Introduction: Civil unrest in the north-eastern part of Nigeria has led to displacement of populations and this has resulted in many negative health implications for the displaced persons. Internally displaced persons...Introduction: Civil unrest in the north-eastern part of Nigeria has led to displacement of populations and this has resulted in many negative health implications for the displaced persons. Internally displaced persons (IDP) often have poorer health outcomes than the general population due to limited access to health services and other basic amenities. Globally, Nigeria is among the countries with huge health inequalities resulting from unequal access to health services. This contextual issue is reflected in the living conditions of internally displaced populations in the country. A windshield survey was conducted in one of such IDP camps located in Kuchingoro, a central location in the federal capital territory of Nigeria, to describe the living conditions of the occupants and the implication for health outcomes. Objective: This article highlights the health issues faced by the internally displaced persons living in Kuchingoro, Abuja. This population was chosen because of the large size of the IDP camp and its strategic location in the federal capital territory of Nigeria. Conclusion: People living in the IDP camp of Kuchingoro are exposed to myriads of health issues as a result of poor access to clean water, hygiene facilities, foods with nutritional value and health services. The poor sanitary conditions of the camp often result in cholera outbreaks and other health issues. Women, the elderly and the very young are the most vulnerable to poor health outcomes as identified by the survey. Efforts should be made to improve the daily living conditions of the dwellers of the Kuchingoro IDP camp with particular emphasis on water, sanitation and hygiene and the provision of accessible and good quality health services. Government should also ensure the creation of employment opportunities towards empowering the occupants to improve their quality of life.展开更多
Rates of heavy drinking, tobacco use and illicit substance use peak among college students between 18 and 25 years of age. Attitudes, personal characteristics, and behaviors that are called protective factors could pl...Rates of heavy drinking, tobacco use and illicit substance use peak among college students between 18 and 25 years of age. Attitudes, personal characteristics, and behaviors that are called protective factors could play a role in reducing college students’ use of alcohol and drugs. We studied the relationships between selected protective factors and alcohol consumption in college students from a public commuter university in New Orleans, Louisiana pre-and post-Hurricane Katrina utilizing the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey (CADS) Long Form. We applied Hirschi’s social control theory to examine the relationships between drinking and the identified protective factors. Three research questions with null and alternative hypotheses were tested to explore the impact of Hurricane Katrina on protective factors and drinking utilizing linear/ logistic and multivariate regression models to test the hypotheses. We found that post-Katrina students were on average about 1.5 years older and drank approximately 1.5 more drinks per week than pre-Katrina students. Both pre and post Katrina age, gender, and race/ethnicity were significantly related to drinking among these groups of college students such that older students, women, and non-Whites tended to have reduced odds of drinking. There were no statistically significant relationships between individual protective factors or any group of protective factors and drinking after controlling for age, gender, and race/ethnicity indicating that these 3 individual characteristics that cannot be altered were stronger predictors of drinking than any other factors we tested.展开更多
This study examined the relationship between sexual risk behavior and HIV counselling and testing uptake among young people in Nigeria. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10,091 respondents ...This study examined the relationship between sexual risk behavior and HIV counselling and testing uptake among young people in Nigeria. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10,091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192;urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages;measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric test such as chi-square was used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. Results of data analysis indicated that sexual risk behaviors comprised three variables: sex with multiple partners, intergenerational sex (sex with partners 10 years older), and transactional sex. The results of the chi-square test of association between sex with multiple partners and HCT uptake showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between sex with multiple partners and HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years in Nigeria. It was among others recommended that sexually active young people in Nigeria should use protection against HIV infection.展开更多
