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Research Article
Prevalence of Malaria Prevention Practices and Their Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years in Kpando Municipality, Ghana
Obed Atsu-Ofori
,
Dacosta Awuah Aboagye,
Jonathan Mawutor Gmanyami,
Khadijatu Adiss Yusif,
Rachael Georgina Antwi Boasiako,
Samuel Abudey,
Mike Dankwah Amofa,
Asare Lawrence,
Samuel Antwi,
Mercy Negble,
Eric Kporsu,
Richmond Bediako Nsiah*,
John Humphrey Amuasi,
Dominic Nyarko,
Frank Prempeh,
Phenihas Kwadwo Opoku,
Isaac Morrison,
Ernestina Koiba Agyare
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
87-97
Received:
16 August 2025
Accepted:
28 August 2025
Published:
19 September 2025
Abstract: Background: Malaria poses a significant threat to children under five in Ghana. Despite the availability of effective preventive measures, caregiver compliance remains inconsistent. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria prevention practices and their associated factors among caregivers of children under five years in Kpando Municipality, Ghana. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 mothers and caregivers with children under five years in Kpando Municipal of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from respondents through one-on-one interviewer-led enumeration using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact Test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR), p-values, 95% confidence intervals (CI), frequencies and proportions were reported with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Approximately a 99% participation rate (293 out of the expected 295) was recorded in this study. The prevalence of adequate malaria preventive practices among caregivers was 49%. Long-lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) ownership was 93.2%. Most caregivers (65.2%) consistently used LLINs and ensured their household members used them as well (49%) for malaria prevention. Malaria preventive measures such as clearing stagnant water (66.6%), clearing bushes in the house compound (56%) and visiting health facilities when they fell sick (67.9%), were not consistently practiced by the caregivers. About 64% ensured their water storage containers were always closed. Caregivers with SHS education (aOR = 0.23, 95%CI [0.07-0.78], p = 0.018), and income below Gh¢500 (aOR = 5.81, 95%CI [2.45-13.79], P<.001) had increased odds of practising adequate malaria prevention. Unmarried caregivers (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI [0.09-0.42], p <.001) and caregivers not owning an LLIN (aOR = 0.09, 95% CI [0.02-0.43], p = 0.003) had decreased odds of practising adequate malaria prevention. Conclusion: Though caregivers in the Kpando Municipality had good possession of LLINs, repeated use and practice of other preventive practices against malaria were poor. Targeted community interventions and health education will be required to improve preventive practices against malaria among them. Caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the prevention of malaria need to be explored in future studies to plan more effective behaviour change interventions.
Abstract: Background: Malaria poses a significant threat to children under five in Ghana. Despite the availability of effective preventive measures, caregiver compliance remains inconsistent. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria prevention practices and their associated factors among caregivers of children under five years in Kpando Municipality...
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Research Article
A Survey on the Current Prevalence of Hypertension in Company Employees
Zhang Lianhua*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
98-104
Received:
17 August 2025
Accepted:
29 August 2025
Published:
19 September 2025
Abstract: Objective To perform a survey on the current prevalence of hypertension in company employees, so as to improve the awareness rate, treatment rate, and control rate of hypertension, and also to provide theoretical basis for health promotion for all employees. Methods A total of 1762 employees from a company in Wuhu participated in this study. Parameters including height, body mass, blood pressure, blood lipid, blood glucose, and uric acid were measured. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results Among the 1762 employees, 629 had hypertension with an overall prevalence rate of 35.70%. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in males than that in females (39.43% vs. 29.17%, P<0.05). And the prevalence rate of hypertension increased with age in both genders. The overall awareness rate, treatment rate, and control rate of hypertension were 69.95%, 56.44% and 29.73%, respectively; these rate were generally lower in males (69.46%, 53.17% and 28.73%) compared with those in females (71.12%, 64.17% and 32.09%), and the difference in treatment rate was statistically significant between males and females (P<0.05). Based on the diagnostic criteria of hypertension, participants were divided into the hypertension group (n=629) and the normotension group (n=1133). The mean age, SBP, DBP, heart rate, body mass index, rate of alcohol use, as well as the detection rates of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia in the hypertension group were significantly higher than those in the normotension group (all P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence rate of hypertension is high, and the awareness rate, treatment rate, and control rate of hypertension are generally low in company employees. It is important to strengthen health education and health knowledge promotion among employees, raise their awareness of hypertension prevention and treatment, and urge them to change their unhealthy eating habit and lifestyle, which may contribute to health promotion for all.
