Preventive programs in public health: seminar presentations on HIV, malaria and visual impairment

Abstract

Preventive programs are standardized behavioral interventions that either stop or reduce course of diseases. Indeed, it is known that much of public health programs are synonymous to preventive medicine, which constitute major theme in primary healthcare. The objective of this study was to provide preliminary summaries of research programs, which determined nutritional status on visual impairment (VI) among children, utilization of ITNs and reduction of HIV/AIDS infection in Nigeria. The studies adopted intervention approaches. In Delta state, antioxidant vitamins and ferrous sulphate were administered to participants, to assess impact on visual impairment. In health education on utilization of ITNs in Bayelsa and Rivers states; as well as on HIV/AIDS infection in Northern Nigeria. Statistically, the studies followed a quantitative method. Baseline percentages of vitamin A and C deficiencies, anaemia, and VI differed with respective post-intervention levels. Post-intervention result showed that 92.1% owned ITNs, improved knowledge of causes and consequences of malaria. On HIV, community-based television, and radio awareness programs on the use of condom influenced the reduction of HIV/AIDS infection by up to 30%. In conclusion, the preliminary reports indicate that antioxidant vitamins and iron supplementation ameliorated anaemia and VI. Public health awareness campaign influenced behavioural change wheel on use of ITNs as well as use of condom for the reduction of HIV/AIDS infection in Nigeria.

Effects of Antioxidant Vitamins ACE and Iron Supplements on Visual Impairment among Primary and Secondary School Children in Delta State, Nigeria

“…The 28.9% prevalence of visual impairment (VI) at baseline in this study was similar to the study conducted in India with a prevalence of VI of 26.68% [47] and higher than the prevalence of However, the VI prevalence of 28.9% in this study was lower than 37.58% in North-East Ethiopia [50]. Refractive error (RE) was the major cause of VI with prevalence of 23.4% [8,30]. This was similar to the systematic review carried out among children and adolescence in Ethiopia, in which RE was the most common cause of visual impairment [51].…”

“…(of which 4.0% mild, 15.9% moderate and 18.4% severe) and 0.0% at post intervention [8]. The prevalence of anaemia in this study is classified as moderate public health problem [3,34].…”

“…Antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A is necessary for the normal production of red blood cells, while others such as vitamins C and E protect mature red blood cells from premature destruction by free radical oxidation [4,8]. VAD is an important public health problem.…”