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Research Article
Therapeutic Compliance Among Chronic HBV Carriers in Burkina Faso, 2021 - 2023
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
321-329
Received:
30 September 2025
Accepted:
3 December 2025
Published:
4 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjph.20251306.11
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Abstract: Background: Non-compliance with treatment is a major obstacle to reducing the morbidity and mortality of hepatitis B. According to the World Health Organization, solving the problem of non-compliance with treatment would represent significant progress. Burkina is a country with high endemicity and the factors associated with non-compliance with treatment remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aims to identify these factors and guide strategies. Methodology: This was a retrospective cohort study of 210 chronic carriers of hepatitis B from 2021-2023 in Burkina. The average scores for compliance with hygiene and dietary measures, compliance with medication intake and follow-up at the 6th; 12th, 18th, 24th month of our study were calculated. We speak of non-compliance with treatment if this average is < 75%. We conducted interviews with patients and performed a documentary review to collect data. The data were processed and analyzed by SAS 9.4® software. Results: The incidence of therapeutic non-compliance was 47.9%, including 60.9% among participants with a monthly income of less than 200,000 FCFA compared to 33.3% among those with an income greater than or equal to 200,000 FCFA. Adjusted for the values present, the factors associated with therapeutic non-compliance are monthly income <200,000 FCFA (p-value = 0.0066), inadequate knowledge of hepatitis B (p-value = 0.0440), age ≥ 50 years (p-value = 0.0191) and male gender (p-value = 0.0256). Conclusion: Hepatitis B treatment non-compliance remains a public health problem in Burkina. Factors associated with non-compliance include low income, inadequate knowledge of hepatitis B, age and gender. Addressing this requires making care more affordable, increasing awareness, diagnostic and management capacities.
Abstract: Background: Non-compliance with treatment is a major obstacle to reducing the morbidity and mortality of hepatitis B. According to the World Health Organization, solving the problem of non-compliance with treatment would represent significant progress. Burkina is a country with high endemicity and the factors associated with non-compliance with tre...
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Research Article
Level of Awareness on Prevention of Injuries Among Soapstone Mine Workers in Tabaka, Kisii County, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
330-337
Received:
26 October 2025
Accepted:
8 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: Mining is an industry that significantly contributes to the improvement of economic growth and development in many countries. The global rates of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities associated with mining are alarming. The international Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that quarrying activities accounts for 8% of the world work related fatalities. Quarrying in Kenya creates employment opportunities, support local construction and a major source of national economy. Kisii County is enriched with soapstone resources in Tabaka which are mined and carved to form different sculptures that are sold both locally and internationally. Despite the enactment of legal and institutional frameworks many workers in different sectors work in the presence of occupational hazards which lead to huge burden of accidents, and occupational injuries. The objective of the study was to assess the level of awareness on prevention of injuries among soapstone mine workers in Tabaka, Kisii County, Kenya. The research adopted cross sectional design from a population of 222 soapstone mine workers from five selected registered self-help groups involved in mining and carving of soapstone products. A sample of 174 was proportionately randomly selected from the five self-help groups. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on nature and frequency of accidents and awareness on prevention measures on occupational hazards. An interview was conducted with the quarry managers and key informants involved in occupational safety and health. An observational checklist was used to record how quarry activities were performed. Data collected was cleaned, coded, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.0. It was established that 43.1% of the miners were involved in the main activity of cutting of soapstone into different sizes and shapes. More than half, 58.6% of the miners were aware mining has occupational hazards but were not trained (63.8%) to identify occupation hazards. Respondents were aware of use of protective equipment 55.2% but 53.3% had not been trained on occupational health and safety with 53.4% soapstone miners not reporting the accidents. The study revealed statistical significance on training and identification of hazards (p<0.001), awareness on prevention of occupation injuries (p<0.001), wearing PPE (p<0.001), type of PPE (p=0.017) and trainer of OSH with awareness on prevention of occupation injuries. The study concluded that the respondents could identify occupational health and safety hazards and related effects of soapstone quarrying activities. However, soapstone mine workers lacked awareness on prevention of injuries and occupation safety.
Abstract: Mining is an industry that significantly contributes to the improvement of economic growth and development in many countries. The global rates of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities associated with mining are alarming. The international Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that quarrying activities accounts for 8% of the world work relat...
