ABSTRACT
Background :This study examines the effect of exclusive versus non-exclusive breastfeeding on specific infant morbidities from birth to nine months; in Conakry (Guinea). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1;167 mother-infant pairs who visited one of 20 immunization centres in Conakry for vaccination between the 45th and 270th days of the child's life. Two data sources were used: the infant health book and an orally administered questionnaire completed with the mother. Data analyses included univariate cross-tabulations and multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the effect of breastfeeding on infant morbidity. Results : Exclusive breastfeeding decreased with the infant's age. At six months of age; the proportion of infants who were exclusively breastfed was only 15.5. After adjusting for the infant's age; and the interaction between the type of breastfeeding and the infant's age; exclusive breastfeeding significantly protected the infants against many of the studied morbidities (OR: 0.28; CI: 0.15-0.51) and specifically against diarrhoea (OR: 0.38; 95CI: 0.17 - 0.86); respiratory infections (OR: 0.27; 95CI: 0.14 - 0.50); and low growth rate (OR: 0.11; 95CI: 0.02 - 0.46); but not for otitis; urinary infection; or meningitis. This investigation confirmed the protective effects of exclusive breastfeeding on some specific infant's morbidities during the first nine months of life. The results of this study are of great importance for the development of an information program designed to encourage the exclusive breastfeeding among the mothers of Conakry; Guinea
Subject(s)
Bottle Feeding , Breast Feeding , Infant , MorbidityABSTRACT
Background: The problem of training human resources in health is a real concern in public health in Central Africa. What can be changed in order to train more competent health professionals? This is of utmost importance in primary health care. Methods: Taking into account the level of training of secondary-level nurses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); a systemic approach; based on the PRECEDE PROCEED model of analysis; led to a better understanding of the educational determinants and of the factors favourable to a better match between training in health sciences and the expected competences of the health professionals. This article must be read on two complementary levels: one reading; focused on the methodological process; should allow our findings to be transferred to other problems (adaptation of a health promotion model to the educational sphere). The other reading; revolving around the specific theme and results; should provide a frame of reference and specific avenues for action to improve human resources in the health field (using the results of its application in health science teaching in the DRC). Results: The results show that it is important to start this training with a global and integrated approach shared by all the actors. The strategies of action entail the need for an approach taking into account all the aspects; i.e. sociological; educational; medical and public health. Conclusions: The analysis of the results shows that one cannot bring any change without integrated strategies of action and a multidisciplinary approach that includes all the complex determinants of health behaviour; and to do it within the organization of local structures and institutions in the ministry of health in the DRC
Subject(s)
Health Systems , Health Workforce/education , Public HealthABSTRACT
We have synthesized a tris-sulfotyrosyl dodecapeptide (3S-peptide-I) that corresponds to the major autophosphorylation domain within the insulin receptor beta-subunit and showed that it potently inhibited insulin receptor dephosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) in vitro. 3S-peptide-I also inhibited tyrosine dephosphorylation of a synthetic peptide by the recombinant PTPase PTP-1B, indicating that 3S-peptide-I interacts directly with PTPase, causing its inactivation. The peptide had no effect on the activity of serine/threonine phosphatases, PP-1 and PP-2A, or alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, we found that the introduction of a N-stearyl derivative of 3S-peptide-I in CHO/HIRc cells caused a significant increase in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the insulin receptor. In contrast, ligand-stimulated phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in CHO cells overexpressing EGF receptors was not affected by the presence of N-stearyl-3S-peptide-I. These data suggest that by inhibiting dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor in intact cells, 3S-peptide-I may specifically enhance insulin signalling.