrition and manhood. The perceived risks are Stigma and ill health. The factors increasing fish consumption are heedless of fish consumption benefits (p = 0.041) and household size i.e. number of adults more than seven (p = 0.020). Those decreasing are methods of preparation of fish i.e. boiling and frying (p = 0.019 and p = 0.010) and oblivious about organizations dealing with fishing activities (p = 0.029). An awareness campaign is needed to demystify the health benefits and fallacies of fish consumption. The knowledge on individual perceptions associated with fish consumption will increase fish consumption but with fewer risks
Risk estimates for children and pregnant women exposed to mercury-contaminated Oreochromis niloticus and Lates niloticus in Lake Albert Uganda ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abstract: Exposure to mercury contaminated fish predisposes populations particularly children and pregnant women to various health hazards including neurotoxicity, reproductive abnormalities and cognitive disorders. Earlier studies in the Lake Albert community have demonstrated the presence of mercury in Nile tilapia and Nile perch. However, the risk estimates for vulnerable groups such as Children and pregnant women is not well documented. Secondary data-set from previous studies were employed comprising family household size and fish consumption history, fish consumption quantity and frequency and mercury levels in fish species in comparison with FAO/WHO guidelines. Data collected was used to establish the hazard quotients (HQs) for the vulnerable group and the general population. A risk model was developed using iRISK to demonstrate the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for eating different parts of the fish (muscle and bellyfat). HQ values (HQ = 2.05) above one for the vulnerable group were realized especially with Nile perch muscle. The highest DALYs (0.111) was obtained with tilapia muscle consumption. The study outcome reveals that vulnerable populations are at risk of non-carcinogenic complications. Therefore, there is a need for sensitization of the community especially the vulnerable groups about risks associated with consuming mercury-contaminated fish
