Orapuh Journal

Evaluation of the level of knowledge of secondary school students at the Abbé KOSA Institute on the transmission and prevention measures of HIV/AIDS

2025-03-12T14:20:50+02:00

Introduction

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates, such as Dungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the HIV prevalence was 12.8% in 2011. Adolescents are a crucial group in combating this pandemic, yet their knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention remains underexplored.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS transmission and preventive measures among students aged 15 and older at the Institut Abbé KOSA in Dungu.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to a stratified random sample of 492 students. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, with chi-square tests applied to assess knowledge differences based on demographic variables.

Results

Overall, 70% of students demonstrated a general understanding of HIV/AIDS, with strong knowledge of sexual transmission routes (85%) but weak knowledge of non-sexual transmission routes, such as blood transfusion (45%). Misconceptions were prevalent, with 37% believing that mosquito bites can transmit HIV and 29% considering prayer a valid prevention method. Gender differences were notable, with boys exhibiting lower knowledge levels regarding sexual transmission (78%) compared to girls (90%).

Conclusion

Despite a fair general understanding of HIV/AIDS, significant knowledge gaps and persistent misconceptions highlight the need for targeted interventions. Incorporating comprehensive HIV/AIDS education into school curricula and community-based programs could enhance prevention efforts and address specific misconceptions.

Exploring high school teachers experiences in teaching Life Orientation Education in rural South Africa

2025-03-25T14:31:49+02:00

Introduction

Life Orientation (LO) education aims to promote social justice, human rights, and holistic learner development. However, implementation challenges in rural South African schools undermine its effectiveness.

Purpose

This study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with LO education implementation in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods

A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 16 purposively selected LO educators. Data were analyzed thematically.

Results

The findings reveal that while teachers acknowledge the significance of LO, learners often perceive it as non-essential. Key challenges include inadequate teacher training, rigid learner attitudes, and resource constraints.

Conclusion

The study underscores the urgency of policy interventions that provide clear guidance, enhanced training, and increased funding to support LO instruction in rural schools.

Parents’ perceptions about the risk factors associated with bullying behaviour in schools

2025-03-25T14:31:48+02:00

Introduction

Bullying in schools occurs both inside and outside school premises, is repeated over time, and can be an intentional physical, verbal, or emotional act. Bullying is directed at learners who are unable to defend themselves. Millions of children and adolescents are deprived of their fundamental right to education due to bullying in schools. Furthermore, learners worldwide experience bullying, which has significant effects on academic performance, dropout rates, and physical and mental health.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore parents' perceptions regarding the risk factors associated with bullying behaviour at a high school in Gauteng, South Africa.

Methods

A qualitative approach was employed, using an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design. The study was conducted in a high school in Gauteng. Participants were purposively selected parents, and data were collected through three focus group interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The sample size consisted of 13 participants across the three focus groups.

Results

The findings revealed five themes: psychological factors related to bullying, behaviours associated with bullying, environmental factors influencing bullying, and risk factors linked to the relationship between the bully and the victim. There was poor psychosocial awareness of bullying among learners, particularly bullies, who lacked social awareness skills to recognise their own and others' emotions and to respond with empathy.

Conclusion

The prevention of bullying can be enhanced by addressing the risk factors that contribute to bullying perpetration, such as anger and aggression. Many children are raised by single parents, parents who abuse alcohol, violent and abusive caregivers, or in poverty-stricken households—all of which contribute to bullying behaviours. Additionally, victims may exhibit certain behaviours that increase their risk of being bullied. A multidisciplinary team—including primary health care nurses, school health nurses, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers, parents, and social workers—should identify these risk factors and the emotional trauma experienced by children. Early intervention is essential to prevent mental health issues and break the intergenerational cycle of violence.

Barriers to oral health care service utilization in Awo-Gareji community, Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

2025-03-25T14:31:48+02:00

Introduction

Lack of access to oral health care can result in delayed diagnosis, untreated oral diseases, compromised health status, and, occasionally, death. People who have access to oral health care services are more likely to receive basic preventive care and education on personal behavioural modifications.

Purpose

This study investigates the barriers to utilizing oral health care services in Awo-Gareji community, Ankpa LGA, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 399 adults in the community were meant to participate; however, 200 respondents who expressed interest in the study (through verbal consent) were conveniently selected from a population of over 2,000 adults. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire, similar to those used by other authors but with slight modifications.

Results

Oral health problems among the respondents included deposits such as dental plaque (15; 7.50%), stains (12; 6.00%), and dental calculus (9; 4.50%). Dental disease conditions reported included dental caries (10; 5.00%), gingivitis (70; 35.00%), and periodontitis (21; 10.50%). Other oral health problems identified were fractures (2; 1.00%), abrasion (19; 9.50%), attrition (40; 20.00%), and erosion (2; 1.00%). The study also revealed that awareness of the availability of oral health care services was significantly low among the respondents, with 89 (44.50%) unaware of such services, while only 60 (30.00%) were aware. Regarding barriers to the utilization of oral health care services, 62 (31.00%) of respondents identified the unavailability of a dental clinic in the community as the primary barrier. Additionally, 46 (23.00%) cited a lack of funds as a serious challenge, while 40 (20.00%) reported a lack of awareness about the importance of oral health care as a barrier. A few respondents (5; 2.50%) identified the high cost of dental treatment as a limiting factor. The hypothesis test results showed that the p-value was 0.073756, indicating that barriers to the utilization of dental services exist among the community members.

Conclusion

Oral health awareness should be promoted in rural areas, and state and local governments should integrate dental health services into existing primary health care centres.

A literature review on the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Programme in South Africa

2025-03-29T14:32:47+02:00

The increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa has placed significant pressure on the healthcare system. As part of the National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative, the need to improve healthcare delivery and medication access arose. In response, the country implemented the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program in 2014, establishing external pick-up points for medication collection. This literature review evaluates the implementation of the CCMDD program in South Africa, focusing on patient experiences, implementation challenges, and its impact on the healthcare system. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and CINAHL identified 11 articles published between 2014 and 2024. Braun and Clarke’s thematic method of data analysis revealed four key themes: Patient experience and satisfaction – highlighting positive reception and reduced waiting times. Operational challenges – including communication issues and infrastructure limitations. Program implementation and expansion – showing coverage of 88% of health districts by 2019. Healthcare system impact – demonstrating reduced facility congestion but noting challenges such as missed appointments and medication wastage. The review concludes that while the CCMDD program has shown promise in improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency, ongoing challenges persist, including resource constraints, patient education gaps, and systemic barriers in rural areas. Recommendations for the program’s success include addressing operational barriers, improving infrastructure, enhancing patient education, integrating technology to improve communication systems, ensuring adequate resources for program sustainability, and aligning it with broader health initiatives such as NHI. Further research, adaptive implementation strategies, and the integration of digital health solutions are needed to maximize the program’s benefits.

Exclusive breastfeeding as a cornerstone for the survival and health of newborns: Sociocultural, economic, and structural influences among Indigenous Pygmy women

2025-03-31T14:33:25+02:00

Introduction

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a cornerstone of newborn survival and health. However, among Indigenous Pygmy women, sociocultural, economic, and structural factors influence its practice. This systematic review explores the challenges and opportunities related to EBF in these communities.

Purpose

To analyze the sociocultural, economic, and health determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among Indigenous Pygmy women and identify barriers and strategies for improvement.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) to identify studies published between 2020 and 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing EBF among Indigenous Pygmy women in Central Africa. Data were synthesized both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results

Findings indicate that the prevalence of EBF among Pygmy women ranges from 20% to 45%, significantly lower than the WHO-recommended global target of 70%. Barriers include cultural beliefs about infant feeding, the early introduction of complementary foods (observed in 60% of cases), limited access to healthcare (reported by 75% of participants), and a lack of knowledge about the benefits of EBF. Interventions such as community-based education programs have demonstrated a 25% increase in EBF adoption rates in some regions.

Conclusion

Promoting EBF among Indigenous Pygmy women requires culturally sensitive strategies and multisectoral interventions. Greater community involvement, combined with strengthened health systems, could help address identified barriers and improve neonatal health outcomes in these populations.

Oral health status and interventions for internally displaced people living in a camp-like setting in North-Central Nigeria

2025-04-01T14:35:04+02:00

Introduction

The conflict in North-Eastern Nigeria, which has lasted for over a decade and has been compounded by communal clashes and natural disasters, has resulted in the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the West-Central African subregion. While oral health is integral to overall well-being, it is often overlooked in humanitarian interventions targeting IDPs.

Purpose

This study underscores the importance of oral health in the overall health of IDPs, advocating for its inclusion in intervention programs for this vulnerable population. The findings may also inform strategies for addressing oral health challenges among other at-risk groups.

Methods

This study analysed secondary data from a convenience sample of 119 individuals residing in an IDP camp in North-Central Nigeria who participated in a dental health outreach. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Anglia Ruskin University, and camp authorities granted permission for treatment and data collection. Data were processed using SPSS (V.28.0.1.0 [142]), exploring associations between demographic factors, oral hygiene practices, access to dental care, and dental indices (OHI-S and DMFT). The original dataset facilitated immediate care provision during the outreach.

Results

The overall oral hygiene status of participants was fair, with a mean OHI-S score of 2.46. Age was significantly associated with OHI-S (p < 0.001). The prevalence of dental caries was 32.8%, with a mean DMFT score of 1.11 and an unmet treatment need of 93%. A significant association was found between prior contact with dental services and DMFT (p < 0.001). Although 90.8% of participants reported using a toothbrush, only 41.7% brushed their teeth at least twice daily. Access to dental care was notably poor, with 84% of participants reporting no previous contact with dental services. Despite a fair assessment of oral health status, the substantial unmet treatment need remains a major concern.

Conclusion

The findings highlight significant oral health disparities among IDPs in camp-like settings, particularly regarding disease burden and inadequate access to dental care. Addressing these challenges requires urgent oral health policy interventions, including community-based outreach programs and direct access to essential oral healthcare services. Additionally, promoting effective oral hygiene practices among IDPs is crucial for improving their overall health outcomes.