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Forensic Autopsy in the Republic of Benin: Knowledge and Perceptions of Relatives of the Deceased
Bigot Cedric Egnonwa,
Badou Agnes,
Agbodande Anthelme,
Wanvoegbe Armand Finagnon,
Azon Kouanou Angele
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2022
Pages:
91-95
Received:
5 April 2022
Accepted:
9 May 2022
Published:
24 May 2022
Abstract: This study aimed to describe the knowledge of relatives of the deceased regarding forensic autopsy and to analyze their perceptions of this forensic act. The focus of the study was the relatives of deceased individuals who died in violent contexts or suffered suspicious deaths, in which case a forensic autopsy was necessary. A total of 109 people were included in the study. The majority of respondents were male (78.0%). The average age of respondents was 46 +/- 11 years. A total of 56.9% of respondents had never heard the expression "medico-legal autopsy" before the death of the relative. Respondents know. that autopsies are used to identify the cause of death in 80.7% of cases. An association was found between level of education and level of knowledge concerning forensic autopsies (p=0.001). A total of 85.3% of respondents had poor perceptions of forensic autopsy. The preservation of bodily integrity was more important than the benefits of knowing the cause of death for 57.8% of respondents. Respondents claimed that family members made at least one attempt to postpone the autopsy in 94.5% of cases. Objections to the autopsy were motivated by the fear of not being able to proceed quickly with the burial (93.6%), the fear of seeing the body undergo an aesthetic alteration (74.3%), the feeling of inflicting suffering on the deceased (45.3%) and the conception of autopsy as a practice prohibited by respondents’ religion (38.5%). The cultural and human dimensions of forensic autopsy should not be overlooked. For more support from the relatives of the deceased, it is essential to integrate, beyond medicine and law, social considerations and human.
Abstract: This study aimed to describe the knowledge of relatives of the deceased regarding forensic autopsy and to analyze their perceptions of this forensic act. The focus of the study was the relatives of deceased individuals who died in violent contexts or suffered suspicious deaths, in which case a forensic autopsy was necessary. A total of 109 people w...
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Impact of COVID Pandemic on the Use of Services in a Peripheral Health Center in Southern Benin
Padonou Setondji Geraud Romeo,
Kedote Nonvignon Marius,
Wachinou Ablo Prudence,
Darboux Joaquin,
Dele Greg,
Sopoh Ghislain,
Hinson Antoine Vickey,
Ayelo Paul,
Aguemon Badirou
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2022
Pages:
96-102
Received:
30 April 2022
Accepted:
18 May 2022
Published:
26 May 2022
Abstract: Background: COVID-19 pandemic has had negative impacts on health systems of most countries. Methods: we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study in a peripheral health center in southern Benin. The morbidity indicators and the functioning of the services were collected and analyzed 10 months before COVID and 10 months during COVID by a linear regression model. Results: The onset of the COVID pandemic led to a non-significant drop in the number of consultations among children aged 12 to 35 months [-8,100; 0.297], and borderline negative effects on malaria [-44.20; 0.098], and significant for acute respiratory infections [-34.200; 0.039] and diarrheal diseases [-4.100; 0.036]. Conclusion: Even in a rural outlying health center, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the health system. This repercussion led to a drop in consultations on morbidity indicators such as malaria, acute respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases. This reflects both the fear of the populations to come to the health center in during pandemic period but also the reduction in the functioning of the center due to the outbreak. Strengthening measures are needed to ensure quality care for the population, Such as the increase in the number of health care workers, the increase in the security and protection arrangements for health workers and users of health centers.
Abstract: Background: COVID-19 pandemic has had negative impacts on health systems of most countries. Methods: we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study in a peripheral health center in southern Benin. The morbidity indicators and the functioning of the services were collected and analyzed 10 months before COVID and 10 months during COV...
