Editor(s)
Dr. Jamal Hussaini
University of Technology, Malaysia.

Short Biosketch

 

ISBN 978-93-48388-17-9 (Print)
ISBN 978-93-48388-93-3 (eBook)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10


This book covers key areas of disease and health research. The contributions by the authors include high blood pressure, nutritional therapy, sodium restriction, adiponectin, age-related macular degeneration, adiponectin gene, potential genetic biomarker, intestinal parasite infestations, highly active antiretroviral therapy, symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV patients, dengue fever, common arboviral infections, dengue seropositivity, ELISA, breast cancer, attitudes and practice, Moroccan nurses, hormone replacement therapy, healthcare safety product, contamination risks, safety of healthcare products, quality control, family environment, parent-child attachment, democratic parenting style, internet addiction disorder, cognitive behavioural therapy, depression, cardiovascular patients, oxidative stress, chronic diseases, reactive oxygen species, ischemia-modified albumin, oxidative stress markers, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac healthcare, coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, clinical decision support systems, named entity recognition, coronary CT angiography, explainable AI, ideal clinic realisation and maintenance programme, nurses’ experiences, standard operating procedures, primary health, valproic acid, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, patient safety, toxic epidermal necrolysis, positive Nikolsky sign. This book contains various materials suitable for students, researchers, and academicians in the fields of disease and health research.


Chapters


Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance Programme (ICRMP) is one of several quality improvement initiatives implemented in South Africa aimed at improving quality health care services provision, especially at the primary health care (PHC) level The South African National Department of Health introduced the ICRMP in response to challenges experienced in PHC services and to lay a strong foundation for the National Health Insurance implementation. The progress report 2015–2016 on the implementation of this programme indicated that achieving the 50% target in selected vital areas such as staffing, resource allocation, and utilisation was not achieved. This study was conducted in 18 PHC clinics in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal aimed to explore and describe nurses’ experiences regarding the ICRM implementation. An exploratory descriptive, contextual qualitative design was employed guided by Donabedian’s structure, process, and outcomes model. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 24 nurses between 15 September and 25 October 2020 following receipt of ethics and analysed using Tesch’s open coding approach. It is evidenced in research that infrastructure is important in supporting the fundamental aim of promoting improved standards of care and well-being for all patients, and a good experience of the healthcare system by healthcare users. The three themes that emerged included structural limitations, processes involved in running the clinic, and support offered to the PHC clinics. These were highlighted as challenges experienced by nurses during the implementation of an ICRMP. Nurses’ negative experiences and perceptions made it difficult for them to accomplish the ICRMP standards. The findings from the study highlighted critical actions by the health care institution management which if instituted, could facilitate improved implementation of the ICRMP and achievement of the 50% target in selected vital areas. Nurses’ negative experiences and perceptions make it difficult for them to accomplish the ICRMP standards. The researchers propose a number of recommendations which if instituted, could facilitate improved implementation of ICRMP and achievement of the 50% target in selected vital areas.

Globally, the two most common causes of disability in high-income countries are cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression. These are expected to occur at this level in all income-level countries by 2030. Individuals who have depression are more prone to developing CVD and have a higher mortality rate compared to the general population. Also, cardiovascular disease with depression has been demonstrated to impact the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life. This paper presents an overview of CVD and comorbid depression. It examines how effective cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is for depression and evaluates the effectiveness of CBTs for CVD.

Introduction: In many parts of the world where HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus) is common, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is also common. Infections caused by intestinal parasites are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped countries. The number of HIV-positive individuals increases annually as a result of more advanced infections and the positive effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Gastrointestinal involvement is common, with 90% of patients seeking treatment for gastrointestinal problems as their HIV infection progresses. Nonetheless, identification and characterization of infectious agents are important for patient management by excluding a clinical diagnosis and determining appropriate treatment, as well as determining public healthcare policy for true pathogen prevalence and yielding epidemiological risk factors for specific infections.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of symptomatic or asymptomatic intestinal parasitic infection among HIV or AIDS patients.

Materials and Methods: For this study, 80 HIV seropositive patients were recruited from various wards and the Integrated Counseling and Testing Center (ICTC) affiliated to the microbiology department. Patients with acute and chronic diarrhea with abdominal disorder were taken as symptomatic whereas patients without these clinical complaints and who came for routine investigations were taken as asymptomatic. Firstly stool samples were analyzed macroscopically for the presence of mucus, blood, larvae, segments of tapeworm and adult worms. The consistencies of stool were also recorded such as formed, watery, soft, or loose with odor and color. It was examined microscopically after macroscopically for protozoan cysts and trophozoites, helminthic ova and larvae, as wet mount preparation by saline and iodine preparation as well as formal ether concentrated. For the detection of intestinal coccidian parasites, smears were prepared from stool samples and a modified Ziel-Nelseen (MZN) stain was also performed. Stool samples with the detection of parasites were informed for treatment.

