Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major health concern for children in developing countries. This study assesses the prevalence and intensity of STHs among pupils in private nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in Ife Central LGA, Osun State, Nigeria, involving preschool and school-aged children from two private schools. A total of 55 samples, from 22 male and 33 female pupils, were analyzed for intestinal parasite ova to determine the prevalence of helminth infections among the children. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Consent was secured from parents or guardians. Samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique and examined microscopically for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 55 fecal samples collected, the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections was 78.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent helminth (76.4%), followed by Trichuris trichiuria (14.5%) and hookworms (5.5%). Females had a higher infection rate (81.8%) than males (68.2%). The prevalence of STH infections was highest among pupils aged ≥10 years (81.8%) and lowest among those aged 2-3 years (66.7%). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant burden of STH infections, particularly A. lumbricoides, among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The high prevalence necessitates targeted deworming and improved sanitation interventions to reduce the burden of these infections among children in this region.
ABSTRACT
Readiness for hospital discharge is a multidimensional concept involving needs assessment, collaborative patient-centered care, resource management, and care coordination. It begins with admission assessment and treatment planning and then predicts patient readmission and continuity of care. Different studies have revealed moderate readiness for hospital discharge in various patient groups, with a focus on somatic diseases and less on mental disorders. Low readiness for hospital discharge leads to hospital readmissions, as well as financial and psychosocial burdens on patients and their families. As a result, patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community workers must work together to ensure readiness for hospital discharge. Despite the fact that these procedures are currently performed by nurses, nurses’ heavy workloads may have an impact on patients' preparation for hospital discharge. Additionally, various social demographic factors, illness-related variables, and psychological support have an impact on readiness for hospital discharge. Younger age, urban residence, higher level of education, and better financial status are positively correlated with increased readiness for hospital discharge, but disease severity, long duration of hospital stay, and limited continuity of care are negatively correlated with readiness for hospital discharge. In conclusion, readiness for hospital discharge is crucial for safe transitions; thus, addressing its influencing factors through teamwork and patient-centered methods may enhance understanding and meeting the unique needs of patients, particularly those with chronic and mental illnesses, allowing a successful transition from the hospital to the community.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The recommendations specific site of the nutrients in maize cultivation are necessary in the region of Savannah in Togo in the current context of the variability of the endogenous fertility of soils. To this end, based on the results of subtractive trials whose treatments were: the absolute control - N0P0K0 (T1), N0P60K70 (T2), N120P0K70 (T3), N120P60K0 (T4) and N120P60K70 (T5) kg ha-1 coupled with the maize variety Ikenne, conducted in the prefectures of the Savannah region, target yields were determined taking into account the potential yield of the Ikenne variety. Fertilization formulas to obtain the difference between the target yields and those measured on the zero N, zero P and zero K treatments were calculated. The results revealed that the gradient of priority nutrient requirement for maize was N > P > K in the prefectures. In Tandjouaré, grain yields of 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 Mg ha-1 were obtained with the fertilizer formulas N92P0K0, N112P10K0, N132P18K16 and N152P26K29 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 16, 13, 11, and 10. In Tône, achieving grain yields of 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 Mg ha-1 is subject to the fertilizer formulas N79P24K0, N99P32K16, N119P41K30, N139P49K43 and N159P57K56 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 9, 8, 12, 7, and 6. In Oti, achieving grain yields of 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 Mg ha-1 is subject to the fertilizer formulas N66P7K0, N86P16K9, N106P24K22 and N126P32K36 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 19, 14, 11, and 10. In Kpendjal, obtaining grain yields of 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 and 4.5 Mg ha-1 is subject to fertilizer formulas N70P16K5, N90P24K18, N110P33K31, N130P41K45 et N150P49K58 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 11, 9, 8, 7 and 7.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The death is a major accident of which the assessment and analysis are needed to improve the quality of care in an ICU. The aim of our work was to study mortality, analyze the main causes and assess avoidable and non-avoidable causes, in order to target possible preventive action. Prospective study carried out in the surgical intensive care unit, including all patients who died more than 48 hours after admission. Several severity scores were tested (Apache, SOFA, IGS), but none of them showed superiority over the others, and therefore represent only estimates of the severity of multivisceral failure. This high mortality rate can be explained by several factors: age, causal pathology and associated defects, but also by nosocomial infections, which remain a major cause and which can be reversed by preventive measures, in particular the correct prescription of antibiotics.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Financial technology (Fintech) marked by technological developments in financial services, has become a significant player in the world of finance. It has the potential to increase financial services’ availability and affordability, particularly for marginalized people. The main purpose of this study was to establish the effect of Fintech on financial inclusion in the banking sector in Kenya. The proposed objectives are: to determine the effect of mobile money on financial inclusion in the banking sector in Kenya and to evaluate the role of mobile banking on financial inclusion in the banking sector in Kenya. This study was grounded in financial intermediation theory and information asymmetry and adverse selection theory. This study employed desktop research methodology. This study adds to the debate on how technology and finance intersect, opening the door for additional investigation of creative solutions for financial inclusion while promoting the attainment of sustainable development goals and sustainable development. This study established that mobile money greatly improves financial inclusion by reducing gaps for disadvantaged groups and boosting accessibility, especially in rural areas with limited traditional banking infrastructure. This study also found that mobile money services greatly improve financial inclusion in Kenya's banking sector, particularly in rural areas, by democratizing access to financial services and closing gaps for underserved populations. Furthermore, by improving accessibility, security, and efficiency, mobile banking significantly advances financial inclusion. The study recommends that regulators, financial institutions, and mobile money service providers in Kenya should work together to promote innovation and competition in the mobile banking sector.