Background Schizophrenia is characterised by pervasive cognitive deficits that significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.Pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy in addressing these deficits,h...Background Schizophrenia is characterised by pervasive cognitive deficits that significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.Pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy in addressing these deficits,highlighting the need for adjunctive interventions like computerised cognitive training(CCT).Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 30-session CCT programme on mental well-being and cognitive performance in individuals with schizophrenia.Additionally,it assessed the usability and acceptability of CCT in this population.Methods A double-blind,randomised clinical trial was conducted with 54 participants assigned to intervention and control groups.Cognitive and mental health outcomes were assessed using validated tools such as the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21,the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.Usability was measured with the System Usability Scale(SUS).Assessments were conducted at baseline,post-intervention and 3 months post-follow-up.Results The CCT intervention significantly improved mental well-being,reduced stress and enhanced working memory(paired associate learning,spatial working memory and spatial span)compared with controls.However,no significant effects were observed for anxiety,depression or executive function.Usability scores were high(SUS=83.51),and compliance rates were strong(92.7%),indicating favourable participant engagement.Conclusion CCT demonstrated potential as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia,with significant improvements in targeted cognitive and mental health domains.The high usability and compliance rates support its feasibility for broader implementation.Further research is needed to optimise protocols and explore long-term benefits.CCT offers a promising approach to addressing mental health and cognitive challenges in schizophrenia,particularly for stress and working memory.Its usability and acceptability suggest it could be seamlessly integrated into clinical practice.展开更多
Cervical cancer is a form of malignant tumor that seriously threatens women’s health. In China,according to the cancer statistics, 98,900 new cervical cancer cases and 30,500 deaths due to cervical cancer were estima...Cervical cancer is a form of malignant tumor that seriously threatens women’s health. In China,according to the cancer statistics, 98,900 new cervical cancer cases and 30,500 deaths due to cervical cancer were estimated to have occurred in2015, and the incidence and mortality rates still exhibited an upward trend[1].展开更多
Pawpaw and lime juices were blended to produce mixed pawpaw/lime juice samples in the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) v/v giving samples A, B, C, D and E respectively. The moisture, mineral and vitamin...Pawpaw and lime juices were blended to produce mixed pawpaw/lime juice samples in the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) v/v giving samples A, B, C, D and E respectively. The moisture, mineral and vitamin contents, as well as the physical, microbiological and sensory qualities of the individual juices and blended samples were evaluated. While lime juice had higher moisture, calcium and vitamin C with values of 97.90%, 2.21 mg/100 g and 67.47 mg/100 g as compared to pawpaw juice with 92.96%, 1.53 mg/100 g and 35.49 mg/100 g respectively;the pawpaw juice had higher ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents, with values of 3.12%, 54.97 mg/100 g and 5.90 IU/100 g as against 2.84%, 29.53% and 0.16% for lime juice respectively. While there was a general increase in moisture, calcium and vitamin C contents with blending, ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents increased with increase in lime. The total solids content and specific gravity of pawpaw juice were remarkably higher at 7.04% and 1.15 g/m3 compared to 2.09% and 1.09 g/m3 respectively for lime juice. However, lime juice had a higher titratable acidity, while recording a lower pH of 2.89 as compared to 5.36 for pawpaw juice. The Total Viable Count (TVC) of lime juice was much lower (2.33 × 105 CFU/ml) than that of pawpaw juice (5.33 × 106 CFU/ml). There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in all the sensory parameters evaluated. Generally, there was an increase in the scores of each parameter from sample A to B and then a decline through to sample E. Sample B (80:20) mixed pawpaw/lime juice was most preferred, while sample E (50:50) was least preferred.展开更多
The aim of the study was to consider the suitability of a mixture of juices from jicama, winter melon, and carrot as a raw medium for producing probiotic juice by Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus plantarum CICC226...The aim of the study was to consider the suitability of a mixture of juices from jicama, winter melon, and carrot as a raw medium for producing probiotic juice by Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus plantarum CICC22696 and Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC20710), as well as evaluate changes of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics during fermentation and cold storage (4°C, 28 days). Both strains grew well in juice mixtures after 24 h of fermentation at 37°C, reaching nearly 9 and 8 log CFU/mL when inoculated with L. plantarum and L. acidophilus respectively. The viability of L. plantarum was near 8 log CFU/mL at the end of storage whereas viability of L. acidophilus only remained 4.57 log CFU/mL. Degradation of total carotenoids was in the range of 12% - 23% in fermentation periods and 16% - 23% during cold storage depending on the strain used. The values of lightness, redness, and yellowness increased during fermentation. However, this tendency was variable during cold storage when the values of redness and yellowness decreased. Sensory acceptability of the products was enhanced by adding sucrose or multi fruit juice (containing mainly tropical fruit juices). The fermented juice with L. plantarum is efficient to produce a functional probiotic beverage.展开更多
Objective:This study aims to evaluate the feasibility,acceptability,and efficacy of StomieCare for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgery with a temporary stoma.StomieCare(three individual sessions)comprises themat...Objective:This study aims to evaluate the feasibility,acceptability,and efficacy of StomieCare for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgery with a temporary stoma.StomieCare(three individual sessions)comprises thematic discussions,information and education,and teaching problem-solving and cognitive restructuring.Methods:Thirty-seven rectal cancer participants treated by surgery and temporary stoma were recruited and randomized to control(routine care approach,n=20)and intervention(routine care and StomieCare,n=17)groups.Outcomes were psychological distress(anxiety and depression,HADS),body image(BIS,ESS),and quality of life(FACT-C),at one week before surgery(T1)and 3 months after stoma closure(T2).Interand intragroup statistical analyses were performed.Results:This study demonstrated that StomieCare is feasible and acceptable.At T2,depression scores were higher for controls than for the intervention group.The mean scores for quality of life,depression,and body image decreased in the control group but remained stable in the intervention group.Anxiety scores significantly decreased between T1 and T2 only for the control group.Conclusion:StomieCare is a feasible and acceptable intervention for the prevention of depressive symptomatology.展开更多
