Journal of Ideas in Health

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from the intestines of freshwater fish from the Mindu dam in Morogoro, Tanzania

Ally Samiji — 2024-02-21

Background: The Mindu dam, an open system, serves as a microbial reservoir, housing uropathogenic microorganisms like Escherichia coli. Morogoro municipality relies on the dam for water and fish. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolated from fish and water in Mindu dam.

Methods: In May 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Morogoro municipality. Selected antimicrobials, including ampicillin, tetracycline, cefoxitin, erythromycin, trimethoprim, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, and nalidixic acid, were tested using the disc diffusion method. E. coli ATCC 25922 served as a positive control for quality assurance during bacterial isolation. The potential source of antimicrobial contamination was identified through the multiple antibiotic resistance index.

Results: Out of 148 samples, E. coli was found in 24, none in water. E. coli showed high resistance (≥50.0%) to erythromycin (62.5%), nalidixic acid (79.2%), and ampicillin (75%). Additionally, 58.0% of isolates displayed multi-drug resistance across antimicrobial classes, with a multiple antibiotic resistance index ranging from 0.00 to 0.75.

Conclusion: Antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in the food chain may heighten the spread of complex urinary tract infections in the municipality. It underscores the necessity for robust municipal surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and effective antimicrobial stewardship for enhanced infection prevention and control.

The impact of water vapor thermal therapy of the prostate (rezūm) on sexual functions: a narrative review

Atif Katib — 2024-02-26

Background: Senile prostate enlargement is an age-related condition. Many sexually active patients fear formal prostate surgeries owing to their negative impact on sexual performance. Minimally invasive procedures, including prostate water vapor thermal therapy (Rezūm®), were devised to make ends meet. This study aims to present a comprehensive narrative synthesis about the impact of prostate water vapor therapy on sexual functions.

Methods: A narrative literature review was performed in May 2023, using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Ovid-Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar; for the MeSH term “rezum AND sexual functions”. Selected reports were published articles from 2018 to date (the last 5 years). Only open-access journals in English were analyzed. Efforts were made to focus on the 2 main domains of sexual functions; erection and ejaculation.

Results: As per the concise MeSH term “rezum AND sexual functions”, a score of 207 hits appeared on the initial search. After eliminating duplicate and irrelevant papers, only 7 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were subjected to analysis. The analyzed articles were critically appraised to point out the studies` strengths and limitations. The gathered data were found to be consistent with one another as no outliers were detected.

Conclusion: Water vapor thermal therapy of the prostate showed satisfying preservation of erectile function with minimal ejaculatory dysfunction.

Breaking the silence: navigating adolescent knowledge, attitude, and perception on substance abuse in Diyala Province, Iraq

Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo — 2024-02-25

Background: Drug use often leads to a range of health risks, social complications, and involvement in criminal behavior. This study aims to investigate adolescents' understanding, opinions, and perspectives on substance abuse.

Methods: Between October and December 2023, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in Diyala Province, Iraq. High school students were sampled using a multistage sampling technique. Bivariate analysis utilized independent sample t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Additionally, a multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to predict factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 16.

Results: The study encompassed 365 students, with a mean age (SD) of 17.5 (+ 8.2), predominantly male (57.3%). Overall accuracy rates for knowledge, attitude, and perception stood at 87.1%, 86.7%, and 88.7%, respectively. Approximately 5.2% of the sample reported cannabis (hashish) use. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between higher knowledge scores and male gender (p=0.002, 95% CI:0.341, 0.729), urban residency (p<0.0001, 95% CI:1.165, 4.524), and monthly income > US$400 (p >0.0001, 95% CI:0.907, 1573). Attitudes toward drug abuse prevention were influenced by male gender and highly educated parental backgrounds (p<0.001, 95% CI:1.412, 5.223; p=0.002, 95% CI: 2.160, 4.881; p=0.007, 95% CI:1.810, 5.690). Perception scores were significantly associated with male gender (p=0.001, 95% CI: 0.430, 0.691), students from smaller families (p=0.013, 95% CI:2.201, 5.003), and those in the sixth class (p=0.021, 95% CI:1.423, 4.202).

Conclusion: While adolescents demonstrate a solid understanding of societal norms and consequences associated with substance abuse, there may still be areas where perceptions can be refined and aligned more closely with the realities of drug abuse.

Patient satisfaction about the primary health care services in Anbar province, Iraq

Badeaa Yahyaa — 2024-02-29

Background: Patient satisfaction determines care alignment with expectations, encompassing availability, cost, and environment, crucial for service quality. This study aims to investigate key determinants influencing patient satisfaction with Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Anbar province, Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried from 15th November 2022 till 16th March 2023 across six PHCC using multistage sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaire was recruited to interview patients. Descriptive and bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant factors affecting patients’ satisfaction toward PHCC.

Results: A total of 300 patients were included with mean age of 35.7 (+ 4.2), ranged 15-69 years. The PHCC attained an overall satisfaction rate of 64.7%. Patients voiced discontent primarily with waiting times for consultation (67.3%) and appointment scheduling (60.7%). However, 69.3% were content with the proximity to the PHCC. Doctors' conduct was praised by 82.0% of respondents, yet 56.7% noted a lack of health education programs. Management was appreciated by 70.0%, yet laboratory services were received by only 57.7%. Moreover, 75.0% reported essential drug unavailability, and 54.7% mentioned a lack of medical instruments. Factors associated with patients’ satisfaction were aged less than 40 years old (OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.44 to 5.21), being male (OR = 3.76, 95% CI: 2.68 to 6.15), unmarried (OR = 4.01, 95% CI: 3.06 to 8.4) and low educated OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.76 to 7.57).

Conclusion: Patients' satisfaction with PHCC is notably linked to proximity, respectful doctor behavior, privacy during examinations, and efficient management. Dissatisfaction arises from appointment scheduling, follow-up, and the unavailability of health education, instruments, and drugs.

Evaluation of salivary IL-10 and IL-8 as predictive biomarker in patient with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Mustafa Taher — 2024-02-23

Background: The incidence and mortality rates of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) vary globally, yet the cancer continues to pose significant morbidity and mortality risks. This study sought to assess salivary IL-8 and IL-10 as biomarkers for identifying malignant oral lesions.

Methods: Between March 2022 and May 2023, a case-control study at the Dental Center of New Baquba, Diyala, Iraq, collected saliva for IL-8 and IL-10 measurement via ELISA. An independent t-test compared IL-8 and IL-10 means based on age and gender, while ROC analysis gauged specificity and sensitivity.

Results: The prevalence of OSCC was evenly distributed across genders, with a higher occurrence among patients aged over 55 years (87.5%). OSCC distribution in the oral cavity indicated the lips as the most affected area (40.0%), followed by the tongue (37.0%), and the hard and soft palate (12.50%). Statistically significant differences were noted in IL-10 and IL-8 levels between the study and control groups across all age brackets, except for IL-8 in the age ≤55 (p ≤ 0.05). Elevated mean levels of IL-10 and IL-8 were observed in the older age group (>55), with IL-10 showing a greater increase in males (71.99±3.6), while IL-8 levels were higher in females. IL-10 demonstrated higher sensitivity (90%) and specificity (60%) with an optimal cutoff point value of 43.29, whereas IL-8 exhibited a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 47.5% with an optimal cutoff point value of 44.48.

Conclusion: Individuals aged over 55 showed higher IL-10 and IL-8 levels, particularly in males for IL-10 and in females for IL-8. Salivary biomarkers hold promise for early OSCC detection.