Knowledge and practices toward COVID-19 preventive measures and symptoms: A case-control study in Benin

Introduction. Following communication and awareness actions related to COVID-19, we assessed the knowledge and practices about COVID-19 in Benin. Methods. A case-control survey was conducted from 14 September to 20 October 2020 in Benin. Questions relatingto knowledge and practices on COVID-19 were collected through a questionnaire survey. A total of 312 respondents (104 cases and 208 controls) were included in the study. Logistic regression and Spearman correlation tests were used to examine the relation between participants knowledge and practice at a 5% significance level. Results. From the survey, 65.4% of cases and 68.3% of controls knew about COVID-19 transmission via air droplets. Most of the cases (67.31%) and control (79.81%) participants reported cough as a symptom of COVID-19. Handwashing with soap and water was the most protective measure known by 87.5% of cases and 90.87% of controls. Concerning practice, the cloth mask was the type mostly worn by cases (54.81%) and controls (58.65%). Wearing a face mask in public areas was significantly associated with the COVID-19 health status of respondents (OR = 2.98, CI95% [1.16-7.67]; p = 0.022). Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation exists between knowledge of the COVID-19 protective measures and hand hygiene practices when leaving a public place (r = 0.184, p=0.001). Conclusion. Through this study, we observed some discrepancies between the knowledge and practices related to COVID-19 among cases and controls surveyed. Therefore, efforts should be directed toward raising awareness about the disease to improve their knowledge and practices

Occupational and Environmental Health Risks Associated with Informal Sector Activities-Selected Case Studies from West Africa.

Most in the Economic Community of West African States region are employed in the informal sector. While the informal sector plays a significant role in the region's economy, policymakers and the scientific community have long neglected it. To better understand informal-sector work conditions, the goal here is to bring together researchers to exchange findings and catalyze dialogue. The article showcases research studies on several economic systems, namely agriculture, resource extraction, transportation, and trade/commerce. Site-specific cases are provided concerning occupational health risks within artisanal and small-scale gold mining, aggregate mining, gasoline trade, farming and pesticide applications, and electronic waste recycling. These cases emphasize the vastness of the informal sector and that the majority of work activities across the region remain poorly documented, and thus no data or knowledge is available to help improve conditions and formulate policies and programs to promote and ensure decent work conditions.

An assessment of malaria diagnostic capacity and quality in Ghana and the Republic of Benin.

BACKGROUND: In malaria-endemic countries, the absence of parasitological confirmation of malaria infection potentially results in overtreatment of non-malaria febrile illness with antimalarial drugs; this may lead to healthcare workers (HCW) missing other treatable illness or wastage of resources. This paper presents results from nationally representative assessments of malaria diagnostic accuracy, quality and capacity in Ghana and the Republic of Benin. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in December 2012 among a representative sample of health facilities (n=30 per country), using a modified service provision assessment, followed by HCW observations and interviews. To analyze the data we used χ(2) statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: Malaria microscopy and rapid diagnostic test interpretation was accurate most of the time in both countries. Drugs were generally prescribed in line with positive malaria test results (Ghana: 85.4%, 95% CI: 72.2-98.7; Benin: 83.6%, 95% CI: 68.7-98.4), although some patients with negative malaria test results still received treatment (Ghana: 30.1%, 95% CI: 11.1-49.0; Benin: 37.8%, 95% CI: 22.6-53.0). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostics for malaria are often performed adequately and accurately in Ghana and Benin, although diagnostic coverage within facilities remains incomplete and some individuals who test negative for malaria receive antimalarial drugs.

Use of health care services by patients with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders.

BACKGROUND: To better respond to the health care needs of people with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders, it is vital to understand their itinerary through the health care system. AIM: To describe the characteristics of service utilization among patients with co-occurring disorders in a large urban area. METHOD: We used a sample (n = 5467) constituted from administrative and clinical databases. Those identified as having substance use disorders and psychoses were followed over 12 months with respect to their utilization of medical services. A descriptive analysis of the data and a two-step cluster analysis were undertaken. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed a relatively high utilization of emergency services, outpatient clinics, private practices and hospitalization among patients with co-occurring disorders of severe mental illness and substance use. The two-step cluster analysis produced four heterogeneous groups in terms of service utilization. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the need to develop strategies for organizing health care and services that are adapted to various sites of service utilization and to diverse profiles of patients with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.