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the world’s commonest cause of childhood blindness. More than half of these cases occur in developing countries. Animal sourced foods though good sources of vitamin A are too expensive f...Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the world’s commonest cause of childhood blindness. More than half of these cases occur in developing countries. Animal sourced foods though good sources of vitamin A are too expensive for poor rural people. Crops biofortified with provitamin A offer a convenient and accessible source of vitamin A. The other micro-nutrient programs of fortification and supplementation require more expensive inputs. Biofortification programs have developed crops that are rich in provitamin A. These crops include: maize, golden rice, cassava and orange fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). With exception of golden rice, the rest of the biofortified crops have received considerable acceptance among the communities. Both animal and human studies have shown that provitamin A from biofortified crops is highly bioavailable and have capacity to improve vitamin A status. After several years of research and promotion, it is time to fully commercialize provitamin A crops by encouraging farmers to start their large scale production and consumption.展开更多
We hypothesised that the promotion of blister packs of zinc may be carried out by health personnel in health care facilities to the mothers of children suffering from diarrhea. We predicted that good acceptability and...We hypothesised that the promotion of blister packs of zinc may be carried out by health personnel in health care facilities to the mothers of children suffering from diarrhea. We predicted that good acceptability and good compliance to zinc treatment in rural Bangladesh would be over 75% and at least 60%, respectively. Between January and December 2011, six hundred and thirty five children aged 6 - 59 months who presented with acute diarrhea received a 10-day zinc regimen. Determination of acceptability and compliance of a dispersible zinc tablet in children 6 - 59 months old was main point of the study. In-home follow-ups started within 2 - 3 weeks after the regimen began. Seventy seven percent of the mothers/caretakers perceived that the taste of the zinc tablets was the same or better than that of other medicines given to their children and expressed willingness to use zinc in the future (good acceptability). Sixty-two percent of the children completed full 10-day course of zinc treatment by taking one tablet a day that had been completely dissolved in a small amount of water (good compliance). There was 63% excess risk for poor compliance to zinc if father stays at home with the family [OR = 1.63 (95%CI;1.09, 2.46) p = 0.019]. Despite vomiting, 33% children continued to receive zinc tablet [OR = 0.67 (95%CI;(0.47, 0.97, 0.032)] after adjusting for co-variates. Both acceptability and compliance to dispersible zinc tablets in childhood diarrheal illnesses are still not at the expected level in rural Bangladesh.展开更多
The study examined the acceptability ofhnsh meat to Deltans. The specific objectives were to ascertain the consumption pattern of bush meat; identify the major types of bush meat consumed in the area; determine the li...The study examined the acceptability ofhnsh meat to Deltans. The specific objectives were to ascertain the consumption pattern of bush meat; identify the major types of bush meat consumed in the area; determine the likely constraints to bush meat consumption; and stipulate the extension implication of the findings. A systematic sampling technique was used to compose a sample size of 410 respondents. Data used for this study were collected using well structured interview schedule and data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, percentages, means and standard deviation, and inferential statistics （linear regression model）. The result of the study indicated that almost all the respondents （402） representing about 98% was formally consuming bush meat. The findings also revealed that as many as 323 individuals, representing 78.8% of the respondents did not consume bush meat currently. Only about 12.7% and 8.5% occasionally and regularly consumed bush meat respectively. It was therefore very obvious that people no longer consumed bush meat in Delta state as before. The results further indicated that the predominant bush meat consumed in the area were cane rat （97.70%） and the African giant snails （Achatina and Archachatina） （94.25%）. The result of the multiple regression analyses indicated that the coefficient for education （X3）, income （Xs）, Ebola （X6） and availability of game （XT） were significant at 5%, indicating that these variables were important factors influencing the consumption of bush meat in the study area. However, the coefficients of education level and Ebola factor were negative and significant, suggesting respondents with higher education and aware of Ebola disease were not likely to consume bush meat. As the result, it was concluded that bush meat was now almost unacceptable due to several factors like dread of Ebola disease, unavailability of game, educational level and income, which significantly affected the consumption of bush meat. It was therefore recommended among others that extension delivery services on how to domesticate game species should be available to farmers.展开更多
Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is a problem among schoolchildren which, in addition to other effects, also affects their intellectual abilities. Inclusion of vegetables to food formulations can help to reduce MD becaus...Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is a problem among schoolchildren which, in addition to other effects, also affects their intellectual abilities. Inclusion of vegetables to food formulations can help to reduce MD because they contain vital micronutrients which are required for improved school performance. This study aimed at evaluating acceptability, determining the nutritional quality and estimating the contribution of vegetable enriched products to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of schoolchildren (5 to 13 years). The vegetables used were red and green amaranth leaves, orange fleshed sweet potato and pumpkin. Selection of vegetables was based on richness in micronutrients;local availability and consumption levels in Uganda;and their underutilization status particularly in processed form. Each of the vegetables was preprocessed and incorporated separately into soybean and grain amaranth in the ratio of 10:40:50, respectively, to improve the nutrient and energy density of the formulations. Sensory screening of formulations in a range of products (porridges, soups and snacks) revealed that orange fleshed sweet potato formulation was most preferred for porridge as well as for snacks (at 30:70 ratio of orange fleshed sweet potato composite to wheat flour);while red amaranth leaves composite was most preferred for soup. When tested for acceptability, nutritional quality, as well as contribution to the RDA (for vitamin A, iron, zinc, protein and energy) for schoolchildren 5 to 13 years, acceptability tests and nutritional quality of food products from the formulations were highly rated compared to commercial products (pure maize porridge, wheat based soup and 100% refined wheat flour snacks). All products from the two formulations contributed favourably to vitamin A, iron, zinc and protein requirements of children (5 to 13 years). Based on these findings, orange fleshed sweet potato composite flour can be recommended for making porridge, and can substitute (30%) for wheat flour in making snacks;while red amaranth leaf composite flour can be recommended for making soups.展开更多