Results: Out of the total 80 stool samples, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 23.75% with asymptomatic and symptomatic groups having a prevalence of 16.98% and 37.04% respectively. Out of the total patients, 45 were male and 35 were female. Among the male patients, 11(13.75%) were positive for intestinal parasitic infection and 8(10%) were positive among females. The age distribution data revealed that the age group 21-40 years old had the highest number of intestinal parasites. Most intestinal parasites were found in young and middle-aged patients, according to this study. The patient with HIV-positive with CD4+ T cell count <200 cells/\(\mu\)l had a higher possibility of infestation with intestinal parasitic as compared to those with CD4+ T cell count of 200–499 and those with CD4+ T cell count >500 cells/\(\mu\)l.

Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infection is not uncommon in HIV seropositive patients. This study underscores the need for early diagnosis and treatment of these intestinal parasites in both symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV patients. The overall improvement of HIV/AIDS patients' quality of life is highly dependent on routine intestinal parasite infection screening and treatment. However, to improve the management of infection in the affected areas, deworming and good hygiene measures are required.

This chapter examines the importance of safety measures in healthcare and food products, emphasizing the risks associated with unsafe additives, contamination, and improper handling. It highlights the roles of regulatory frameworks established by critical organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in maintaining rigorous safety standards. The chapter also explores how environmental factors, including temperature and moisture, affect product stability and quality, thereby influencing health outcomes. A significant focus is placed on the ethical responsibilities of businesses to prioritize consumer health over profit, advocating for transparency and compliance with safety guidelines. The discussion underscores the necessity of implementing robust quality controls, utilizing up-to-date manufacturing equipment, and adhering to proper storage practices to minimize health risks. By arguing for a comprehensive ethical and regulatory approach, the chapter seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers, ultimately reinforcing the critical intersection of public health, regulatory compliance, and ethical manufacturing practices.

Objective: The objective of the study is to explore the impact of family environment on the physical health of children and adolescents.

Method: The literature search method was used, with CNKI and Web of Science as the main data sources. Fifty-seven papers were compiled to explain the concepts of physical fitness and family environment. Taking BMI, sleep quality, and physical activity as examples, the impact of the two major aspects of family environment - psychological environment and physical environment - on the physical health of children and adolescents was analyzed.

Results: Safe parent-child attachment, democratic parenting style, reasonable dietary management, stable living environment, and nuclear family are more conducive to the normal development of BMI in children and adolescents. Safe parent-child attachment, democratic parenting style, stable and tidy living environment, and nuclear family are more conducive to children and adolescents obtaining good sleep quality. Secure attachment, authoritative parenting style, scientific family sports behavior environment, family physical environment with the low disorder, complete family structure, correct health awareness and exercise behavior of parents are more conducive to the development of children’s and adolescents' sports activities.

Conclusion: Family environment is an important influencing factor on the physical health of children and adolescents, and a good family psychological and physical environment can help improve the physical health level of children and adolescents.

Dengue Fever: Clinical, Serological, and Geographical Profile from a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Morubagal Raghavendra Rao, Rashmi Padmanabha Mahale, Sowmya Shivappa, Vidyavathi B. Chitharagi, Ranjitha S. Gowda, Krishna Karthik, B. Monisha

Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 10, 23 November 2024, Page 68-78
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10/2967

Dengue fever is one of the common arboviral infections associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, there has been a rapid increase in dengue cases in India. Early identification of the disease is the key to managing patients effectively to prevent complications. Reemergence and increased occurrence of dengue are due to population growth facilities, lack of vector control, increased urbanization and climatic changes. The present study aimed to know dengue seropositivity in different seasons of the year, other laboratory parameters and its geographical distribution. During the study period of 15 months, 4172 patients hospitalized with probable dengue fever were included. Dengue serology was done for all cases by ELISA (J. Mitra & Co). The laboratory investigations like total WBC count, PCV and platelet counts of each patient were analyzed to know their range in dengue illness. Demographic details were taken to create geographical maps of the disease. Among the total 4172 suspected dengue cases, 817 had confirmed dengue illness. Of these 817 cases, 584 showed NS1 antigen (71.4%) positivity, 150 cases displayed IgM antibody (18.3%), and 38 had both NS1 and Ig M (4.6%). Platelet counts of less than 1,00,000 were seen in 566 (69.27%) patients. Total leukocyte count (TLC) was decreased in 39.29% of the patients and TLC was increased in 16.03% of cases. Dengue was noticeably more during monsoon time (June to September) of the year. Through geographical maps, major clusters were noticed in urban areas of Mysuru and Krishnaraja Nagara, while a few clusters were also observed in Periyapatna and T. Narsipura taluks of Mysuru district. The major reasons for the outbreak of dengue illness in Mysuru district include infrastructure development and building projects in the district being increased in the last 5 years. Mysuru district being an important tourist destination is frequently visited by travelers from within India and abroad which facilitates transport activities and travelers could themselves act as a mode of introduction of different viral strains. To minimize the load of dengue cases and its death rate better community awareness and vector control measures need to be strengthened during monsoon, especially in areas where the burden of the disease is more. This study helps the health authorities to ensure early and adequate preparedness in controlling possible epidemics in the future.

