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Imaging- Guided Facet Joint Injection Technique for Lower Back Pain Management
Abdelghany Mohammed Motawea,
Mohammed Ramadan El Kholy,
Osama Mohamed Ebied,
Waleed Abd El Fattah Mousa,
Mohamed Shawky Abdullah
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
52-56
Received:
30 September 2014
Accepted:
22 October 2014
Published:
16 February 2015
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the role of image-guided lumbar facet joint injection in lower back pain. Background: With the increased lifetime prevalence of spinal pain and the realization by surgeons that not all backache is a ‘disc’ and not all patients with LBP will respond to surgery, there is increasing awareness of the role of percutaneous injection techniques in the nonoperative management of chronic LBP. The use of image-guidance with fluoroscopy or CT scan has increased the precision and safety of these procedures. Methods: Fifty patients with chronic LBP of more than 3 months' duration were selected for facet joint infiltration. Facet joint injections were carried out under fluoroscopic guidance in 38 patients and under CT guidance in 12 cases. Pain relief was assessed using the visual analog scale at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-procedure. These results were compared to a control group (n=25) which were subjected to medical treatment. Results: A total of 146 facet joints were infiltrated in 50 patients over a 2-year period. There was significant pain relief in 88% after 4 weeks, in 92% after 12 weeks, and in 64% after 24 weeks. No major complications were encountered. The control group which was subjected to medical treatment showed pain relief in 40% after 4 weeks, in 32% after 12 weeks, and in 28% after 24 weeks with less pain relief in comparison to the injected group. Conclusion: With intraarticular facet joint injections, the evidence for short- and medium-term pain relief is successful for lumbar pain in comparison to medical treatment. Facet nerve block was found to be a simple, minimally invasive, and safe procedure. With precise patient selection, we achieved long-term success rates of over 60% after 24 weeks. We conclude that this method represents an important alternative treatment for nonradicular back pain.
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the role of image-guided lumbar facet joint injection in lower back pain. Background: With the increased lifetime prevalence of spinal pain and the realization by surgeons that not all backache is a ‘disc’ and not all patients with LBP will respond to surgery, there is increasing awareness of the role of per...
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A Survey of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Infections and Schistosomiasis mansoni among School Children in Libo-Kemkem District, Northwest Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study
Tesfahun Addisu,
Achenef Asmamaw
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
57-62
Received:
30 January 2015
Accepted:
13 February 2015
Published:
2 March 2015
Abstract: The burden of disease caused by infection with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthes remains enormous. It is widely recognized that school children carry the heaviest burden of morbidity. Apart from the morbidity associated with acute infections, those who are chronically infected are often physically and intellectually compromised by anaemia, leading to attention deficits, learning disabilities, school absenteeism and higher dropout rates. Taking this into consideration, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, the intensity and the relative frequency of multi-parasitism of the major soil-transmitted helminthes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and the hookworms) and Schistosoma mansoni. A cross sectional survey was conducted from February 10, 2011 up to May 10, 2011, in three primary schools in Libo-Kemkem District, northwest Ethiopia. 365(173 males and 192 females) pupils, selected using systematic sampling using a random start, had their fecal specimens been examined using Kato-Katz cellophane fecal thick smear technique (41.7 mg template). S. mansoni was the most prevalent (15.9%) followed by A. lumbricoides (11.0%), the hookworms (8.2%) and T. trichiura (1.6%) and the corresponding geometric mean egg counts per gram were 122, 1749, 582 and 13 respectively. Single, double and triple infections encountered were 21.1%, 4.9% and 1.9% respectively. Most of the double infections were a combination of A. lumbricoides and the hookworms (3.6%). All schools combined, the average prevalence and egg count for each helminthes were neither age nor sex related but intensity of S. mansoni by age group which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The distribution of helminthes among pupils was over dispersed: that is, while most pupils harbored few or no and a few harbored many of them. Although, as compared to the previous studies, the present study showed a lowered infection rates, the relative increase in S. mansoni prevalence signifies a need for promoting intervention measures.
Abstract: The burden of disease caused by infection with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthes remains enormous. It is widely recognized that school children carry the heaviest burden of morbidity. Apart from the morbidity associated with acute infections, those who are chronically infected are often physically and intellectually compromised by ana...