In this practicum, the program objective is to improve the health of Joseph’s Storehouse food bank recipients’ community in the Blessing Center (New Hope Free Clinic and Joseph’s food bank), Redlands, California. T...In this practicum, the program objective is to improve the health of Joseph’s Storehouse food bank recipients’ community in the Blessing Center (New Hope Free Clinic and Joseph’s food bank), Redlands, California. The approach is to implement primary prevention and secondary prevention activity to increase knowledge and skills of the clients and their families of how to prevent and control type 2 diabetes through a wellness program in the clinic. The practicum began January 2015 and ended April 2015. 53 food bank recipients (non-diabetic and diabetic) were recruited. A quasi-experimental study design, pre-test/posttest, was used for the study. The impact of the program targeted diverse audience, high risk ethnic groups, and improved knowledge, awareness, management, and positive behavioral change. The study implication for public health promotion specialists is to narrow venues targeting the most vulnerable populations to promote and reduce type 2 diabetes.展开更多
Background:Intestate death can lead to the distribution of assets against the personal wishes of the deceased and is a problem in India,as 80%of Indians die without making a last will.Following the concepts of decisio...Background:Intestate death can lead to the distribution of assets against the personal wishes of the deceased and is a problem in India,as 80%of Indians die without making a last will.Following the concepts of decision theory(i.e.,the theory of choice),stewardship theory,agency theory,and signaling theory,the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of meditation on estate planning decisions.This study also seeks to extend previous findings on the influence of religious beliefs on the estate planning decisions of Canadians to that of Indians.Methods:Employed and self-employed individuals from India were surveyed regarding their perceptions of meditation and estate planning decisions.Results:The survey indicates that mediation positively influences the estate planning decisions while individuals who practice meditation have greater preferences for estate planning compared with those who do not.The findings suggest that individual assets,family size,and education positively influence the estate planning decisions of Indians.Conclusion:Reported meditation,individual assets,family size,location,education,and gender are positively correlated with the estate planning decisions of Indians.展开更多
In this study,we are discussing the rationale behind informed consent in clinical trials in developing countries.It elaborates how informed consent has remained an ethical and practical issue.Poverty,endemic diseases,...In this study,we are discussing the rationale behind informed consent in clinical trials in developing countries.It elaborates how informed consent has remained an ethical and practical issue.Poverty,endemic diseases,and a lack of investment in healthcare systems influence the ease of conducting and selecting trials that can benefit the people of developing countries.Differences in cultural perspectives,religious beliefs,a lack of formal training for clinical staff,children,time zone difference,literacy,vulnerable population,and language barriers for subject enrollment,protection,and informed are also challenges.This report doesn’t only highlight the right the wrongs of the past or reiterate cases where clinical trials have hurt subjects in developing countries.The current study investigates the conditions of human research in developing countries to make them more ethically sound.The extends proposals to investigators,scientists,governments,sponsors,and other groups who are interested where appropriate.展开更多
The objectives are to provide the ethical rationale as to why the conduct of scientific research in the pediatric population is moral responsibility?Also,the roles and responsibilities of the research ethics board are...The objectives are to provide the ethical rationale as to why the conduct of scientific research in the pediatric population is moral responsibility?Also,the roles and responsibilities of the research ethics board are emphasized;Institutional Review Board to maintain and receive formal training and education to meet the ethical and regulatory standards for conducting scientific researches in the pediatric population.Another rationale is to ensure that the trial protocol involving the pediatric population conforms to ethical and legal requirements and to protect them while facilitating their participation in the scientific research process.Ethical and legal issues form a huge part of recent research;frauds and malpractices have been shown to throw a big part of healthcare funding and harm pediatrics health;however,improvements have been shown,but flaws are still there.展开更多
This study examined the relationship between HIV counselling and testing (HCT) awareness and HCT uptake among young people in Nigeria and their implications for social change. The study is a quantitative research guid...This study examined the relationship between HIV counselling and testing (HCT) awareness and HCT uptake among young people in Nigeria and their implications for social change. The study is a quantitative research guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The target population comprised young people in Nigeria ages 15 to 24 years because the focus of this study was to identify the factors affecting HCT uptake among young people in this age cohort. The representative sample was obtained from the updated master sample frame of rural and urban zones developed by the National Population Commission in Nigeria. This master sample frame was a national survey that comprised all 36 states in Nigeria. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10,091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192;urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The individual questionnaires asked about household characteristics, background characteristics of the respondents. Data were analyzed by inputting them into SPSS v21.0 for analysis and then coded them for each participant. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages;measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric tests such as chi-square were used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. The results of the chi-square test of association between HCT awareness and HCT uptake showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between HCT awareness and HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years in Nigeria, X<sup>2</sup> (1, n = 8916) = 306.66, p < 0.001. In other words, knowledge of the availability of HCT services may have influenced the possibility that the participants would use them. Among others, it was recommended that government should examine the efficacy of HCT treatments in Nigeria, along with conducting a demographic analysis of the at-risk population.展开更多
Objective: The pilot study was intended to test the feasibility of a multiple-component lifestyle intervention targeting African American adults in a weight control and cardiometabolic risk reduction program on diet, ...Objective: The pilot study was intended to test the feasibility of a multiple-component lifestyle intervention targeting African American adults in a weight control and cardiometabolic risk reduction program on diet, activity, and stress, using community-engagement principles. Methods: Applying mixed qualitative and quantitative measures, the intervention had a two-part sequential study design consisting of 12 weekly small group sessions that provided individual and group counseling in nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, while incorporating focus group and interactive techniques to learn about barriers and acceptable practices for this population. The program was implemented at an African-American church in Nashville, Tennessee. Results: Thirty-four participants (aged 56.1 ± 11 years, body mass index (BMI) 36.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2) completed the intervention. Lifestyle changes after the 12 weekly sessions showed some positive trends including reduced sodium intake (from 2725.3 ± 326.5 to 2132 ± 330, mg/day, P = 0.008), increased walking steps (from 4392.1 ± 497.2 to 4895.3 ± 497.9, steps/day, not significant), and slightly decreased Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores (from 13.7 ± 1.4 to 12.4 ± 1.5, not significant). Body fat % among male participants decreased significantly (from 33.8 ± 2.6 to 28 ± 2.6, %, P = 0.043). Among cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly (from 6.6 ± 0.2 to 6.1 ± 0.2, %, P β = 2.4, P = 0.006). Twenty-one participants took part in focus groups during the program to identify barriers to healthy lifestyle changes. Primary barriers reported were price, time for preparing healthy meals, unfamiliarity with mindfulness activities, their health condition, and daily schedule available for physical activities. Conclusions: This church-based pilot intervention was proven feasible by showing modest progress in reducing adiposity and decreasing HbA1c levels. The focus group and interactive methods facilitated program direction. Future full-scale studies are warranted to identify key strategies that provide more personalized approaches and supportive environments to sustain a healthy lifestyle among these at risk minorities with limited resources.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Civil unrest in the north-eastern part of Nigeria has led to displacement of populations and this has resulted in many negative health implications for the displaced persons. Internally displaced persons (IDP) often have poorer health outcomes than the general population due to limited access to health services and other basic amenities. Globally, Nigeria is among the countries with huge health inequalities resulting from unequal access to health services. This contextual issue is reflected in the living conditions of internally displaced populations in the country. A windshield survey was conducted in one of such IDP camps located in Kuchingoro, a central location in the federal capital territory of Nigeria, to describe the living conditions of the occupants and the implication for health outcomes. Objective: This article highlights the health issues faced by the internally displaced persons living in Kuchingoro, Abuja. This population was chosen because of the large size of the IDP camp and its strategic location in the federal capital territory of Nigeria. Conclusion: People living in the IDP camp of Kuchingoro are exposed to myriads of health issues as a result of poor access to clean water, hygiene facilities, foods with nutritional value and health services. The poor sanitary conditions of the camp often result in cholera outbreaks and other health issues. Women, the elderly and the very young are the most vulnerable to poor health outcomes as identified by the survey. Efforts should be made to improve the daily living conditions of the dwellers of the Kuchingoro IDP camp with particular emphasis on water, sanitation and hygiene and the provision of accessible and good quality health services. Government should also ensure the creation of employment opportunities towards empowering the occupants to improve their quality of life.