Determinants of Non-compliance with Sodium Restriction in Hypertensive Patients in a Cardiology Department: Case of a Hospital in Southern Benin

Colette Sylvie Azandjeme, Charles-Jérome Sossa, Murielle Eliane Hounkponou, Yolaine Ahanhanzo-Glèlè, Basilia Sodabi, Carmelle Mizehoun, Aymeric Darboux, Martin Houenassi

Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 10, 23 November 2024, Page 79-90
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10/2618

Introduction: High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A previous study in Benin found that high sodium and low potassium consumption are associated with the occurrence of hypertension and CVD. Nutritional therapy in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure is a real challenge in terms of compliance with sodium restriction for the success of the treatment.

Aim: The study aims to analyze the factors influencing non-compliance with sodium restriction among hypertensive patients in a cardiology department at a hospital in Southern Benin.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical focus. Total daily salt intake was estimated in a cross-sectional study of 166 hypertensive (156) and heart failure (10) subjects monitored in the cardiology department of the “Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-Hubert Koutoukou Maga” (CNHU-HKM), using two 24-hour recalls combined with a food frequency questionnaire for salt-providing foods.

Results: Out of the 166 patients, 10 (6%) had heart failure and 156 (94%) had hypertension. Out of the study, 83.7% of patients had a daily intake above recommendations. Factors associated with the non-compliance of salt restriction were the lack of knowledge of palliative spices and herbs of salty taste (p=0.009) and the consumption of salty snack foods and salty peanuts (p=0.032).

Conclusion: Nutritional education and support activities should be carried out to improve salt reduction compliance for the patients.

Artificial Intelligence in Cardiac Healthcare: Advancements in Managing Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abhishek Kumar, Manisha Gupta, Amratansh Varshney, Sonal Kumari, Ram Narayan Sahu

Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 10, 23 November 2024, Page 91-115
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10/3057

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming cardiac healthcare. It has evolved newer ways of diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which are leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. AI in healthcare encompasses critical technologies such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and natural language processing (NLP), which improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize patient management. ML algorithms improve predictive analytics and clinical decision support, while DL, particularly through convolutional neural networks, excels in medical imaging tasks. NLP facilitates the extraction of valuable insights from unstructured clinical data, enhancing patient care. AI-driven tools enhance diagnostic accuracy surpassing traditional methods. Furthermore, AI supports treatment optimization by predicting outcomes based on a multitude of clinical variables, particularly in complex cases with multiple comorbidities. A real-world application of AI in cardiac healthcare is wearable smart devices such as smartwatches, rings, belts, shoes, etc. with real-time remote monitoring capabilities that allow for timely interventions and hence can prevent acute episodes or hospitalizations. Despite the promising advancements, challenges such as ethical implications and concerns about data privacy persist. The application of AI in the healthcare system demands strong regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety while maximizing the benefits of these technologies. In conclusion, AI integration into cardiac health management represents a significant shift toward more precise and efficient care for patients with CAD and ACS. By leveraging advanced algorithms to analyze complex datasets, healthcare providers can enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The future of cardiology will likely involve a synergistic relationship between AI technologies and human expertise, heralding a new era in cardiovascular medicine.

Diet and Oxidative Stress: A Way Forward towards Prevention of Chronic Diseases

Jothi Marie Feula A, Saravanan M, Anandhalakshmi S, James Rajesh J

Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 10, 23 November 2024, Page 116-125
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10/3038

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defence mechanisms of a cell. It causes damage to the cellular environment. This forms the basic pathophysiology of most chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders. Dietary patterns significantly influence oxidative stress levels. Rich antioxidant diets are said to reduce ROS, whereas pro-oxidant diets promote oxidative damage. This chapter emphasises the complex relationship between diet and oxidative stress and looks at markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), among others. It stipulates how rich-in-antioxidant foods, including fruits and vegetables, as well as other micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, and magnesium, exert antioxidant effects against oxidative stress, while pro-oxidant dietary components-those foods that are processed, have high saturated fats, as well as sugars-push oxidative stress and inflammation. It also emphasises how different diets, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and Western diets affect oxidative stress. Evidence even shows that plant-based and Mediterranean diets are associated with reduced oxidative stress, whereas the Western diet encourages its increasing prevalence. Furthermore, research has revealed that oxidative stress is regulated by gut microbiota through diet effects. By making use of diets rich in antioxidants and reducing pro-oxidant intake, oxidative stress could be significantly brought down, thus giving an avenue of preventive management over chronic diseases. This chapter shall provide outlines on the role of diet as a modifiable risk factor to bring down oxidative stress and its long-term health effects.

