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Perceptions on anthelmintic use and resistance development in goats under communal production systems
(BioMed Central, 2025-07) Ndwandwe, Khanyisani Cyril; Chimonyo, Michael; Tsotetsi-Khambule, Ana; Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher; chris.marufu@up.ac.za
For decades, farmers relied on anthelmintic drug treatments to control gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections, which has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions of communal goat farmers regarding anthelmintic resistance in communal goat flocks. A structured, close-ended questionnaire was used to carry out face-to-face interviews with communal goat farmers (n = 384) across four local municipalities in the uMkhanyakude district. The results showed that elderly farmers were 1.4 times more likely to underdose compared to younger farmers (p < 0.05). Educated farmers were aware of the negative influence on AR development brought by using substandard drugs (p < 0.01) and repetitive use of one drug (p < 0.05). However, lack of professional veterinary assistance (p < 0.01) resulted in more than 65% of elderly farmers underdosing the anthelmintic drugs (p < 0.05) while 68% were using expired drugs (p < 0.05). Despite varying levels of education, most farmers treated goats only showing GIN infection signs (p < 0.05) in their flocks which can potentially delay the AR development. The elderly farmers are less likely to delay the development of AR due to their inability to adhere to the recognized principles of responsible and sustainable drug use. Despite reasonable awareness of AR as a problem in their flocks, communal farmers proved to have poor perceptions regarding the development of AR. This was attributed to old age, illiteracy and under dosing. Engaging veterinarians, farmers and animal health technicians could achieve sustainable management of GIN infections.
Association between socio-demographic and injury factors, and physical activity behaviour in people with spinal cord injury : a theory-informed systematic review and meta-analysis
(BioMed Central, 2025-07) Nweke, Martins C.; Van Vuuren, Megan; Bester, Kobus; Maritz, Andrea; Van Vuuren, Lane; Vilakazi, Yolanda; Dlamini, Ayanda; Ncedani, Andiswa; Mostert, Karien
BACKGROUND : Identifying the determinants of physical (in)activity behaviour among people with spinal cord injury (PWSCI) will aid the prediction of speed and extent of recovery and inform strategies to optimise physical activity participation during physical rehabilitation. This review examined the association between socio-demographics, injury factors, and physical activity in PWSCI.
METHODS : The Preferred Items for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) provided the structure for this review. The epidemiological triangle and Bradford criteria further informed the review, as well as Rothman's causality model and Nweke's viewpoints. The review outcomes included injury factors and socio-demographic (intrinsic and extrinsic) factors associated with physical (in)activity in PWSCI. We searched four databases: PubMed, Medline, the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL) and Academic Search Complete. The review used predefined eligibility criteria and a data screening and extraction template. The first author verified the extracted data. We employed narrative and quantitative syntheses and used a comprehensive Meta-analysis 4 to answer the review question.
RESULTS : We retrieved 4,129 articles, of which 16 (nine cross-sectional studies, six cohorts and one non-randomised clinical trial) with 2,716 participants were eligible. The mean age of participants in the included studies was 45 years, and about 14% were female. Physical (in) activity was statistically significantly associated with income (OR = 1.58, CI 1.23–2.04), completeness of lesion (OR = 0.86 CI 0.82–0.90), and mobility aid (3.12, CI 1.57–6.19). No statistically significant association existed between physical (in) activity and age (OR = 1.09, CI 0.46–2.58), sex (OR = 0.66, CI 0.43–1.03), education (OR = 0.66, CI 0.42–1.06), time since injury (OR = 0,971, CI 0,749–1,26), vertebral level of the lesion (OR = 0.92, CI 0.71–1.11), or mechanism of injury (OR = 1.48, CI 0.74–2.97) among PWSCI.
CONCLUSIONS : Efforts to optimise physical activity participation among PWSCI should consider the completeness of injury, income and type of mobility aid during rehabilitation programs. Factors such as employment status, residence, and type of house were less underscoring, and most studies needed more robust conceptual and theoretical underpinnings.
TRIAL REGISTRATION : The review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024544295).