Abstract: Objective To perform a survey on the current prevalence of hypertension in company employees, so as to improve the awareness rate, treatment rate, and control rate of hypertension, and also to provide theoretical basis for health promotion for all employees. Methods A total of 1762 employees from a company in Wuhu participated in this study. Parame...
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Communication
Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A Deep Wound in the Body of the Health System
Amir Hossein Tabatabaie*,
Negar Amiri,
Yalda Nasihatkon
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
105-108
Received:
25 August 2025
Accepted:
13 September 2025
Published:
9 October 2025
Abstract: Violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) is a pervasive and deeply concerning global crisis that threatens the well-being of caregivers and the sustainability of health systems worldwide. This article examines the scope, causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this critical issue, with a specific focus on the situation in Iran. Globally, a significant percentage of HCWs experience physical, verbal, psychological, and sexual violence, with regional variations and underreporting being commonplace. In Iran, the problem is particularly severe, with high prevalence rates exacerbated by systemic factors such as public misinformation, cultural and financial problems, long waiting times, and a lack of trust in the justice system. The consequences of this violence are far-reaching, leading to severe psychological trauma for HCWs, reduced quality of patient care, occupational burnout, staff shortages, and ultimately, a weakened healthcare system. The article argues that addressing this multifaceted problem requires a coordinated, multi-level approach. Essential solutions include individual training in communication and de-escalation, organisational policies for reporting and support, and national-level interventions such as stringent deterrent laws, public awareness campaigns, and increased resource allocation to reduce systemic pressures. The conclusion emphasises that ensuring the safety of healthcare workers is not merely an occupational concern but a fundamental prerequisite for equitable and high-quality healthcare for all.
Abstract: Violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) is a pervasive and deeply concerning global crisis that threatens the well-being of caregivers and the sustainability of health systems worldwide. This article examines the scope, causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this critical issue, with a specific focus on the situation in Iran. Globally,...
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Research Article
Epidemiological Survey of Obesity and “3H” of Employees in a Company
Zhang Lianhua*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
109-114
Received:
1 September 2025
Accepted:
12 September 2025
Published:
9 October 2025
Abstract: Objective: By conducting an investigation into the epidemiological conditions of overweight, obesity and "three highs" (Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia) among the company's employees, a theoretical basis is provided for carrying out health education for employees. Methods: A total of 1,946 employees of a certain company in Wuhu were selected as the research subjects. Their height, body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid were measured in 2014, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: The detection rates of overweight, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the research subjects were 40.80%, 9.20%, 30.83%, 20.45% and 35.46% respectively. Among them, the detection rates of male employees' overweight, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia were all higher than those of female employees', and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The comparison of the detection rates of obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia among the research subjects aged < 30 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years and aged ≥60 years showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Moreover, with the increase of age, the detection rates of hypertension and hyperglycemia in the research subjects showed an upward trend. The comparison of the detection rates of hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia among the research subjects with underweight, normal, overweight and obesity body mass index (BMI) showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Moreover, with the change of BMI (from emaciation to obesity), the detection rates of hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the research subjects all showed an upward trend. Conclusion: The research subjects have prominent symptoms of overweight, obesity and "three highs", and there is an urgent need to carry out health education for them, including healthy diet, moderate exercise and regular physical examination.
Abstract: Objective: By conducting an investigation into the epidemiological conditions of overweight, obesity and "three highs" (Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia) among the company's employees, a theoretical basis is provided for carrying out health education for employees. Methods: A total of 1,946 employees of a certain company in Wuhu were sel...
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