Sumerianz Journal of Medical and Healthcare

Online ISSN: 2663-421X
Print ISSN: 2706-8404
Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)
Journal Website: https://www.sumerianz.com/?ic=journal-home&journal=31Archive
Volume 7 Issue 2 (2024)
Prevalence, Perception and Awareness of Chronic Diseases (HIV, Diabetes, Hypertension and Typhoid Fever) Among Rural Dwellers in Nomeh-Unateze Community in Nkanu-East LGA of Enugu
Authors : Ani Celestine Okafor ; Micheal Nissi Chiemerie ; Nweke Luke Maduka., et. al.,
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.72.29.40
Abstract:Introduction: This study investigated the prevalence, perception, and awareness of chronic diseases—HIV, Diabetes, Hypertension, and Typhoid Fever—among rural dwellers in Nomeh-Unateze Community, located in Nkanu-East Local Government Area of Enugu. Methodology: A total of 200 participants were evaluated for this study. The mean age (standard deviation) of the participants was 48.9years (12.25) and 47% of the participants were within the age range of 55 and above. 83% of the participants were females while 17% were males. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and tests for these chronic diseases. Results: Out of the study participants, only 4% had tertiary education, 17% started secondary school, 49% had basic education and 30% had no formal education. There was a high level of awareness of the chronic diseases, HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Typhoid fever; however, the high rate of low level education had a huge impact on their perception about them. A significant gap in the sources of information about these chronic diseases was also found. Only 15% of participants reported receiving information from healthcare personnel, while 30% relied on media sources, predominantly radio. Misconceptions about disease causation and prevention were also prevalent, particularly regarding HIV as a high level of stigma surrounding HIV was also observed. The findings from this study revealed that the prevalence rates of these chronic diseases are notably low among the study participants, with HIV having a prevalence of 0.0% among the study participants. Diabetes had a1.15% prevalence among the study participants and the only identified incidences were recorded in females within the age range of 35-44. Typhoid had a prevalence of 1.05% among the participants, and the only incidences were recorded in males. However, Hypertension had the highest prevalence; 32.5% for hypertensive SBP (outside the safe range of 100-140mmHg) and 27.5% for hypertensive Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) (outside the safe range of 60-90mmHg). All cases of hypertension were recorded in participants above 45years of age. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted health education interventions and improved access to healthcare services to enhance disease management and reduce the burden of chronic diseases in rural communities. Conclusion: Therefore, the study recommend that more research-oriented medical outreaches should be organized to both evaluate the level of stigmatization and fear associated with these chronic diseases and aim at drastically reducing them. Future researches should involve longitudinal studies that will check for the changes in the trends of the prevalence rates of these diseases over time, as well as their mortality rates. The community.
Epidermolysis Bullosa and Associated Therapy: a Literature Review
Authors : Nádia Ferreira ; Ana Paula Fonseca
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.72.19.28
Abstract:Background: Epidermolysis Bullosa is associated with poor dermal-epidermal cohesion, leading to the formation of blisters, erosions and scars on the skin and mucous membranes in response to minimal mechanical trauma. It is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, comprising phenotypes with different levels of severity. A definitive cure does not appear to be forthcoming, with symptomatic treatment being the most commonly used approach. However, various studies and clinical trials have been carried out with the aim of testing different theories and finding an effective method for improving the quality of life of people with this condition and mitigating its negative effects. Objectives: The aim of this study is to gather complete and up-to-date information on the main therapeutic strategies used and/or under development for Epidermolysis Bullosa. Material and Methods: A literature review was carried out, searching the Pubmed, Google Scholar and Scielo databases for the keywords "epidermolysis bullosa", "treatment" and "pharmacotherapy", selecting articles using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Based on the articles included in this review, it was possible to understand the different existing strategies for the treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa. It was found that there are various types of therapies under development, although the results obtained are promising. Conclusion: As this is a very heterogeneous pathology, it is difficult to find a therapy that is effective and does not cause serious adverse effects. This is an area that should continue to be studied, with the aim of improving the quality of life of those affected.