SCALE-up - a new framework to assess the effectiveness of climate change adaptation interventions for human health and health systems
(BioMed Central, 2025-07) Wright, Caradee Yael; Naidoo, Natasha; Anand, Nalini; Kapwata, Thandi; Webster, Candice
Climate change is a grave threat to human health and wellbeing. Adaptation is one mechanism (the other is mitigation) by which we can intervene to increase adaptive capacity and preparedness to protect people. Adaptation interventions (evidence-based adjustment of programs/practices that lead to improved response and resilience to climate change) are being conducted around the world. However, existing conceptual frameworks to assess the effectiveness of these interventions, especially with respect to improving health outcomes and systems are not readily applied in areas where these are needed. This is applicable to both interventions intended to improve health as well as those without a health-focus but which may have health co-benefits. To address this gap, we conducted a multi-vocal review comprised of a scoping review and key informant interviews, which informed the development of an initial assessment framework. We included 21 academic articles and 12 reports (from the grey literature) for data collation and synthesis. Of the 21 articles analyzed, only seven presented primary evidence of health improvement outcomes, such as reduction in neo-natal care unit admissions was partially attributed to moving the maternity ward to the cooler, lower floor of the hospital. From the 10 interviewees, we learnt that most existing tools to assess the effectiveness of adaptation are for country or regional (several countries sharing borders within a large section of a continent) scales (e.g., Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Index) and none focused specifically on health / health co-benefits. From these learnings together with a guiding concept, we crafted the first iteration of an assessment framework, SCALE-up, comprising six steps that prompt a researcher to consider the effectiveness of their adaptation intervention at a project-scale, including from a health benefit perspective. We apply the framework in four scenarios: hot days-heat; floods; droughts; and vector-borne diseases, to illustrate how the framework may help guide the researcher to think about effectiveness from project proposal stage. The next steps are to implement and pilot the framework in the four proposed scenarios and refine the framework.
Post-conflict nutritional status of school-age children in North Wollo zone, Northeast Ethiopia : a multi-center cross-sectional study
(BioMed Central, 2025-08) Dejazmach, Zelalem; Ayal, Birtukan Gizachew; Kassahun, Woldeteklehaymanot; Kumie, Getinet; Kassa, Muluemebet; Yayeh, Berihun Mulu; Ahmed, Seada Seid; Gela, Abebe Worku; Debash, Habtu; Ayalew, Selamawit; Ameshe, Asmamaw; Alamrew, Abebaw; Asfaw, Mulu Shiferaw; Feleke, Sefineh Fenta; Reta, Melese Abate
BACKGROUND : Conflict invariably disrupts food production in affected areas, exacerbates food insecurity, and results in population displacement. In 2021, the invasion of the Amhara region by the Tigrayan armed group led to widespread impoverishment of much of Amhara population. The conflict particularly exacerbated malnutrition rates in the North Wollo Zone. Despite this, studies focusing on undernutrition in conflict-affected areas within the Zone have not yet been documented. Therefore, this study assessed post-conflict nutritional status of school-age children in Northeast Ethiopia.
METHODS : Cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022 within the community, involving 584 school-age children. Socio-demographic data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were transformed into indices using the World Health Organization’s Anthro-software. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were conducted with a 95% confidence interval. A p-value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant in the multivariate regression models.
RESULTS : Among the 584 participants, 45.7% (95% CI: 42.0–50.0) were found to be stunted, while 33.0% (95% CI: 29.3–37.0) were classified as thin. Stunting was significantly associated with being: age 10–14 years (AOR = 6.16, 95% CI: 3.89–9.78); male (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03–2.22); having an employed father (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.46–7.92); having farmer father (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI: 2.61–8.47). The odds of thinness were significantly higher among children who were male (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.23–3.03); lived in rural areas (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.55–5.20); had a mother who was a housewife (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI: 2.09–9.18) or a merchant (AOR = 4.84, 95% CI: 1.72–13.61); had a merchant father (AOR = 14.06, 95% CI: 6.97–28.35) or employed (AOR = 11.41, 95% CI: 4.33–30.07); and lived in a food-insecure household (AOR = 6.17, 95% CI: 3.84–9.90).
CONCLUSIONS : Undernutrition is significant public health concern among school-age children in the conflict-affected study area. Stunting and thinness were significantly linked to factors such as the child’s sex, age, parents’ occupational status. These findings underscore the pressing need to implement health and nutrition programs aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of school-age children in the conflict-affected region.
Factors influencing intimate partner controlling behaviour against rural women in South Africa
(BioMed Central, 2025-08) Ojogiwa, Oluwaseun T.; Sulaiman, Lanre Abdul-Rasheed; Issah, Moshood
BACKGROUND : The widespread issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa profoundly affects various aspects of life, necessitating government intervention for prevention. While numerous studies have found intimate partner controlling behaviour (IPCB) to be more prevalent in rural areas, the factors contributing to its high prevalence have not been unmasked. This study, therefore, investigates the factors influencing IPCB against rural women in South Africa.
METHODS : The study was based on the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS). Data was extracted for married rural women aged 15–49 years. Frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation were the descriptive statistics used, while bivariate and multivariate logistics regression were the inferential statistics used to establish the factors associated with IPCB in rural areas of South Africa.
RESULTS : Age, race, partner alcohol consumption, years in current residence, account ownership, and household wealth index were the factors associated with the high prevalence of IPCB among rural women in South Africa. Women who were younger, had partners who drank alcohol, lived in poorer households, or had no personal bank account had higher odds of experiencing IPCB.
CONCLUSION : Age, race, partner alcohol consumption, years in current residence, account ownership, and household wealth index were the factors influencing IPCB against rural women in South Africa. Thus, younger women, Black African women, those in poor households, and women with partners who consume alcohol, are more vulnerable to IPCB.