International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 305-317, January, 2017. ©International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Performance of wastewater stabilization ponds in treatment of endocrine disrupting estrogens in Morogoro urban and peri-urban, Tanzania

¹Sijaona Cassian Msigala*, ¹Faith P  Mabiki, ²Bjarne Styrishave, ³Robinson H  Mdegela

¹Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, ²Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of   Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark, ³Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture.

Received 16 November, 2016; Revised 03 December, 2016; Accepted 06 December, 2016 and Published 19 January, 2017

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the performance of wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) in treatment of endocrine disrupting estrogens particularly estradiol (E2), estrone (E1) and ethinylestradiol(EE2). The study was conducted at Mafisa and Mzumbe wastewater stabilization ponds located in Morogoro Urban and Peri-urban areas respectively. The endocrine disrupting estrogens in low quality water and sludge were detected and quantified using competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The recovery of estrogens in this study ranged from 65% to 90%. The EE2, E1 and E2 were detected in all samples of low quality water and sludge from anaerobic to maturation ponds in both study sites.  The overall estrogen reduction at Mafisa was 95.8%, 95.3%, 94.9% for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. At Mzumbe the overall estrogen reduction was 81.6%, 89.3% and 82.5% for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. The mean concentrations of estrogens in influent to effluent at Mafisa ranged from 35.6 to 1.5. 60.7 to  2.9 and  85.6 to 4.4 ng/ L for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. The corresponding mean concentration at  Mzumbe WSPs  ranged from 25.5 to 2.7, 23.8 to 4.4 and 39.4  to 6.9 ng/L for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. Sludge from anaerobic pond contained significant high amount of estrogens, whereas in other ponds median concentrations were significant low. The endocrine disrupting estrogens were significantly reduced in the wastewater stabilization ponds.

Keywords: Ethinylestradiol, estradiol, estrone, mafisa, mzumbe, micropollutants reduction.

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 5 (9), pp. 301-304, December, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Social risk factors of Diabetic Retinopathy among Sudanese diabetic patients in Khartoum-Sudan 2016: hospital based cross-sectional study

Mohanad Kamaleldin Mahmoud Ibrahim MBBS, MPH

Al Neelain University, Faculty of Medicine Khartoum Sudan, General Medical Director, Albasar International Foundation. P.O Box 12368, Tel: 00249912334544

E-mail: [email protected]

Received 04 December, 2016; Revised 08 December, 2016; Accepted 9 December, 2016 and Published 30 December, 2016

Abstract

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the major complications of Diabetes that causes progressive damage to the retina. It is a serious sight-threatening disorder that may lead to blindness. The objective of this research was to study the social risk factors of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients aiming to gain information for prevention and control. This was a hospital based cross- sectional study conducted among 251 participants in 2016.The questionnaire was composed of 21 close-ended questions and the study was estimated at 95% confidence level. 72% of the study group was living in rural areas. The majority of the study participants were of low income, less than 1000 SDG per month (35%) and less than 5000 SDG (42%).Educational level of 34% of the study candidates was Secondary level, 28% of the candidates were illiterate and 23% completed the basic level.Low income and low socio-economic status, low educational profile and living in rural areas or far from the center were significant factors associated with Diabetic Retinopathy among Sudanese Diabetic Patients.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, rural residency, Sudanese population, low income, education

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 5 (8), pp. 292-300, November, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antibiotic sensitivity assay on pathogenic microorganisms isolated from selected areas in some primary health centres in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria

Omoya, Funmilola Ph.D¹* and Afolabi, Temitope MBCHB, MPH, FMCPH²

¹Department of Microbiology, School of Sciences, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

²Department of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]; +2348033738650

Received 21 June, 2016; Revised 29 July, 2016; Accepted 30 August, 2016; Published 14 November, 2016