Valproic Acid and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Vital Warning for Patient Safety

Jafrin Sadiq Abdul Razack, Syeda Juveria Hussaini, Saud Khaled Aldoseri, Hisham Abubacker Musthafa, Antony Calvin Ossanam, Ibtisam Akram, Sahil Asgar Ali, Ajimal Sainul, Vivek Karan

Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 10, 23 November 2024, Page 126-133
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10/3208

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a severe condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes, often caused by medications or infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing lasting damage. This case study details the experience of a three-year-old boy who developed SJS after beginning valproate treatment for seizure management following a traumatic brain injury. Initially, he showed fever, facial redness, and a runny nose, which progressed to a severe rash and blisters. The patient is a known case of traumatic brain injury fall from the fifth floor in September 2022— developed seizures after acquired brain injury fall. A dermatologist confirmed the diagnosis of SJS linked to valproate. Swift diagnosis, discontinuation of the offending drug, and supportive care are essential in managing SJS such as IV fluids, wound management, and preventing serious complications. Early intervention and comprehensive care from various medical professionals are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Further research and awareness are essential to understand better the risk factors and mechanisms underlying drug-induced SJS and to improve prevention and treatment strategies.

Role of Adiponectin in the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Other Metabolic Disorders

Anusha Singh, Nalini S Bora, Puran S Bora

Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 10, 23 November 2024, Page 134-154
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10/3201

Adiponectin (APN) has been thoroughly investigated for its role in various human disorders. It is fascinating to note that this peptide plays an essential role as a therapeutic agent to cure a plethora of disorders. The aim of the study is to elucidate this peptide's applications and therapeutic potential of this peptide, demonstrating its involvement in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other metabolic disorders. APN has been correlated with many ocular disorders and metabolic disorders. The localization and expression of APN in various tissues were the first markers of its local actions. Screening this peptide on a wider platform helps to confirm its application as a novel peptide in various diseases. Altered levels of APN have been well elucidated in the progression of metabolic disorders, and its targeted administration has resulted in combating dysregulation of biochemical and molecular pathways involved in disease pathology. A close association of oxidative stress is also known to contribute to the onset of retinal disorders. Among various treatments, APN has demonstrated a promising response in the context of wet AMD; however, further studies are required to fully elucidate its potential in humans.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Associated Factors with Awareness on Risk Factors of Nurses Working in Basic Health Care Networks in Morocco Regarding Breast Cancer

A S Diarra, S EI Fakir, A Najdi, B M Traoré, N Tachfouti, M Berraho, Y C Khazraji, L Abousselham, L Belakhel, R Bekkali, C Nejjari

Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 10, 23 November 2024, Page 155-178
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v10/3023

Background: Breast cancer is a major challenge for public health in Morocco. It is by far the most common cancer in women and accounts for 38.1% of all new cancer cases in women, with an age-standardized incidence rate of 45.6 per 100,000 women years. The estimated number of deaths from this cancer was 2878 in 2012 and a standardized mortality rate of 18 per 100 000 women.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses working in the basic healthcare networks in Morocco regarding breast cancer. It also aimed to identify the associated factors with their knowledge level of breast cancer risk factors.

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study on nurses working in the basic health care networks (BHCN) in Morocco. Nurses present at the survey moment and having given their oral consent were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The analysis was performed with Version 7 of Epi-info software.

Results: The mean age of participants was 45.34\(\pm\)10.83 years and 95.5% of them were female. Here, 91.6% had received training on the prevention of cancers, 77.2% routinely advised the practice of breast self-examination. The result showed that 87.0% had a knowledge score\(\ge\) 8 on the Risk Factors. Only 9.0% of nurses systematically did a clinical breast exam.

Great awareness of breast cancer risk factors stood out as a contributing factor to the systematic practice of clinical breast examination of women at risk (p = < 0.013; OR=2.99; 95% CI = [1.21; 7.39]).

Conclusion: Breast cancer still remains a major public health problem in Morocco despite the means put in place to effectively combat this disease. This study found that nurses had in general a good level of knowledge about breast cancer’s risk factors (87.0%) and a good attitude. It has also highlighted that few nurses systematically performed clinical breast examinations, even for women at risk. It is essential to conduct ongoing, targeted, and regular training sessions on breast cancer, as these healthcare professionals play a significant role in reducing the incidence of this disease, and their practice largely depends on their level of knowledge. It is also important to sensitize the Moroccan community, especially women about the importance of breast self-examination in the early diagnosis of breast cancer by organizing awareness campaigns, especially in areas where the incidence is highest.