The objective of this study was to evaluate acceptability and instrumental measurements (titratable acidity, total soluble sugar, total phenolic, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannin contents as well as anti...The objective of this study was to evaluate acceptability and instrumental measurements (titratable acidity, total soluble sugar, total phenolic, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannin contents as well as antioxidant capacity) of seven Tunisian pomegranate cultivars to relate fruit acceptability and beneficial health. Seventy one participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and to indicate their level of acceptance, on a nine point-hedonic scale, for fruit size, sweetness, bitterness, juice color and juice overall acceptability. Taste and aril color were the main criteria to select Pomegranate. Significant differences occurred for all the acceptability tests. Titratable acidity determines the taste and important inter-specific variability in the phenolic contents as well as for the antioxidant capacities was noticed. Anthocyanin and condensed tannin were contributing to the organoleptic properties while bitterness acceptability was negatively correlated to the antioxidant capacity. Also, a relationship was found between the fruit size acceptability and the antioxidant capacity.展开更多
The acceptability properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant potential of four (red, green, brown, cream) desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars from the World Germplasm Bank were evaluated. Protein con...The acceptability properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant potential of four (red, green, brown, cream) desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars from the World Germplasm Bank were evaluated. Protein content of the grains varied from 20.12% to 28.85% (dw), highest for Cream ICC3421. The water absorption capacity (WAC) and cooking time (CT) of the whole grains ranged from 97.7 to 117.5 g water/100 g seeds (ww) and from 109.5 to 193.5 min, respectively;the highest WAC and lowest CT corresponded to Cream ICC3421 cultivar. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total hydrophilic antioxidant activity (AoxA) [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value] of desi chickpea cultivars varied from 746 to 1.286 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g sample (dw) and from 43.9 to 53.9 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g sample (dw);Brown ICC3512 showed the highest ORAC value. Chickpea cultivars could contribute significantly to the management and/or prevention of degenerative diseases associated with free radical damage.展开更多
Rotavirus infection is recognized as a major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis infection affecting the stomach and intestinal tract in infants and young children worldwide leading to diarrhoea and vomiting. Most ...Rotavirus infection is recognized as a major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis infection affecting the stomach and intestinal tract in infants and young children worldwide leading to diarrhoea and vomiting. Most of the children would have had rotavirus infection by the time they are five years old. The disease is highly contagious and unpredictable as it can lead to dehydration due to severe loss of body fluid and consequently to death. World Health Organization recommended the use of two vaccines, RotaTeqR and RotarixTM to be used in countries with high diarrhoea related mortality in under-five children. In Zambia rotavirus vaccine (RotarixTM) was rolled out to other parts of the country in its immunization program on 27th November 2013 after a successful pilot study in Lusaka in 2012 to reduce on diarrhoea caused by rotavirus infection among under-five children which had caused 9% of deaths. The objectives for this study were to establish uptake of rotavirus vaccine among under-fives and factors that shaped its adoption and acceptability at community level in Ndola, Zambia. Study design was cross sectional analytic community based which was conducted from 1st March 2017 to 28th September 2017 to compare factors that contributed to its uptake. Sample size consisted of 380 respondents who were parents/guardians to under-five children aged 3 - 36 months residing in two homogenous selected communities. Purposive sampling was used to select study sites and respondents. This paper used triangulation method of data collection which included checklist, structured interview schedule and discussion guide tools. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for quantitative data analysis and Atlas.ti for qualitative data obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) using hermeneutics theoretical frames to identify linkages and associations of variables. Results have shown that majority (85.3%) of under-fives received two recommended rotavirus vaccine (high uptake). Under-fives aged between 13 - 18 months were 11.32 times more likely to receive high uptake of rotavirus vaccine than other age groups. Availability of rotavirus vaccine at health facilities (p = 0.035) contributed to its adoption and acceptability. In conclusion, availability of rotavirus vaccine at health facilities had an impact on its uptake and adoption.展开更多
Background: Each year around 1.5 million women living with Human immuno deficiency Virus (HIV) become pregnant, and without antiretroviral drugs there is a chance that their child will become infected. Following the i...Background: Each year around 1.5 million women living with Human immuno deficiency Virus (HIV) become pregnant, and without antiretroviral drugs there is a chance that their child will become infected. Following the introduction of Routine Human immuno deficiency Virus testing policy in Zambia, the Human immuno deficiency Virus test is offered to all pregnant women unless they decline. However, more pregnant women are declining to be tested. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence acceptability of routine HIV testing by pregnant women in Lusaka district urban clinics. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted in Lusaka District clinics. The sample size was 366 ante natal pregnant women who were selected by simple random sampling, selected from three (3) selected research setting. The study population included pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years, coming for ante natal visit for the first time, before being tested for HIV, were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. A pretested semi structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data were entered and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 program. Chi-square was used to test for significant associations and Binary Logistic regression modelling was carried out to predict the outcome. A 5% level of significance (p value) 0.05 confidence interval was set. Results: Study findings revealed that majority 85.6% (317) of respondents indicated willingness to undergo routine HIV testing in pregnancy though 77.3% perceived it a compulsory test. Binary logistic regression revealed that maternal age, educational level and information education and communication (IEC) contributed significantly to the model. The odds revealed that acceptability of routine HIV testing by older pregnant women (37 - 49 years) were 8 times (OR = 7.67, p = 0.003) higher than the younger ones. The odds of acceptability by respondents with tertiary education were 141 times (OR-141.23, p-0.0001), likely to accept HIV testing than those with primary or no education. And the odds also revealed that acceptability by women who cited adequate IEC (OR-2.6, p-0.024) were 3 times higher than those who cited inadequate IEC. Conclusion: The study showed that majority of the pregnant women was willing to undergo Routine HIV testing however a percentage regarded the test as a mandatory test without any choice of denial. Therefore there is need to address some factors that are likely to affect the routine HIV testing and impede the success of implementation of the PMTCT programme in the country which goes beyond testing for HIV alone. Recommendations: Ministry of Health needs to provide health education messages in different tribes. MOH should also intensify male involvement in HIV Testing and Counselling. LDHO should consider training more community health care givers as Voluntary Counselling and Testing providers. The District should organize regular refresher courses and presentations on Routine HIV testing to health workers and Ministry of Health should consider conducting a country wide study.展开更多
Introduction: A functional maternal referral system should encompass a feasible communication system between health facilities. In Uganda, the current paper-based patient referral form is associated with inadequate pa...Introduction: A functional maternal referral system should encompass a feasible communication system between health facilities. In Uganda, the current paper-based patient referral form is associated with inadequate patient-information and low feedback rates. A recent quasi-experimental study demonstrated that a phone-based communication intervention is feasible for iterative communication between health facilities, and there were improved maternal-fetal outcomes and high rates of feedback. However, the acceptability of the intervention was not assessed. Objective: The study assessed the acceptability of a phone-based communication intervention by the health care workers (HCWs) for iterative communication between the referring and receiving health facilities. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in South Western Uganda, in April 2021. The study employed a theoretical framework of acceptability of medical interventions. We conducted in-depth interviews with HCWs and used deductive-inductive analysis. Results: We enrolled a total of 23 HCWs, of whom 69.6% (n = 16) were females while 30.4% (n = 7) were males. Majority (65.2%, n = 15), were midwives and the rest were: doctors (30.4%, n = 7) and a nurse (4.3%). The HCWs were positive towards the intervention: they believed that the intervention reduced delays, promoted professional escort, encouraged sharing of supplies, enabled exchange of relatively more patient details, feedback and improved case management. They believed it was culturally acceptable and had enough skills and experience of operating phones. All participants recommended scale out of the intervention, but advised on the need for dedicated human-resource to coordinate phone calls, ensure availability of airtime and charged battery. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the phone-based communication intervention was highly accepted by the healthcare workers, and that hospitals can successfully give feedback to lower health centres through iterative phone calls. This provides a possible solution to the long-standing challenge of poor feedback rates and a vicious cycle of poor maternal-fetal outcomes in resource limited settings.展开更多
Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregul...Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if self-testing kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre- and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre- and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.展开更多
Ogi an affordable complementary food is of paramount importance due to its popularity as diets of many native African populations.The study explored effects of biofortification with garlic and ginger on acceptability ...Ogi an affordable complementary food is of paramount importance due to its popularity as diets of many native African populations.The study explored effects of biofortification with garlic and ginger on acceptability and nutritional quality of ogi flour prepared from sorghum and quality protein maize by natural fermentation technique.Pasting properties,bulk density,water absorption capacity,total reducing sugar and sensory characteristics were evaluated.Biofortified samples showed stable total reducing sugar content,increase in bulk density,decrease in water absorption capacity and peak time during storage.The pasting temperatures of biofortified ogi flour were below boiling temperature thus formed paste in hot water below the boiling point.Ogi(maize)with 2%garlic-2%ginger and ogi(sorghum)with 4%garlic-2%ginger were the most preferred with no significant difference(p<0.05).Biofortification with garlic and ginger at 2 and 4%improved the quality attributes and acceptability of ogi flour.The study on biofortification of ogi with garlic and ginger is germane in formulation of nourishing weaning food that is light,less bulky for babies,nursing mothers and malnourished populations.展开更多
Based on the data from the survey of 7826 young couples in two districts of shanghai, we analyzed the acceptability of oral pill, IUD, condom and injection in women. The results showed that 63.4% of subjects were unwi...Based on the data from the survey of 7826 young couples in two districts of shanghai, we analyzed the acceptability of oral pill, IUD, condom and injection in women. The results showed that 63.4% of subjects were unwilling to use pill and 5.7% were unwilling to use injection, mainly for the reasons that the pill was 'harmful to health' and the 'cause of obesity', 8.7% of subjects were unwilling to use IUD, mainly for the reasons of the 'cause of menorrhagia or spotting' and 'being easy to fail', 6.2% of subjects were unwilling to use condom, mainly for the reasons of 'interference with intercourse' and 'inconvenience in use'. The most important source of getting the information was 'heard from person's talking'.Simple variate and Logistic analysis showed that women's age at marriage, education, occupation, contraceptive knowledge score, history of using the contraceptives,some women's traits etc. affected the acceptability of the contraceptives. The study implies that it is necessary to strengthen provision of contraceptive knowledge for young couples and to make them have correct understanding of the side effects of contraceptives for improving family planning program.展开更多