Abstract

Isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms present on surface of facilities in wards of selected primary health centres were done. A total of 720 swab specimen from different surfaces (beddings, toilet seats, floor and door handles) were collected in triplicates and analyzed using microbiological standard to evaluate the hygienic status of these wards. Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on the pathogenic isolates using selected antibiotics and antifungal agents. The bacterial isolated are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, while the fungi are Candida albicans and Candida dubliensis. The highest bacterial load of 53.33 ± 1.86 cfu/ml was obtained from maternity ward toilet while the least bacterial load of 1.67 ± 0.33 cfu/ml was obtained from the pillows of pediatric ward. Their sensitivity to commercial antibiotics showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the most resistant bacteria to these antibiotics. Ofloxacin exerted the highest inhibitory effect against all the bacteria. Most of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline and streptomycin. These results inferred that pathogenic microorganisms resistant to some commonly used drugs can be acquired from these health centres. Therefore, adequate ward hygiene is necessary to reduce hospital acquired infections.

Keywords: Hospital, wards, acquired, infections, isolation, pathogenic, sensitivity, microorganisms, antibiotics. 

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 5 (7), pp. 285-291, July, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring the qualitative research on diabetes self-management in middle-aged population of rural area of Pakistan

Rashid M. Ansari*, Hassan Hosseinzadeh and Nicholas Zwar

School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.

Corresponding author. Email: *[email protected]

Received 03 July, 2016; Accepted 15 July, 2016; Published 22 July, 2016

Abstract

This review article aimed at exploring the qualitative health research in self-management of type 2 diabetes and patient’s perceptions and experiences of undertaking physical activity and eating behaviour as part of their diabetes self-management. In addition, the study analyzed how the health issue related to diabetes is viewed and addressed in the community of Pakistan and used the concepts of socio-ecological approach to self-management of type 2 diabetes and explored the factors affecting the self-management practices in that country. The other objective of this review was to examine the role of physical inactivity and obesity in the development of type 2 diabetes and its self-management in middle-aged population living in rural area of Pakistan and to propose a randomized controlled trial and evaluate a lifestyle intervention in the management of type 2 diabetes. This qualitative study would make a unique contribution to public health in the rural area of Pakistan addressing the issues and the ways in which diabetes is managed in that region. This study will help to integrate the skills and choices of individuals in managing the diabetes with the services and support they receive from the social environment of family, friends, organizations and cultures, communities and the governments.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, qualitative research, self-management, physical activity, lifestyle intervention, barriers to self-management, randomized controlled trial, Pakistan.

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN: 2326-7291 Vol. 5 (6), pp. 276-284, June, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Low back pain among undergraduate students at Taif University - Saudi Arabia

Lotfi Fahmi Issa^1,2, Nagy A. Seleem³, Ali M. Bakheit ¹, Ayman Abdel Baky ¹, Abdulaziz Fahad Alotaibi⁴

¹Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Taif University, Saudi Arabia.

²Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

³Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

⁴Medical student, College of Medicine, Taif University, Saudi Arabia.

Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]; Tel. +966/548277824; Fax: +966/127256900

Accepted 03 June, 2016

Abstract

Low back pain is the most common orthopedic health problem affecting population globally including Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among university students. A cross sectional approach was conducted and 1000 male students were selected by multistage random sampling technique. A self administered structured questionnaire including socio-demographic data and questions on the risk factors was used to collect data. Out of 1000 male students selected, 872 (87.2%) responded. The overall prevalence of low back pain among students was 30%. However, significant associations were found between low back pain and older students, being medical student, higher academic grades, being married and large family size. Moreover, physically inactive, being smoker, consumption of more coffee, tea or soft drink, sitting on uncomfortable furniture, history of psychological problem, positive family history of musculoskeletal disorders, overweight and obesity were significantly associated with low back pain. In conclusion, high prevalence of low back pain was recorded among University students. Greater attention should be directed towards ergonomic improvement of chair and desk. In addition, health education program on low back pain is highly recommended to the students and their families.

Key words:  Prevalence, low back pain, orthopedic, students, university, Saudi Arabia.