文摘Rates of heavy drinking, tobacco use and illicit substance use peak among college students between 18 and 25 years of age. Attitudes, personal characteristics, and behaviors that are called protective factors could play a role in reducing college students’ use of alcohol and drugs. We studied the relationships between selected protective factors and alcohol consumption in college students from a public commuter university in New Orleans, Louisiana pre-and post-Hurricane Katrina utilizing the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey (CADS) Long Form. We applied Hirschi’s social control theory to examine the relationships between drinking and the identified protective factors. Three research questions with null and alternative hypotheses were tested to explore the impact of Hurricane Katrina on protective factors and drinking utilizing linear/ logistic and multivariate regression models to test the hypotheses. We found that post-Katrina students were on average about 1.5 years older and drank approximately 1.5 more drinks per week than pre-Katrina students. Both pre and post Katrina age, gender, and race/ethnicity were significantly related to drinking among these groups of college students such that older students, women, and non-Whites tended to have reduced odds of drinking. There were no statistically significant relationships between individual protective factors or any group of protective factors and drinking after controlling for age, gender, and race/ethnicity indicating that these 3 individual characteristics that cannot be altered were stronger predictors of drinking than any other factors we tested.
文摘This study examined the relationship between sexual risk behavior and HIV counselling and testing uptake among young people in Nigeria. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10,091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192;urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages;measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric test such as chi-square was used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. Results of data analysis indicated that sexual risk behaviors comprised three variables: sex with multiple partners, intergenerational sex (sex with partners 10 years older), and transactional sex. The results of the chi-square test of association between sex with multiple partners and HCT uptake showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between sex with multiple partners and HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years in Nigeria. It was among others recommended that sexually active young people in Nigeria should use protection against HIV infection.
文摘In this practicum, the program objective is to improve the health of Joseph’s Storehouse food bank recipients’ community in the Blessing Center (New Hope Free Clinic and Joseph’s food bank), Redlands, California. The approach is to implement primary prevention and secondary prevention activity to increase knowledge and skills of the clients and their families of how to prevent and control type 2 diabetes through a wellness program in the clinic. The practicum began January 2015 and ended April 2015. 53 food bank recipients (non-diabetic and diabetic) were recruited. A quasi-experimental study design, pre-test/posttest, was used for the study. The impact of the program targeted diverse audience, high risk ethnic groups, and improved knowledge, awareness, management, and positive behavioral change. The study implication for public health promotion specialists is to narrow venues targeting the most vulnerable populations to promote and reduce type 2 diabetes.
文摘Background:Intestate death can lead to the distribution of assets against the personal wishes of the deceased and is a problem in India,as 80%of Indians die without making a last will.Following the concepts of decision theory(i.e.,the theory of choice),stewardship theory,agency theory,and signaling theory,the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of meditation on estate planning decisions.This study also seeks to extend previous findings on the influence of religious beliefs on the estate planning decisions of Canadians to that of Indians.Methods:Employed and self-employed individuals from India were surveyed regarding their perceptions of meditation and estate planning decisions.Results:The survey indicates that mediation positively influences the estate planning decisions while individuals who practice meditation have greater preferences for estate planning compared with those who do not.The findings suggest that individual assets,family size,and education positively influence the estate planning decisions of Indians.Conclusion:Reported meditation,individual assets,family size,location,education,and gender are positively correlated with the estate planning decisions of Indians.
文摘In this study,we are discussing the rationale behind informed consent in clinical trials in developing countries.It elaborates how informed consent has remained an ethical and practical issue.Poverty,endemic diseases,and a lack of investment in healthcare systems influence the ease of conducting and selecting trials that can benefit the people of developing countries.Differences in cultural perspectives,religious beliefs,a lack of formal training for clinical staff,children,time zone difference,literacy,vulnerable population,and language barriers for subject enrollment,protection,and informed are also challenges.This report doesn’t only highlight the right the wrongs of the past or reiterate cases where clinical trials have hurt subjects in developing countries.The current study investigates the conditions of human research in developing countries to make them more ethically sound.The extends proposals to investigators,scientists,governments,sponsors,and other groups who are interested where appropriate.