The objective of this study was to assess sensory acceptability of locally-produced chickpea-based ready-to-use supplementary foods （RUSF） among moderately malnourished children （6-59 months）. A quantitative descr...The objective of this study was to assess sensory acceptability of locally-produced chickpea-based ready-to-use supplementary foods （RUSF） among moderately malnourished children （6-59 months）. A quantitative descriptive analysis using a five point hedonic scale among a total of 140 mother-baby pairs was conducted in five hotspot priority one district. The target groups were sampled from 10 sites of five districts （two sites per district）. The child-mother pairs per district were selected through systematic random sampling. The selection criteria included children aged 6-59 months with moderate acute malnutrition （MAM） and not suffering from any illness. Half of the respondents （46%） were farmers, while 29% were housewives; only 21% had formal education. Both sexes were equally represented in the sample size among children with 46% being males while 54% females. About half （46%） of households had four or more children with median maternal age during child birth reported at 28.6 ± 5.9 years. About 89% of children consumed complementary food from starchy staple food; 17% consumed from vitamin A rich foods; 57% consumed from dark green leafy vegetables; no child consumed meat, fish and eggs; 49.3% consumed legumes, nuts and seeds; 36.4% consumed milk and milk products and the mean dietary diversity was rated at two out of the nine food groups. The amount of RUSF consumed by children from 48-59 months was higher than children who were 6-11 months. Amhara region had accepted chickpea only and chickpea ＋ maize＋ soy the two products more than the other four regions with an average mean value of 4.8 and 4.6 by mother/caregiver and interviewer, respectively. Mothers＇ perception of the appearance of the products and their overall acceptability was similar in most regions except South Nation Nationality People Region （SNNPR） where the rating of the two products was low with an average mean value of 4.6. Two of the products were well accepted by the study of the participants. The purchase for progress （P4P） programme could utilize this opportunity to support cooperative unions to make chickpeas available on the market given importance to.展开更多
Cassava has gained attention as a potential industrial crop. The roots are processed into cassava flour for bakery and confectioneries. With the ever increasingly expensive level of wheat flour import for bread produc...Cassava has gained attention as a potential industrial crop. The roots are processed into cassava flour for bakery and confectioneries. With the ever increasingly expensive level of wheat flour import for bread production in developing countries like Ghana, the need for other highly nutritious yet readily available and less expensive source of composite flour is important. <span style="font-family:Verdana;">The aim of the study was</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to investigate consumer acceptability of bread developed from cassava flour and wheat flour. A 4</span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">×</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3 factorial design was used to develop bread samples (A = 100% wheat flour, control, B = 10% cassava flour + 90% wheat flour, C = 20% cassava flour +</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">80% wheat flour and </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 30% cassava flour + 70% wheat flour). Sensory evaluation was performed on the bread samples using the 9-point hedonic scale to evaluate sensory attributes like colour, gumminess, mouth-feel, taste, flavour, and overall acceptability. The proximate compositions of the products were also evaluated using the A. O. A. C (2005) official methods. Statistically, there was </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">significant</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> difference among the protein and carbohydrate of all flour products developed. However, the energy content of products with 30% cassava flour replacement was significantly higher than other replicates. The control had the lowest moisture content of 17.5% with product 20% cassava flour replacement having the highest moisture content of 18.2%. In terms of overall </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">acceptability</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 10% cassava flour replaced bread was rated like extremely ahead of the control sample which was rated as like very much. These results showed that the 10 and 20% wheat/cassava composite flour bread recipe could be a viable alternative to achieve the desired economic, food security and health.</span></span></span></span>展开更多
基金supported by a grant from University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences for the research expenses.
文摘Background Schizophrenia is characterised by pervasive cognitive deficits that significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.Pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy in addressing these deficits,highlighting the need for adjunctive interventions like computerised cognitive training(CCT).Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 30-session CCT programme on mental well-being and cognitive performance in individuals with schizophrenia.Additionally,it assessed the usability and acceptability of CCT in this population.Methods A double-blind,randomised clinical trial was conducted with 54 participants assigned to intervention and control groups.Cognitive and mental health outcomes were assessed using validated tools such as the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21,the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.Usability was measured with the System Usability Scale(SUS).Assessments were conducted at baseline,post-intervention and 3 months post-follow-up.Results The CCT intervention significantly improved mental well-being,reduced stress and enhanced working memory(paired associate learning,spatial working memory and spatial span)compared with controls.However,no significant effects were observed for anxiety,depression or executive function.Usability scores were high(SUS=83.51),and compliance rates were strong(92.7%),indicating favourable participant engagement.Conclusion CCT demonstrated potential as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia,with significant improvements in targeted cognitive and mental health domains.The high usability and compliance rates support its feasibility for broader implementation.Further research is needed to optimise protocols and explore long-term benefits.CCT offers a promising approach to addressing mental health and cognitive challenges in schizophrenia,particularly for stress and working memory.Its usability and acceptability suggest it could be seamlessly integrated into clinical practice.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province,China [Grant No.2017CKC891]the Health Commission Of Hubei Province,China [Grant No.WJ2019H286]
文摘Cervical cancer is a form of malignant tumor that seriously threatens women’s health. In China,according to the cancer statistics, 98,900 new cervical cancer cases and 30,500 deaths due to cervical cancer were estimated to have occurred in2015, and the incidence and mortality rates still exhibited an upward trend[1].