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Availability of and Accessibility to Maternal Healthcare Services in the Northern Bangladesh
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
63-75
Received:
19 January 2015
Accepted:
2 February 2015
Published:
3 March 2015
Abstract: Poor women, in both rural and urban areas in the northern region of Bangladesh, suffer from high maternal mortality rates, and compared to other regions, this group also has a low proportion of up-taking ante natal care (ANC) and of births assisted by skilled attendants. This endeavour therefore took an attempt to critically examine the availability of and accessibility to maternal health care (MHC) services, provided by government and non-government organisations (NGOs) in the northern part of Bangladesh, with the specific objective of finding out how far poor women had the availability of and accessibility to MHC services. The study used both primary and secondary data to meet its objectives. Triangulation of methods (questionnaire interviews of service users and providers, and observations) were employed to collect primary data. A large number (160) of mothers who were pregnant or delivered at least one baby during the last ten years and the heads of relevant health centres were interviewed. An assortment of articles, reports, theses and books were consulted in complementing and substantiating the arguments in this study. The main findings of the study suggest that there has been an increase in the availability of and accessibility to MHC services. However, the increment varies across regions and social groups. Lastly, it concludes that rural, poor and less educated mothers have less availability of and access to MHC services compared to urban, non-poor and better educated women.
Abstract: Poor women, in both rural and urban areas in the northern region of Bangladesh, suffer from high maternal mortality rates, and compared to other regions, this group also has a low proportion of up-taking ante natal care (ANC) and of births assisted by skilled attendants. This endeavour therefore took an attempt to critically examine the availabilit...
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Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Salmonella Species from Sources in Poultry Production Settings in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Nchawa Yangkam Yhiler,
Bassey Enya Bassey
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
76-81
Received:
24 February 2015
Accepted:
4 March 2015
Published:
11 March 2015
Abstract: Globalisation and technology especially in the area of antimicrobial chemotherapy have greatly improved the quality of health care in both the veterinary and the public settings. Nonetheless, irrational use of antibiotics has considerably encouraged the development of antimicrobial resistance. This present study was aimed at determining the sources within the poultry production setting that are significantly responsible in the development and spread of antibiotic resistant strains of Salmonella. A total of 374 samples were collected from poultry environment sources (170), from poultry bird themselves (136) and from poultry personnel sources (68) in Calabar within the period of August 2013 and May 2014. The isolation of Salmonella was in accordance with the ISO 6579:2002 and the antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out based on the CLSI by means of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method involving 12 antibiotic disks (HDx). The paired sample t-test was used to determine the significant differences in the resistance of Salmonella species from the poultry sources against the antibiotics used in this study at 95% confidence level. The Salmonella isolates exhibited the highest rate of resistance against Ampicilin-10 µg (72.9%) and the least against Gentamicin-10 µg (1.4%). All the Salmonella isolates were sensitive to Chloramphenicol-30, Ciprofloxacine-5 µg and Imipenem-10 µg and hence the most sensitive. Majority (68.8%) exhibited resistance against more than one type of antibiotics hence revealing a high rate of multidrug resistant Salmonella strains. The results of the paired sample t-test revealed that the development and spread of resistance against antibiotics was significantly dependent on the poultry environment sources and therefore should serve as important targets for prevention measures.
Abstract: Globalisation and technology especially in the area of antimicrobial chemotherapy have greatly improved the quality of health care in both the veterinary and the public settings. Nonetheless, irrational use of antibiotics has considerably encouraged the development of antimicrobial resistance. This present study was aimed at determining the sources...
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Nutrition Education Influences Child Feeding Knowledge Attitudes and Practices of Caregivers in Uganda
Josephine Nabugoomu,
Agnes Namutebi,
Archileo N. Kaaya,
George Nasinyama
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
82-90
Received:
24 February 2015
Accepted:
7 March 2015
Published:
16 March 2015
Abstract: A Cross-sectional sample of households that were involved in farming of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and had 2–6 year old children were purposively selected from four divisions of Kampala Capital City Authority (Kawempe, Rubaga, Makindye and Nakawa) to participate in a controlled, cohort intervention. Respondents in Kawempe division had received training in production of OFSP and nutrition education; in Rubaga division respondents had only training in production of OFSP; in Nakawa division they only had nutrition education while in Makindye division the respondents did not training in nutrition education and production of OFSP and thus served as the control. A total of 457 households were involved in the study and a coded questionnaire was used to collect data on caregiver’s knowledge, attitudes and practices of child nutrition after the 12 month intervention. Chi-square tests were used to test for significant relationships (p≤0.05) amongst variables of interest. Results of the study show that majority of the children (2-6 years) take their meals from that of the family. At least 20% of the respondents serve lunch and dinner separately for the child with no significant differences among the divisions. Thus any major nutritional interventions should target the caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of child feeding and the first meal the child takes. On preparation of meat, 71% of the respondents who received nutrition education gave correct advice compared to 28% who did not receive the intervention. With regard to Maize porridge and beans preparation, significant differences could not be attributed to the intervention. However, 40% of the respondents in Nakawa and Makindye gave advice that was not helpful and so could not be adequately followed in the correct preparation of maize porridge and beans for the children. Preparation of kitoobero, a highly nutritious complementary dish for weaning children, was taught during the nutrition education sessions. Significantly more respondents who received nutrition education identified at least two combinations of foods used for kitoobero (65%) compared to about 5% of those who did not receive the intervention. The study found that majority of the respondents, 65% and 80% respectively in Kawempe and Rubaga compared to over 85% in Nakawa and Makindye had not prepared kitoobero seven days prior to the study. The results show that nutrition education significantly impacts on knowledge of meal preparation for weaning children, attitudes, and practices of child feeding. It is recommended that nutrition education as a strategy of improving child feeding knowledge and practices should be taken up by the public health sector so as to boost the fight against malnutrition which is a major problem in Uganda.
