No abstract

Underweight is the most dependable growth indicator for overall child growth. Tanzania has the highest rate of underweight children in East Africa, with 1.27 million children under the age of five suffering from the condition. This study aimed to determine factors that influence underweight in Tanzanian children aged 0–23 months. We used data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2015–2016 to conduct secondary analysis on a sample of 4,327 children aged 0–23 months. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, chi‐square, binary, and multivariate logistic regression were performed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS version 25). Statistical significance was defined as a p‐value of less than 0.05. Multivariate analysis found risk factors for underweight children were as follows: child's gender, age, birth weight, mothers' BMI, level of education, and type of toilet facility used by the households. Females had a significantly lower risk of being underweight (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48–0.81, p < .05) compared with male children. The odds of being underweight increase with low birth weight (AOR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.92–4.43, p < .05), low mother's BMI (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.34–4.58, p < .05), and low educational level (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.23–2.58, p < .05). Nutrition interventions such as growth monitoring, nutrition counseling, and nutrition education for parents/caregivers are critical to ensuring proper weight gain for all children under 2 years of age.

Maternal nutrition is an important forecaster of infant’s and mother’s health status in most developing countries. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated risk factors of iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies among pregnant women in Mbeya Tanzania. A cross-sectional study using a cluster randomized sampling was conducted among 420 pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and dietary assessment. Body iron store was assessed using serum ferritin measured by immunoturbidimetric assays using a Roche Cobas 400+ biochemistry analyzer. Serum folate was measured by folate microbiological assay, while serum vitamin B12 was measured by immunochemiluminescence assay using a Roche Cobas e411 immunoassay analyzer. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression. The prevalence of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies among pregnant women in Mbeya was 37.8%, 24.0%, and 9.7% respectively. Higher odds of iron deficiency were seen in pregnant women aged 20–24 years older [Adjusted OR = 1.20 (95%CI 1.03, 1.35)], not employed [Adjusted OR = 3.0(95%CI 1.03–1.77)] and, not received iron/folic acid supplementation [Adjusted OR = 1.11 (95%CI 1.003–1.23)]. Pregnant women with highest and middle socio-economic statuses had lower odds of vitamin B12 deficiency [Adjusted OR = 0.83 (95%CI 0.76–0.92)] and [Adjusted OR = 0.89 (95%CI 0.81–0.98)] respectively. Pregnant women who were not employed, not received iron and folic acid supplement during pregnancy and, not consumed edible vegetable cooking oil had significant higher odds of serum folate deficiency [Adjusted OR = 3.0 (95%CI 1.58–5.68)], [Adjusted OR = 1.53 (95%CI 1.21–1.93)] and, [Adjusted OR = 2.77 (1.03–7.44)] respectively. This study confirms that iron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies are still a major challenge among pregnant women in Tanzania. We recommend for public health interventions for the provision of vitamin B12 along with iron and folic acid supplementations, especially in pregnant women belong to low socio-economic status and limited knowledge of healthy diet.

Objective Rapid and accurate laboratory confirmatory is very essential for control measures of dengue virus infections. However, many cases of dengue virus infections in most of the hospitals remain undiagnosed due to presence of other febrile illnesses with overlapping symptoms and lack of specificity in most of laboratory diagnostic methods. This study was set to optimize conditions for real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of dengue virus by using rapid and simple nucleic acid extraction method.Results The real time RT-PCR technique was successfully optimized using simple and rapid method for purification of nucleic acid, ‘boom method’. The technique works better when performed in a two-step procedure and can works well with all range of real time PCR machines. The optimized real time RT-PCR used in the present study is a valuable and reliable technique for routine diagnosis of dengue. Further investigation on the cost effectiveness in adopting this technique for routine screening and monitoring of the dengue infection should be done.

Aims: This study was set to optimize conditions for real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of dengue virus by using rapid and simple nucleic acid extraction method. Methodology: One step and two step real time RT-PCR were evaluated in different PCR thermocyclers. Extraction of viral RNA was done by using a simple boom method. Results: The real time RT-PCR technique was successfully optimized using simple and rapid method for purification of nucleic acid, ‘boom method’. The technique works better when performed in a two-step procedure and can works well with all range of real time PCR machines. The optimized real time RT-PCR used in the present study is a valuable and reliable technique for routine diagnosis of dengue. Further investigation on the cost effectiveness in adopting this technique for routine screening and monitoring of the dengue infection should be done.