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Analysis of Indicators of Morbidity and Care Activities in a Health Center Within the Sanitary Cordon in Benin in the Context of COVID-19
Padonou Setondji Geraud Romeo,
Kedote Nonvignon Marius,
Wachinou Ablo Prudence,
Darboux Joaquin,
Dele Greg,
Sopoh Ghislain,
Hinson Antoine Vickey,
Ayelo Paul,
Aguemon Badirou
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2022
Pages:
103-109
Received:
30 April 2022
Accepted:
18 May 2022
Published:
26 May 2022
Abstract: Background: Response measures to the COVID-19 epidemic such as containment or sanitary cordon have had an impact on the health system. Methods: In an intra-cordon health center in Cotonou Benin, data on morbidity, health services and care indicators were collected and compared 10 months before COVID and 10 months during. A linear regression model was made. Results: During COVID, a significant increase in the number of women attending prenatal consultations was observed [77.30; 0.001] and significant decrease in the average number of malaria cases [-22.20; 0.008]. And non-significant negative effects on acute respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections and diarrheal diseases identified. Conclusion: The establishment of a cordon sanitaire to contain the spread of COVID has had an impact on the functioning of the health system. This has led to a restriction of population movements, which has also affected health workers. The observed effects do not necessarily mean fewer diseases. Health centers were perceived by the public as places where the risk of contamination was higher, which led to their fear of traveling unless necessary. Strengthening strategies had to be put in place to maintain the accessibility of care to the population.
Abstract: Background: Response measures to the COVID-19 epidemic such as containment or sanitary cordon have had an impact on the health system. Methods: In an intra-cordon health center in Cotonou Benin, data on morbidity, health services and care indicators were collected and compared 10 months before COVID and 10 months during. A linear regression model w...
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Knowledge and Practice of Acetaminophen Use in Conakry Before the Onset of COVID-19 Epidemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Private Pharmacies
Abdoulaye Touré,
Kadio Jean-Jacques Olivier Kadio,
Lunceny Fofana,
Salifou Talassone Bangoura,
Saidouba Cherif Camara,
Maladho Diaby,
Adrien Fapeingou Tounkara,
Nestor Niouma Leno,
Alpha-Kabinet Keita,
Alexandre Delamou,
Alioune Camara
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2022
Pages:
110-115
Received:
2 May 2022
Accepted:
19 May 2022
Published:
26 May 2022
Abstract: Acetaminophen is a well-known as analgesic and antipyretic drug. It is considered to be safe when administered within its therapeutic range. However, in cases of intoxication, hepatotoxicity can occur. This was a cross-sectional study including persons who went to a pharmacy of Conakry to buy acetaminophen without a prescription. Data were collected by face-to-face interview. Good use, good knowledge, and overdose scores were evaluated based on the questionnaires. Data from 355 persons with a median age of 35.0 years who presented themselves for the purchase of acetaminophen for self-medication in 43 private pharmacies were analyzed. The main reasons for taking acetaminophen at home were headaches (60.3%) and various pains (48.5%). Over third (34.9%) said that they were not in any danger from excessive consumption of acetaminophen. Only 20.8% of patients had good knowledge of acetaminophen (score > 80%). Women scored higher than men (43.1% vs. 28.1%; p = 0.008). Almost 43% had no information on the risk associated with excessive acetaminophen consumption. The results also reveal a significant association between acetaminophen use and information sources (p < 0.05). Respondents who had good knowledge of acetaminophen were better users than those who did not have good knowledge of acetaminophen (p < 0.001). Study showed low level of knowledge about acetaminophen and low proportion of people who have information about the consequences of using large doses of this drug. It therefore seems necessary to remind caregivers of the important role they must play in reinforcing the safe use of acetaminophen in self-medication.
Abstract: Acetaminophen is a well-known as analgesic and antipyretic drug. It is considered to be safe when administered within its therapeutic range. However, in cases of intoxication, hepatotoxicity can occur. This was a cross-sectional study including persons who went to a pharmacy of Conakry to buy acetaminophen without a prescription. Data were collecte...