文摘The objectives are to provide the ethical rationale as to why the conduct of scientific research in the pediatric population is moral responsibility?Also,the roles and responsibilities of the research ethics board are emphasized;Institutional Review Board to maintain and receive formal training and education to meet the ethical and regulatory standards for conducting scientific researches in the pediatric population.Another rationale is to ensure that the trial protocol involving the pediatric population conforms to ethical and legal requirements and to protect them while facilitating their participation in the scientific research process.Ethical and legal issues form a huge part of recent research;frauds and malpractices have been shown to throw a big part of healthcare funding and harm pediatrics health;however,improvements have been shown,but flaws are still there.
文摘This study examined the relationship between HIV counselling and testing (HCT) awareness and HCT uptake among young people in Nigeria and their implications for social change. The study is a quantitative research guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The target population comprised young people in Nigeria ages 15 to 24 years because the focus of this study was to identify the factors affecting HCT uptake among young people in this age cohort. The representative sample was obtained from the updated master sample frame of rural and urban zones developed by the National Population Commission in Nigeria. This master sample frame was a national survey that comprised all 36 states in Nigeria. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10,091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192;urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The individual questionnaires asked about household characteristics, background characteristics of the respondents. Data were analyzed by inputting them into SPSS v21.0 for analysis and then coded them for each participant. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages;measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric tests such as chi-square were used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. The results of the chi-square test of association between HCT awareness and HCT uptake showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between HCT awareness and HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years in Nigeria, X<sup>2</sup> (1, n = 8916) = 306.66, p < 0.001. In other words, knowledge of the availability of HCT services may have influenced the possibility that the participants would use them. Among others, it was recommended that government should examine the efficacy of HCT treatments in Nigeria, along with conducting a demographic analysis of the at-risk population.
文摘Objective: The pilot study was intended to test the feasibility of a multiple-component lifestyle intervention targeting African American adults in a weight control and cardiometabolic risk reduction program on diet, activity, and stress, using community-engagement principles. Methods: Applying mixed qualitative and quantitative measures, the intervention had a two-part sequential study design consisting of 12 weekly small group sessions that provided individual and group counseling in nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, while incorporating focus group and interactive techniques to learn about barriers and acceptable practices for this population. The program was implemented at an African-American church in Nashville, Tennessee. Results: Thirty-four participants (aged 56.1 ± 11 years, body mass index (BMI) 36.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2) completed the intervention. Lifestyle changes after the 12 weekly sessions showed some positive trends including reduced sodium intake (from 2725.3 ± 326.5 to 2132 ± 330, mg/day, P = 0.008), increased walking steps (from 4392.1 ± 497.2 to 4895.3 ± 497.9, steps/day, not significant), and slightly decreased Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores (from 13.7 ± 1.4 to 12.4 ± 1.5, not significant). Body fat % among male participants decreased significantly (from 33.8 ± 2.6 to 28 ± 2.6, %, P = 0.043). Among cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly (from 6.6 ± 0.2 to 6.1 ± 0.2, %, P β = 2.4, P = 0.006). Twenty-one participants took part in focus groups during the program to identify barriers to healthy lifestyle changes. Primary barriers reported were price, time for preparing healthy meals, unfamiliarity with mindfulness activities, their health condition, and daily schedule available for physical activities. Conclusions: This church-based pilot intervention was proven feasible by showing modest progress in reducing adiposity and decreasing HbA1c levels. The focus group and interactive methods facilitated program direction. Future full-scale studies are warranted to identify key strategies that provide more personalized approaches and supportive environments to sustain a healthy lifestyle among these at risk minorities with limited resources.
