Cholera Mortality during Urban Epidemic, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, August 16, 2015-January 16, 20161.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: McCrickard LS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5711300 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Cholera Mortality during Urban Epidemic, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, August 16, 2015-January 16, 2016<sup>1</sup>.
McCrickard Lindsey S LS Massay Amani Elibariki AE Narra Rupa R Mghamba Janneth J Mohamed Ahmed Abade AA Kishimba Rogath Saika RS Urio Loveness John LJ Rusibayamila Neema N Magembe Grace G Bakari Muhammud M Gibson James J JJ Eidex Rachel Barwick RB Quick Robert E RE
Emerging infectious diseases 20171201 13
In 2015, a cholera epidemic occurred in Tanzania; most cases and deaths occurred in Dar es Salaam early in the outbreak. We evaluated cholera mortality through passive surveillance, burial permits, and interviews conducted with decedents' caretakers. Active case finding identified 101 suspected cholera deaths. Routine surveillance had captured only 48 (48%) of all cholera deaths, and burial permit assessments captured the remainder. We interviewed caregivers of 56 decedents to assess cholera man ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundUndernutrition in children is predominantly linked to lack of a balanced diet resulting from inadequate nutrition intake. This form of malnutrition remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality under-five children, especially prevalent in low-income countries. Understanding the specific factors contributing to undernutrition among this group, particularly those associated with caregivers, is vital yet insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and evaluate caregivers' perceptions regarding the factors influencing under-nutrition among children under-five in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted at Sinza Palestina Hospital in Ubungo Municipal Council, Dar es Salaam, from January 2019 to December 2019. In-depth interviews were carried out with caregivers of undernourished children to explore their thoughts, perceptions, and views on the factors contributing to under-nutrition among this demographic. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated data collection, allowing for comprehensive exploration. Recorded data underwent transcription. And thematic content analysis was utilized to identify caregivers' perceptions and views, highlighting codes and subcategories that represented factors influencing under-nutrition. A total of 26 participants were purposefully selected among caregivers who provided consent during the study period was included.ResultsThe study revealed several primary factors contributing to under-nutrition among under-five children. Among these, poor adherences to WHO recommended feeding practices by caregivers, exacerbated by poverty resulting from low monthly income. This economic limitation impeded families' ability to provide essential nutritious foods for their children. Additionally, limited time available for childcare emerged as main factors contributed to under-nutrition. Notably, while caregivers exhibited a good understanding of malnutrition and its causes, their perceptions did not align with WHO definition of under-nutrition.ConclusionAddressing nutrition among under five children necessitates comprehensive support for caregivers, including economic empowerment and education on WHO-recommended feeding practices. Encouraging adherence to these practices is vital. Additionally, care givers should allocate sufficient time for breastfeeding and preparing complementary food for their children.
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