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Prevalence, Knowledge and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Among Pregnant Women in the Loum Health District, Cameroon
Ngwanjoh Lengouh Njeunui,
Raymond Nyassa,
Serge Ngekeng,
Nicholas Tendongfor
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2022
Pages:
116-120
Received:
18 May 2022
Accepted:
6 June 2022
Published:
21 June 2022
Abstract: Infection with Hepatitis B virus continues to be an important global public health problem with millions of people worldwide affected. Around 2 billion people have been exposed to hepatitis B globally, and about 257 million people are living with hepatitis B particularly in the Low and Middle-income countries. Cameroon is endemic and pregnant women are rarely screened routinely in most health facilities in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, knowledge and risk factors of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Loum Health District. This study was a cross sectional hospital and community-based carried out among pregnant women in the Loum Health District. All the 5 health areas and 24 health facilities were included. Data on the socio demography and knowledge on hepatitis B infection was collected using a structured questionnaire. Pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) using the DiaSpot One Step Hepatitis B test. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. The Chi square test was used to compare proportions and the logistic regression model was fitted to find out factors independently associated with knowledge, prevalence and attitude. Of the 200 pregnant women screened, 18 (9%) were positive for hepatitis B virus. Higher prevalence was observed for the age group 16-25 (10.8%) and primary level of education 7 (13.5%). The results showed that pregnant women had inadequate knowledge on HBV infection. History of multiple sex partners (AOR=5.58, P=0.001), history of surgery (AOR=3.04, P=0.026) and history of tattooing (AOR=2.36, P=0.041) were all significantly associated with hepatitis B sero-positivity. The prevalence of HBsAg was 9% with only one third of participants having adequate knowledge on Hepatitis B. Although hepatitis B is recognized to be one of the major health problems, pregnant women in the Loum health district were less aware of its mode of transmission, consequences and prevention. History of surgery, tattooing, multiple sexual partners were factors that increase hepatitis transmission. Compulsory screening of pregnant women in hospital and health educative talks on Hepatitis B during antenatal visit could create more awareness among pregnant women.
Abstract: Infection with Hepatitis B virus continues to be an important global public health problem with millions of people worldwide affected. Around 2 billion people have been exposed to hepatitis B globally, and about 257 million people are living with hepatitis B particularly in the Low and Middle-income countries. Cameroon is endemic and pregnant women...
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Health Literacy Cross-Sectional National Survey in Cameroon General Population
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2022
Pages:
121-133
Received:
22 May 2022
Accepted:
9 June 2022
Published:
30 June 2022
Abstract: Background: Health literacy (HL) is the ability of an individual to obtain and translate knowledge and information in order to maintain and improve health in a way which is appropriate to that individual and system contexts. It has become a priority for health in the 21st century, and many countries have included HL as a key priority in their policies and practices. However, in many African countries, such as Cameroon, information about the status of HL among population remains scarce. Objective: This study sought to describe the HL level of the Cameroonian population and its determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional national survey using the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire short forms (HLS-EU-Q16) was conducted. Both English and French version of HLSEU16 were used due to the fact that the country is bilingual. 1,226 persons (50.5% females, ages 15-96 years, mean age 27.99 years, standard deviation 9.73) completed an online (47%) and paper (53%) questionnaire. Results: At least one quarter (1/4) of respondents (24.6%) showed insufficient HL and 74.3%, almost three quarter (3/4) had limited (insufficient and problematic) HL. Sufficient HL was predominant in all subcategories of the population. Subgroups within the population with low HL were those with more than two chronic diseases (F(3; 1,222) = 4.673, p = .003) and those living in rural areas (F(2; 1,223) = 21.870, p < .001). Participants with high HL evaluated their health as very good (F(3; 1,222) = 24.586, p< .001) and were satisfied with their life (F(3; 1,222) = 15.317, p< .001). Discussion and conclusion: Limited HL represents an important challenge for health policies and practices across Cameroon like in many European countries. The influence of socio-cultural aspect in HL must be taken into account when developing HL tools to ensure quality measurement and to improve health equity around the world.
Abstract: Background: Health literacy (HL) is the ability of an individual to obtain and translate knowledge and information in order to maintain and improve health in a way which is appropriate to that individual and system contexts. It has become a priority for health in the 21st century, and many countries have included HL as a key priority in their polic...
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