Abstract: A Cross-sectional sample of households that were involved in farming of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and had 2–6 year old children were purposively selected from four divisions of Kampala Capital City Authority (Kawempe, Rubaga, Makindye and Nakawa) to participate in a controlled, cohort intervention. Respondents in Kawempe division had recei...
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A Pilot Community-Based Study on Association of Khat (Catha edulis) Chewing Practice with Psychosis in Yemen
Abdullatif Daiffallah Ali,
Abdulelah Hussien Al-Adhroey,
Abdulqawi Ali Al-Shammakh,
Amat Al-Khaleq Obad Mehrass,
Hamoud Yahya Jaber,
Hadi Mohammed Mujlli
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
91-96
Received:
22 February 2015
Accepted:
4 March 2015
Published:
16 March 2015
Abstract: Community-based studies on association of khat (Catha edulis) chewing practice with psychological problems among the ethnic users in Yemen have been strongly recommended. The present study was aimed to investigate the association of this practice with stress, sleep disturbances, and anorexia in Dhamar area which is a major source of khat in Arabian Peninsula. A cross-sectional study with a pre-tested questionnaire was carried out among 148 khat users and 150 non-users of khat. The psychological health outcomes (stress, sleep disturbances, and anorexia) were measured by self-assessment method. The estimated risks to predict the probability that participants would develop stress, sleep disturbances, and anorexia according to their khat chewing were examined using the Poisson regression model incorporating the robust estimator. Association of sleep disturbances and anorexia with stress weas also evaluated. The findings of the present study showed that stress, sleep disturbances, and anorexia were found to be increased significantly (P ˂ 0.001) by 8.97, 9.28, and 7.28 times among the khat users, respectively. Accordingly, sleep disturbances and anorexia were significantly associated with stress (PR = 3.03; P ˂ 0.001, PR = 2.33; P ˂ 0.001, respectively). The results of this survey increase the need for attention among the regarded professionals about this harmful habit that can defect present and future of Yemeni people dramatically. However, more longitudinal researches pertaining to the contributory causal relationship of khat with psychosis are particularly needed.
Abstract: Community-based studies on association of khat (Catha edulis) chewing practice with psychological problems among the ethnic users in Yemen have been strongly recommended. The present study was aimed to investigate the association of this practice with stress, sleep disturbances, and anorexia in Dhamar area which is a major source of khat in Arabian...
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The Association Between Major Helminth Infections (Soil-Transmitted Helminthes and Schistosomiasis) and Anemia Among School Children in Shimbit Elementary School, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia
Abebe Getnet,
Seble Worku
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
97-104
Received:
10 March 2015
Accepted:
19 March 2015
Published:
24 March 2015
Abstract: Background: Helminthic infections contribute to iron-deficiency anemia among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Children and women of the reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to iron-deficiency anemia exacerbated by parasitic infection. Studies investigating magnitude of major helminthic infections and anemia and also their association are less in this study area. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of major helminthic infections and anemia and also measure their association among school children. Methods: a cross-sectional parasitological and hematological study was conducted on 360 school children in Shimbit Elementary School, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Stool samples were collected and processed using Kato-Katz for microscopic examination. Blood sample was examined using Hemocue to determine the hemoglobin level. Some Socio-demographic and risk factor data were also collected from every study participant using structured questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of helminthic infection and anemia was 27.5% and 25.8%, respectively. Ascaris lumbericiodes 12.5% and 960 epg, hookworms 7.2% and 102.5 epg, Trichuris trichiura 6.1% and 150 epg, Schstosoma mansoni 2.8% and 36 epg, 0.5% of the children were positive for double infections (Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm). Conclusion: Moderately high prevalence of helminthic infections and anemia was of moderate public health significance. Poor sanitary conditions were the major factors for helminthic infections and there was a strong association between anemia and presence of helminthes, especially with hookworm infections (P=0.00). Personal hygiene and good environmental sanitations is the mainstay to control helminthes infections.