文摘Pawpaw and lime juices were blended to produce mixed pawpaw/lime juice samples in the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) v/v giving samples A, B, C, D and E respectively. The moisture, mineral and vitamin contents, as well as the physical, microbiological and sensory qualities of the individual juices and blended samples were evaluated. While lime juice had higher moisture, calcium and vitamin C with values of 97.90%, 2.21 mg/100 g and 67.47 mg/100 g as compared to pawpaw juice with 92.96%, 1.53 mg/100 g and 35.49 mg/100 g respectively;the pawpaw juice had higher ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents, with values of 3.12%, 54.97 mg/100 g and 5.90 IU/100 g as against 2.84%, 29.53% and 0.16% for lime juice respectively. While there was a general increase in moisture, calcium and vitamin C contents with blending, ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents increased with increase in lime. The total solids content and specific gravity of pawpaw juice were remarkably higher at 7.04% and 1.15 g/m3 compared to 2.09% and 1.09 g/m3 respectively for lime juice. However, lime juice had a higher titratable acidity, while recording a lower pH of 2.89 as compared to 5.36 for pawpaw juice. The Total Viable Count (TVC) of lime juice was much lower (2.33 × 105 CFU/ml) than that of pawpaw juice (5.33 × 106 CFU/ml). There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in all the sensory parameters evaluated. Generally, there was an increase in the scores of each parameter from sample A to B and then a decline through to sample E. Sample B (80:20) mixed pawpaw/lime juice was most preferred, while sample E (50:50) was least preferred.
文摘The aim of the study was to consider the suitability of a mixture of juices from jicama, winter melon, and carrot as a raw medium for producing probiotic juice by Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus plantarum CICC22696 and Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC20710), as well as evaluate changes of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics during fermentation and cold storage (4°C, 28 days). Both strains grew well in juice mixtures after 24 h of fermentation at 37°C, reaching nearly 9 and 8 log CFU/mL when inoculated with L. plantarum and L. acidophilus respectively. The viability of L. plantarum was near 8 log CFU/mL at the end of storage whereas viability of L. acidophilus only remained 4.57 log CFU/mL. Degradation of total carotenoids was in the range of 12% - 23% in fermentation periods and 16% - 23% during cold storage depending on the strain used. The values of lightness, redness, and yellowness increased during fermentation. However, this tendency was variable during cold storage when the values of redness and yellowness decreased. Sensory acceptability of the products was enhanced by adding sucrose or multi fruit juice (containing mainly tropical fruit juices). The fermented juice with L. plantarum is efficient to produce a functional probiotic beverage.
文摘Objective:This study aims to evaluate the feasibility,acceptability,and efficacy of StomieCare for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgery with a temporary stoma.StomieCare(three individual sessions)comprises thematic discussions,information and education,and teaching problem-solving and cognitive restructuring.Methods:Thirty-seven rectal cancer participants treated by surgery and temporary stoma were recruited and randomized to control(routine care approach,n=20)and intervention(routine care and StomieCare,n=17)groups.Outcomes were psychological distress(anxiety and depression,HADS),body image(BIS,ESS),and quality of life(FACT-C),at one week before surgery(T1)and 3 months after stoma closure(T2).Interand intragroup statistical analyses were performed.Results:This study demonstrated that StomieCare is feasible and acceptable.At T2,depression scores were higher for controls than for the intervention group.The mean scores for quality of life,depression,and body image decreased in the control group but remained stable in the intervention group.Anxiety scores significantly decreased between T1 and T2 only for the control group.Conclusion:StomieCare is a feasible and acceptable intervention for the prevention of depressive symptomatology.
基金This study was partially supported by the Industrial Innovation Center(IIC),Atyab Food Tech LLC and Sultan Qaboos University–College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences Dean’s Seed Grant.
文摘Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the world’s commonest cause of childhood blindness. More than half of these cases occur in developing countries. Animal sourced foods though good sources of vitamin A are too expensive for poor rural people. Crops biofortified with provitamin A offer a convenient and accessible source of vitamin A. The other micro-nutrient programs of fortification and supplementation require more expensive inputs. Biofortification programs have developed crops that are rich in provitamin A. These crops include: maize, golden rice, cassava and orange fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). With exception of golden rice, the rest of the biofortified crops have received considerable acceptance among the communities. Both animal and human studies have shown that provitamin A from biofortified crops is highly bioavailable and have capacity to improve vitamin A status. After several years of research and promotion, it is time to fully commercialize provitamin A crops by encouraging farmers to start their large scale production and consumption.
