Research Article
Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in the Kafue Basin of Zambia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
46-53
Received:
15 March 2024
Accepted:
29 March 2024
Published:
17 April 2024
Abstract: Worldwide, bovine tuberculosis is most common in agricultural regions of Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and South-Western Asia. Bovine tuberculosis was reported to be endemic in the Zambian traditional cattle sector with a high herd prevalence of 49.8% recorded from areas within, and adjacent to the Kafue Basin as far back as 1995. An analytical cross sectional study design was applied to a sample size of 384 selected cattle owners in the Kafue Basin. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the cattle owners who were randomly selected. The data was analyzed using STATA Version 15 Software. The results from the study showed that 54% of the cattle owners experienced bovine tuberculosis among their cattle while 46% did not experience bovine tuberculosis. The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle was higher among the male cattle owners (76%) compared to female cattle owners (24%). There was a significant relationship of p value < 0.029 between level of knowledge of cattle owners and the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis. Unemployed cattle owners had higher odds of experiencing bovine tuberculosis among their cattle (OR 3.488; 95% CI 1.341-9.067) and the relationship was statistically significant at p value < 0.010. There was equally a significant relationship of p value < 0.042 between vaccination status of animals and the occurrence of bovine tuberculosis. The study showed that the majority of cattle owners lacked awareness and had a lower level of understanding of the disease and its public health significance. Therefore, the implications of the study suggest the creation of disease control programs that will ensure regular herd testing for bovine tuberculosis, routine vaccinations of animals, deliberate quarantine of infected animals as well as community health education about transmission, control and prevention of the disease.
Abstract: Worldwide, bovine tuberculosis is most common in agricultural regions of Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and South-Western Asia. Bovine tuberculosis was reported to be endemic in the Zambian traditional cattle sector with a high herd prevalence of 49.8% recorded from areas within, and adjacent to the Kafue Basin as far back as 1995. A...
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Research Article
Factors Associated with Unplanned Pregnancy Among Youth at a Selected Hospital in Lesotho
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
54-61
Received:
25 May 2024
Accepted:
17 June 2024
Published:
26 June 2024
Abstract: Unplanned pregnancy amongst youth is a fundamental health problem that affects both developing and developed countries globally. There are various factors associated with unplanned pregnancy amongst youth and these factors have differing propagators. Unplanned pregnancies account for over half of total pregnancies in Lesotho; youth pregnancies contribute vast percentage overall. This study aimed to assess which factors associated are with unplanned pregnancy among youths who sought antenatal and postnatal care services at a selected government hospital in Lesotho. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data was collected from a sample of 100 participants using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that unplanned pregnancy among youths was associated with age, unemployment, lack of contraceptive use, sexual abuse, living in rural areas and lack of unplanned pregnancy prevention campaigns. The findings of this study support socio-ecological model which postulates that variety of factors influence health outcomes. We conclude that more needs to be done to improve access to formal education, availability and accessibility of unplanned pregnancy prevention campaigns and sexual and reproductive services. Reduction in unplanned pregnancy has several benefits not only to sexual and reproductive health but to life holistically. Sexual and reproductive health benefits include reduced maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and reduced abortions.
Abstract: Unplanned pregnancy amongst youth is a fundamental health problem that affects both developing and developed countries globally. There are various factors associated with unplanned pregnancy amongst youth and these factors have differing propagators. Unplanned pregnancies account for over half of total pregnancies in Lesotho; youth pregnancies cont...
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,
Rosemary Ndonyo Likwa
