Global Journal of Public Health Medicine

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING IMMUNISATION REPORTED IN A METROPOLITAN CITY IN INDIA

Sophie Simon — 2025-01-13

Introduction: Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) may be considered as major setback to

our immunization efforts and can hinder the optimum utilization of the services provided. Around 14%

of parents with a past history of facing a suspected AEFI in any of their children are hesitant to accept

future immunizations. Our study aims to understand the distribution pattern of suspected AEFI cases

during January 2017 and June 2018. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational record-

based study in a Metropolitan city in Maharashtra wherein all AEFI reporting forms namely Case

Reporting Form (CRF), Preliminary Case Investigation Form (PCIF), and Final Case Investigation Form

(FCIF) containing pertinent data on all AEFI cases that occurred from January 2017 to June 2018 were

analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and represented using tables and graphs. Results: The AEFI

reporting rate was calculated as 5.8 per 100000 doses administered per year. The total number of AEFIs

reported in the year 2017 and 2018 (up to June) were 71 and 58 respectively. 51.16% of the reported

AEFIs were febrile seizures, 19.38 % were severe local reactions in the form of abscesses, and 9.3% were

afebrile seizures. Twelve deaths were reported during the study period. Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV)

showed the highest rate of antigen-specific AEFI (13.2/100000 doses administered) while measles

vaccine showed the lowest rate (2.7/100000 doses administered). Conclusion: Analyzing the distribution

of suspected AEFI cases can aid in identifying causal links to known risk factors, inform the development

of preventive measures, and enhance immunization coverage.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING AND POST-TRAINING SUPPORTIVE MECHANISM FOR ACCREDITED SOCIAL HEALTH ACTIVIST (ASHAS): A DISTRICT-LEVEL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN MAHARASHTRA

Alok kumar Singh — 2025-01-13

Introduction: The Government of India launched the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to strengthen the Healthcare infrastructure to achieve the goal of promoting access to healthcare at the household level through the creation of a cadre of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists). The study aimed to assess the extent of capacity building and post-training supportive mechanisms for ASHA Method: A cross?sectional observational study was undertaken in Primary health centres of Thane District in Maharashtra, India, between September 2018 to May 2019. Five Primary Health Care centers were randomly selected from the District. Approximately 30 ASHAs worked under each PHC. From Each PHC, 15 ASHA workers were randomly selected, i.e. 50% of the total number of ASHAs using a simple random sampling technique. A sample size of 75 was taken. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants via a face-to-face interview after taking their informed consent. Results: It was observed that the majority of the ASHA workers scored more than 8 points about ANC care (66.7%), 56% scored a perfect 10 with regard to PNC care while 48% scored 10 points with regard to other roles and responsibilities of ASHA. Attending refresher training and >12 meetings per year with ASHA facilitators had a statistically significant positive effect on improving the performance of ASHA. Conclusion: The frequency of meetings with ASHA facilitators was inconsistent as per NRHM guidelines. ASHAs had adequate knowledge about their roles & responsibilities, ANC care, and PNC care as most scored satisfactory to good score during the assessment.

PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ACUTE LEUKEMIA IN A SAMPLE OF IRAQI PEOPLE

Shams Mahdi — 2025-01-13

Introduction: Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing hematologic malignancy that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. Public awareness and knowledge of acute leukemia, including its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, are critical for early detection and improved outcomes, and research in this area is limited in Baghdad, Al-Rusafa. This study aimed to assess the public’s awareness and knowledge of acute leukemia, including an understanding of its risk factors, symptoms, and role of treatment, prognosis, preventive measures, and metastasis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1000 individuals in Baghdad, Al-Rusafa. A structured questionnaire collected data on participants' demographics, awareness, and knowledge of acute leukemia. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were performed to assess the level of awareness. Results: A total of 1000 participants completed the survey. The main participants were females. The majority of females and males were of non-university level education. The local community was the main source of participants’ knowledge. Environmental factors were the major risk factors reported by the participants. The majority of participants believed in the poor prognosis for acute leukemia (AL), but also the majority believed in the significant role of treatment. Poor knowledge was found regarding preventive measures and metastasis. Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial gap in public awareness and understanding of acute leukemia, its risk factors, symptoms, prognosis, treatment, prevention, and metastasis. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health education initiatives to improve awareness, ultimately promoting early detection and outcomes would be better for individuals at risk of acute leukemia.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NUTRITION-RELATED APPS FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Hema Kesa — 2025-01-17

Introduction: Obesity and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are major public health concerns in many countries, including South Africa. While nutrition-related apps have been considered a promising solution to address these issues, their impact is not yet evident given their limited adoption and the persistently high prevalence of these diseases. This study aims to assess user perceptions of the effectiveness of these apps in Johannesburg (most urbanized region of the country) and their motivations for using them. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in the city in 2019, targeting 150 users aged 18 to 38 (Millennials and Generation Z). Results: The results revealed that participants used more than ten different nutrition-related apps, with 91.4% utilizing both diet and fitness features. However, only 56.6% to 67.4% of respondents agreed on the overall effectiveness of the nutrition apps they used. Users' expectations appeared to be more media-related, with the top five motivations being the monitoring capabilities, quality of information provided, support in achieving weight loss goals, recording ability, and the capacity to offer an overview of food consumption. These factors received average ratings of 3.75, 3.65, 3.54, 3.47, and 3.45 out of 5, respectively. Conclusion: These findings indicate that nutrition-related apps are seen as valuable tools for promoting healthier lifestyles. To enhance the effectiveness of strategies using these apps to combat obesity and chronic diseases, educational measures should be implemented for a widespread use.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW PERCEIVED RISK OF DENGUE INFECTION IN SEREMBAN DISTRICT, NEGERI SEMBILAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Mohd ‘Ammar Ihsan Ahmad Zamzuri — 2025-02-03

Introduction: Dengue fever is an infection caused by dengue virus that remains as a public health threat. Hence, this study aimed to determine the risk perception level of dengue infection at Seremban district that continues to battle with dengue epidemic. Additionally, we aimed to measure knowledge, attitude, and practice of the Seremban population in relation to their dengue risk perception level. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional survey using a validated questionnaire- Risk Perception, Attitude and Practice (RPAP). A pilot test was conducted on 35 samples, and data was analyzed prior to actual study. The subsequent population study was conducted between April 2021 to November 2021. Ethical approval was obtained before commencement, and each respondent’s informed consent was taken prior to study inclusion. Statistical analysis was done using Rasch analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results: A total of 341 respondents were included in the population study. Rasch analysis result for reliability analysis showed a good psychometric property of the tool used. Majority of the respondents have low level of dengue risk perception (82.1%), attitude level (77.7%), and dengue prevention practice level (84.5%). There was no statistical difference upon comparison between those who live in dengue outbreak area and those from non-outbreak area, for all three constructs (RPAP). The bivariable and multivariable analysis done yielded three independent factors that contributed to the low level of dengue risk perception, namely, living in rented house, living in high-rise unit, and family history of dengue infection. Conclusion: The population of Seremban district has a low level of dengue risk perception that may reflect a low level of attitude and dengue preventive action. Hence, a more extensive health promotion and health education activity based on behavioral theory such as Health Belief Model need to be done to reinforce good attitude and good practice of dengue prevention.