文摘We hypothesised that the promotion of blister packs of zinc may be carried out by health personnel in health care facilities to the mothers of children suffering from diarrhea. We predicted that good acceptability and good compliance to zinc treatment in rural Bangladesh would be over 75% and at least 60%, respectively. Between January and December 2011, six hundred and thirty five children aged 6 - 59 months who presented with acute diarrhea received a 10-day zinc regimen. Determination of acceptability and compliance of a dispersible zinc tablet in children 6 - 59 months old was main point of the study. In-home follow-ups started within 2 - 3 weeks after the regimen began. Seventy seven percent of the mothers/caretakers perceived that the taste of the zinc tablets was the same or better than that of other medicines given to their children and expressed willingness to use zinc in the future (good acceptability). Sixty-two percent of the children completed full 10-day course of zinc treatment by taking one tablet a day that had been completely dissolved in a small amount of water (good compliance). There was 63% excess risk for poor compliance to zinc if father stays at home with the family [OR = 1.63 (95%CI;1.09, 2.46) p = 0.019]. Despite vomiting, 33% children continued to receive zinc tablet [OR = 0.67 (95%CI;(0.47, 0.97, 0.032)] after adjusting for co-variates. Both acceptability and compliance to dispersible zinc tablets in childhood diarrheal illnesses are still not at the expected level in rural Bangladesh.
文摘The study examined the acceptability ofhnsh meat to Deltans. The specific objectives were to ascertain the consumption pattern of bush meat; identify the major types of bush meat consumed in the area; determine the likely constraints to bush meat consumption; and stipulate the extension implication of the findings. A systematic sampling technique was used to compose a sample size of 410 respondents. Data used for this study were collected using well structured interview schedule and data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, percentages, means and standard deviation, and inferential statistics （linear regression model）. The result of the study indicated that almost all the respondents （402） representing about 98% was formally consuming bush meat. The findings also revealed that as many as 323 individuals, representing 78.8% of the respondents did not consume bush meat currently. Only about 12.7% and 8.5% occasionally and regularly consumed bush meat respectively. It was therefore very obvious that people no longer consumed bush meat in Delta state as before. The results further indicated that the predominant bush meat consumed in the area were cane rat （97.70%） and the African giant snails （Achatina and Archachatina） （94.25%）. The result of the multiple regression analyses indicated that the coefficient for education （X3）, income （Xs）, Ebola （X6） and availability of game （XT） were significant at 5%, indicating that these variables were important factors influencing the consumption of bush meat in the study area. However, the coefficients of education level and Ebola factor were negative and significant, suggesting respondents with higher education and aware of Ebola disease were not likely to consume bush meat. As the result, it was concluded that bush meat was now almost unacceptable due to several factors like dread of Ebola disease, unavailability of game, educational level and income, which significantly affected the consumption of bush meat. It was therefore recommended among others that extension delivery services on how to domesticate game species should be available to farmers.
文摘Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is a problem among schoolchildren which, in addition to other effects, also affects their intellectual abilities. Inclusion of vegetables to food formulations can help to reduce MD because they contain vital micronutrients which are required for improved school performance. This study aimed at evaluating acceptability, determining the nutritional quality and estimating the contribution of vegetable enriched products to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of schoolchildren (5 to 13 years). The vegetables used were red and green amaranth leaves, orange fleshed sweet potato and pumpkin. Selection of vegetables was based on richness in micronutrients;local availability and consumption levels in Uganda;and their underutilization status particularly in processed form. Each of the vegetables was preprocessed and incorporated separately into soybean and grain amaranth in the ratio of 10:40:50, respectively, to improve the nutrient and energy density of the formulations. Sensory screening of formulations in a range of products (porridges, soups and snacks) revealed that orange fleshed sweet potato formulation was most preferred for porridge as well as for snacks (at 30:70 ratio of orange fleshed sweet potato composite to wheat flour);while red amaranth leaves composite was most preferred for soup. When tested for acceptability, nutritional quality, as well as contribution to the RDA (for vitamin A, iron, zinc, protein and energy) for schoolchildren 5 to 13 years, acceptability tests and nutritional quality of food products from the formulations were highly rated compared to commercial products (pure maize porridge, wheat based soup and 100% refined wheat flour snacks). All products from the two formulations contributed favourably to vitamin A, iron, zinc and protein requirements of children (5 to 13 years). Based on these findings, orange fleshed sweet potato composite flour can be recommended for making porridge, and can substitute (30%) for wheat flour in making snacks;while red amaranth leaf composite flour can be recommended for making soups.
文摘The objective of this study was to evaluate acceptability and instrumental measurements (titratable acidity, total soluble sugar, total phenolic, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannin contents as well as antioxidant capacity) of seven Tunisian pomegranate cultivars to relate fruit acceptability and beneficial health. Seventy one participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and to indicate their level of acceptance, on a nine point-hedonic scale, for fruit size, sweetness, bitterness, juice color and juice overall acceptability. Taste and aril color were the main criteria to select Pomegranate. Significant differences occurred for all the acceptability tests. Titratable acidity determines the taste and important inter-specific variability in the phenolic contents as well as for the antioxidant capacities was noticed. Anthocyanin and condensed tannin were contributing to the organoleptic properties while bitterness acceptability was negatively correlated to the antioxidant capacity. Also, a relationship was found between the fruit size acceptability and the antioxidant capacity.