Abstract: Background: Helminthic infections contribute to iron-deficiency anemia among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Children and women of the reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to iron-deficiency anemia exacerbated by parasitic infection. Studies investigating magnitude of major helminthic infections and anemia and also their association are les...
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Attitude and Practice Towards Exclusive Breast Feeding and Its Associated Factors Among HIV Positive Mothers in Southern Ethiopia
Kassa Eshetu Modjo,
Negash Wakgari Amanta
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
105-115
Received:
11 March 2015
Accepted:
19 March 2015
Published:
24 March 2015
Abstract: Introduction: The controversy between the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk and the life saving benefits of breastfeeding remains to be a dilemma faced by HIV positive mothers. Cognizant of this, World Health Organization recommends avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV positive mothers when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe. Otherwise, exclusive breast feeding is recommended during the first 6 months of life. Despite this effort, exclusive breast feeding is uncommon practice among HIV infected women. The aim of this study was to assess attitude and practice towards exclusive breast feeding and its associated factors among HIV positive mothers attending public hospitals of southern Ethiopia, 2013. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1 to September 15, 2013. A total of 436 HIV positive mothers were recruited in the study. Pretested and structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were entered to EpiInfo and exported to SPSS for further analysis. Logistic regression analyses were used to see the association of different variables. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were computed to determine the presence and strength of association. Results: More than half (56.7%) of mothers had favorable attitude towards exclusive breast feeding and nearly half (48.2%) mothers exclusively breast feed their infants. Mother’s education, occupation, house hold income, antenatal care attendance, counseling and HIV disclosure to spouse/family members were found to be associated with attitude and practice towards exclusive breast feeding. Conclusion: The attitude and prevalence of exclusive breast feeding practice were found to be very low. Therefore, HIV positive women opting to breastfeed should be encouraged to exclusively breast feed their infants and need to be promoted by policy makers and implementers.
Abstract: Introduction: The controversy between the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk and the life saving benefits of breastfeeding remains to be a dilemma faced by HIV positive mothers. Cognizant of this, World Health Organization recommends avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV positive mothers when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, a...
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Magnitude of Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis in Hawassa University Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Gemechu Ameya Buli,
Fekade Yerakly Lukas,
Negash Wakgari Amenta
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
116-120
Received:
14 March 2015
Accepted:
25 March 2015
Published:
31 March 2015
Abstract: Introduction: In most of developed world Tuberculosis is considered as disease of the past. However; the impact of this disease is overwhelming in developing countries. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis is the main cause of lymphadenophathy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Hence; this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of Tuberculosis lymphadenitis in patient with enlarged lymph node referred to cytology unity of Hawassa University referral hospital. Methods: A five years trend of Tuberculosis lymphadenitis was retrospectively studied from January, 2009 to January, 2015. Data were entered and analysed by SPSS version 16.00. Logistic regression analyses were used to see the association of different variables. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were computed to determine the presence and strength of association. Results: A total of 1,067 lymph nodes were aspirated in a period of five years. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis was found to be 521(48.8%). Cervical lymph nodes were recorded to be the highest 286(54.89%) affected site with tuberculosis lymphadenitis. Age group of 11- 20 years (AOR= 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.79) and 21- 30 years (AOR= 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.97) were significantly associated with magnitude of tuberculosis lymphadenitis. Similarly, Cervical lymph nodes (AOR= 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.93) were found to be statistically associated with tuberculosis lymphadenitis. Conclusions: A significant percentage of enlarged lymph nodes were caused by Tuberculosis lymphadenitis. Age group and cervical lymph nodes were significantly associated with Tuberculosis lymphadenitis. Pathologists should be conscious of tuberculosis cases whenever they encounter enlarged lymph node to initiates immediate treatments.
Abstract: Introduction: In most of developed world Tuberculosis is considered as disease of the past. However; the impact of this disease is overwhelming in developing countries. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis is the main cause of lymphadenophathy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Hence; this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of Tuberculosis lymphadenitis in patient ...
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