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Research Article
Assessment of Blood Lead Level and Knowledge of Health Hazards, Safety Practices and Work Habits Amongst Battery Technicians in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
338-347
Received:
5 November 2025
Accepted:
19 November 2025
Published:
17 December 2025
Abstract: Battery technicians who repair lead-acid batteries are consistently exposed to elemental lead, which poses a significant occupational health risk. This exposure is associated with an elevated risk of developing serious lead related diseases and long-term disability. Understanding the interplay between occupational practices, knowledge of hazards, and actual lead exposure is critical for developing effective public health interventions in this high-risk occupational group. The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively assess the blood lead levels (BLLs) of battery technicians, and evaluate their current knowledge of lead health hazards, their attitude towards preventive measures, their adherence to safety practices, and their general work habits. This investigation employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study population comprised a total of 150 currently active battery technicians operating within a defined geographical area. Data collection was performed using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. This instrument gathered information on socio-demographics, detailed knowledge of lead's health hazards, specific safety practices utilized, and daily work and personal hygiene habits. The BLLs were concurrently measured for all participants using an appropriate laboratory technique. Statistical analysis, including the Chi-square test, was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20, to test for significant associations, with the significance level set at p≤0.05. Analysis of the data revealed that a substantial proportion of the technicians exhibited elevated BLLs. Key findings indicated that knowledge regarding the appropriate use of a rubber apron, attitude towards the inhalation of lead fumes, and the crucial habit of face washing before eating/smoking were all significantly associated with the measured blood lead level of the battery technicians (p≤0.05). These results underscore that specific behavioral practices directly correlate with the biological burden of lead exposure. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to improve occupational hygiene and health literacy among battery technicians. It is strongly recommended that workplaces ensure the provision and mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly rubber aprons and face masks. Furthermore, intensified health education and regular training on the proper use of PPE, the provision of readily available running water at all workplaces for personal hygiene, and targeted behavioral change communication are essential strategies that will promote consistent personal hygiene habits and, ultimately, reduce the significant occupational lead burden for this vulnerable workforce.
Abstract: Battery technicians who repair lead-acid batteries are consistently exposed to elemental lead, which poses a significant occupational health risk. This exposure is associated with an elevated risk of developing serious lead related diseases and long-term disability. Understanding the interplay between occupational practices, knowledge of hazards, a...
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Research Article
Assessment of Pre-hospital Management for Major Trauma Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan, 2022
Sabir Abosror*
,
Ahmad Izzoddeen,
Dyaeldin Elsayed
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
348-353
Received:
9 November 2025
Accepted:
22 November 2025
Published:
20 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjph.20251306.14
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Abstract: Background: Trauma is defined as physical injury resulting from exposure to external energy. Major trauma poses a significant public health challenge in Sudan, where effective pre-hospital care is critical for survival and better outcomes, yet remains underdeveloped. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the pre-hospital management received by major trauma patients at a tertiary hospital in Khartoum State. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted at Ibrahim-Malik Hospital in August 2022. We enrolled 308 major trauma patients via consecutive sampling. Data on demographics, trauma characteristics, and the delivery of 14 predefined standard interventions were collected via face-to-face interviews. The primary outcome was the proportion of needed interventions actually delivered. Results: The majority of participants were male (79%) and aged 17-40 years (80%). The most common injury mechanisms were road traffic accidents (24%), being hit by solid objects (24%), and stab wounds (23%). Only 2% of patients were transported by ambulance. While 73% received some form of first aid, merely 3% received it from a trained person. Critically, 81% of patients received less than 40% of their needed interventions. Significant gaps were identified in managing airway obstruction (only 13% of affected patients received care) and controlling bleeding (59%). Conclusion: Pre-hospital trauma care in Khartoum is significantly inadequate, characterized by reliance on untrained laypersons, severely limited ambulance services, and a critical deficit in essential intervention delivery. Urgent establishment of a formal pre-hospital care system, including community first responder training and expanded ambulance coverage, is imperative to mitigate preventable trauma deaths and disabilities.
Abstract: Background: Trauma is defined as physical injury resulting from exposure to external energy. Major trauma poses a significant public health challenge in Sudan, where effective pre-hospital care is critical for survival and better outcomes, yet remains underdeveloped. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the pre-hospital management received by ...
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