文摘The acceptability properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant potential of four (red, green, brown, cream) desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars from the World Germplasm Bank were evaluated. Protein content of the grains varied from 20.12% to 28.85% (dw), highest for Cream ICC3421. The water absorption capacity (WAC) and cooking time (CT) of the whole grains ranged from 97.7 to 117.5 g water/100 g seeds (ww) and from 109.5 to 193.5 min, respectively;the highest WAC and lowest CT corresponded to Cream ICC3421 cultivar. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total hydrophilic antioxidant activity (AoxA) [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value] of desi chickpea cultivars varied from 746 to 1.286 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g sample (dw) and from 43.9 to 53.9 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g sample (dw);Brown ICC3512 showed the highest ORAC value. Chickpea cultivars could contribute significantly to the management and/or prevention of degenerative diseases associated with free radical damage.
文摘Rotavirus infection is recognized as a major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis infection affecting the stomach and intestinal tract in infants and young children worldwide leading to diarrhoea and vomiting. Most of the children would have had rotavirus infection by the time they are five years old. The disease is highly contagious and unpredictable as it can lead to dehydration due to severe loss of body fluid and consequently to death. World Health Organization recommended the use of two vaccines, RotaTeqR and RotarixTM to be used in countries with high diarrhoea related mortality in under-five children. In Zambia rotavirus vaccine (RotarixTM) was rolled out to other parts of the country in its immunization program on 27th November 2013 after a successful pilot study in Lusaka in 2012 to reduce on diarrhoea caused by rotavirus infection among under-five children which had caused 9% of deaths. The objectives for this study were to establish uptake of rotavirus vaccine among under-fives and factors that shaped its adoption and acceptability at community level in Ndola, Zambia. Study design was cross sectional analytic community based which was conducted from 1st March 2017 to 28th September 2017 to compare factors that contributed to its uptake. Sample size consisted of 380 respondents who were parents/guardians to under-five children aged 3 - 36 months residing in two homogenous selected communities. Purposive sampling was used to select study sites and respondents. This paper used triangulation method of data collection which included checklist, structured interview schedule and discussion guide tools. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for quantitative data analysis and Atlas.ti for qualitative data obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) using hermeneutics theoretical frames to identify linkages and associations of variables. Results have shown that majority (85.3%) of under-fives received two recommended rotavirus vaccine (high uptake). Under-fives aged between 13 - 18 months were 11.32 times more likely to receive high uptake of rotavirus vaccine than other age groups. Availability of rotavirus vaccine at health facilities (p = 0.035) contributed to its adoption and acceptability. In conclusion, availability of rotavirus vaccine at health facilities had an impact on its uptake and adoption.
文摘Background: Each year around 1.5 million women living with Human immuno deficiency Virus (HIV) become pregnant, and without antiretroviral drugs there is a chance that their child will become infected. Following the introduction of Routine Human immuno deficiency Virus testing policy in Zambia, the Human immuno deficiency Virus test is offered to all pregnant women unless they decline. However, more pregnant women are declining to be tested. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence acceptability of routine HIV testing by pregnant women in Lusaka district urban clinics. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted in Lusaka District clinics. The sample size was 366 ante natal pregnant women who were selected by simple random sampling, selected from three (3) selected research setting. The study population included pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years, coming for ante natal visit for the first time, before being tested for HIV, were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. A pretested semi structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data were entered and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 program. Chi-square was used to test for significant associations and Binary Logistic regression modelling was carried out to predict the outcome. A 5% level of significance (p value) 0.05 confidence interval was set. Results: Study findings revealed that majority 85.6% (317) of respondents indicated willingness to undergo routine HIV testing in pregnancy though 77.3% perceived it a compulsory test. Binary logistic regression revealed that maternal age, educational level and information education and communication (IEC) contributed significantly to the model. The odds revealed that acceptability of routine HIV testing by older pregnant women (37 - 49 years) were 8 times (OR = 7.67, p = 0.003) higher than the younger ones. The odds of acceptability by respondents with tertiary education were 141 times (OR-141.23, p-0.0001), likely to accept HIV testing than those with primary or no education. And the odds also revealed that acceptability by women who cited adequate IEC (OR-2.6, p-0.024) were 3 times higher than those who cited inadequate IEC. Conclusion: The study showed that majority of the pregnant women was willing to undergo Routine HIV testing however a percentage regarded the test as a mandatory test without any choice of denial. Therefore there is need to address some factors that are likely to affect the routine HIV testing and impede the success of implementation of the PMTCT programme in the country which goes beyond testing for HIV alone. Recommendations: Ministry of Health needs to provide health education messages in different tribes. MOH should also intensify male involvement in HIV Testing and Counselling. LDHO should consider training more community health care givers as Voluntary Counselling and Testing providers. The District should organize regular refresher courses and presentations on Routine HIV testing to health workers and Ministry of Health should consider conducting a country wide study.
文摘Introduction: A functional maternal referral system should encompass a feasible communication system between health facilities. In Uganda, the current paper-based patient referral form is associated with inadequate patient-information and low feedback rates. A recent quasi-experimental study demonstrated that a phone-based communication intervention is feasible for iterative communication between health facilities, and there were improved maternal-fetal outcomes and high rates of feedback. However, the acceptability of the intervention was not assessed. Objective: The study assessed the acceptability of a phone-based communication intervention by the health care workers (HCWs) for iterative communication between the referring and receiving health facilities. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in South Western Uganda, in April 2021. The study employed a theoretical framework of acceptability of medical interventions. We conducted in-depth interviews with HCWs and used deductive-inductive analysis. