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Research Article
Spatial Clustering of Acute Respiratory Infection Among Under-five Children and Its Covariates: A Geo-Spatial Analysis Across 707 Districts in India
Koustav Ghosh*
,
Atreyee Sinha Chakraborty,
Anjali Radkar
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
193-208
Received:
16 May 2025
Accepted:
30 May 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the leading causes of under-five mortality in low-income and developing countries like India. This study aimed to investigate the spatial prevalence of ARI among children and its covariates in 707 districts of India. Methodology: National Family Health Survey-5 data has been used to show the spatial clustering of ARI prevalence and spatial association with the covariates across districts in India. We applied Moran’s I statistics and the Spatial Regression Model to fulfill the study objectives. Results: The results of Moran’s I=0.27 (p<0.001) indicate that spatial clustering exists in the prevalence of ARI among children across the districts in India. As a result, it detects 58 hot-spot and 66 cold-spot districts in India. Most hot-spot districts are from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, and some are from Maharashtra, Panjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, and Assam. The results of the Spatial Error Model (SEM) highlighted that Smoking exposure in the household (β: 0.03, p<0.05), mothers with asthma/respiratory infection (β: 0.27, p<0.001), children born with low birth weights (β: 0.06, p<0.01), children who had diarrhoea 2 weeks before the survey (β: 0.15, p<0.001), and concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (β: 0.02, p<0.001) were significantly associated with ARI prevalence. Conclusion: This information will help districts level policy formulation and advocacy, which can, in turn, play an important role in reducing child morbidity and mortality due to ARI. This may help achieve the country's SDG target of 3.2 by 2030.
Abstract: Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the leading causes of under-five mortality in low-income and developing countries like India. This study aimed to investigate the spatial prevalence of ARI among children and its covariates in 707 districts of India. Methodology: National Family Health Survey-5 data has been used to show the...
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Research Article
Knowledge and Perception of Adult Nigerians Towards COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Study in Southwest Nigeria
Adetinuke Fadeke Ajayi,
Gideon Babatunde Ojo*,
Olusegun Gbenga Lala,
Olayinka Susan Ogundoyin,
Ozichi Nweke Emuoyibofarhe,
Amos Taiwo Okunade,
Ehidiame Simon Dawodu,
Olubayode Bamidele,
Lawrence Adedayo,
Oladiran Afolabi,
Olusola Oluwafemi Akande
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
210-222
Received:
16 April 2025
Accepted:
28 April 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: Introduction and Aim: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proliferation of misinformation concerning the disease and its preventative vaccines became a significant issue. To address this, this study investigated the knowledge and perceptions of adult Nigerians in Southwest Nigeria concerning COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: Cross-sectional online surveys’, utilizing structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, was employed to gather data from 309 residents across Southwestern states. The collected data were then analyzed using percentages and Chi-Square tests in SPSS to determine associations between COVID-19 knowledge and various factors including sociodemographic, vaccination knowledge, perception, awareness, and exposure to misinformation Results: The average age of respondents was 28.37 years, with a strong positive view towards COVID-19 vaccination (77.7% in favor). A significant majority believed in the vaccine's potential to combat the pandemic (88.3%), and 65.5% perceived it as safe based on their knowledge. Conclusion: Public health campaigns in Southwest Nigeria effectively reduced COVID-19 and immunization misinformation. However, continued efforts are crucial to address remaining misconceptions, particularly in rural areas and across Nigerian communities, leveraging social media and telecommunications.
Abstract: Introduction and Aim: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proliferation of misinformation concerning the disease and its preventative vaccines became a significant issue. To address this, this study investigated the knowledge and perceptions of adult Nigerians in Southwest Nigeria concerning COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: Cross-sectional onli...
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Review Article
The Promises and Perils of Mandatory Health Insurance in Nigeria Under the National Health Insurance Authority
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
223-230
Received:
12 May 2025
Accepted:
27 May 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: This narrative review examines the potential of Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), with a focus on implementation challenges and policy gaps. The study synthesizes peer-reviewed literature (2013-2023), policy documents, and grey literature sourced using Boolean search strategies across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Expert consultations with public health specialists further informed the analysis. The review highlights major barriers including limited public awareness and trust, underfunded health budgets, poor infrastructure, a critical healthcare workforce shortage, and concerns about service quality. Socioeconomic obstacles—such as widespread poverty and high out-of-pocket payments—compound these issues. Despite its potential, the NHIA’s effectiveness is constrained by these structural challenges. To enhance impact, the study recommends multi-sectoral reforms: sustainable financing beyond donor dependency, strengthened governance and accountability, strategic investments in health systems and workforce, integration of NHIA with essential services, and broad-based community engagement. Addressing these gaps is essential for the NHIA to fulfill its mandate and advance Nigeria’s progress toward UHC.
Abstract: This narrative review examines the potential of Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), with a focus on implementation challenges and policy gaps. The study synthesizes peer-reviewed literature (2013-2023), policy documents, and grey literature sourced using Boolean search strategies across P...
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Research Article
Evaluation of MPOX Epidemiological Surveillance in Senegal, 2024
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
231-239
Received:
11 June 2025
Accepted:
23 June 2025
Published:
18 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.14
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Abstract: Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic viral infection caused by a virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus. In response to global alerts, efforts in epidemiological surveillance and infection control have intensified, following WHO recommendations for enhanced monitoring, contact tracing, and the implementation of appropriate public health measures. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological surveillance of Mpox in Senegal in 2024. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted over a four-month period (from July 14 to November 10, 2024). The study population included all cases sampled as part of Mpox surveillance in Senegal during this period. Key strengths in the response included the adaptation to the IDSR Kit, training of personnel at all levels on the IDSR strategy, case definition and monitoring training, development of surveillance procedures, presence of focal points for surveillance, a diversified network of reference laboratories, and the use of an electronic case notification platform. A total of 56.25% of the initially planned priority activities were completed. During the surveillance period, 100 suspected Mpox cases were reported, corresponding to 6 cases per 1 million inhabitants. Biological samples were collected from all patients. At the time of the study, no confirmed cases of Mpox were detected. Alternative viral diagnoses were established in 32% of cases—most frequently varicella-zoster virus. Co-infections were observed in 4 patients (12.5%). The median delay between symptom onset and result availability was 7 days. Symptom duration had a median of 3 days, and the median interval from consultation to result delivery was 2 days. Longer delays were significantly observed in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Overall, patient-related delays were significantly longer than surveillance-related delays (p = 0.002). Strengthening epidemiological surveillance improves sample processing times and response effectiveness. This enhancement should be prioritized in border areas and hard-to-reach regions.
Abstract: Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic viral infection caused by a virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus. In response to global alerts, efforts in epidemiological surveillance and infection control have intensified, following WHO recommendations for enhanced monitoring, contact tracing, and the implementation of appropriate public health measures. This study ai...
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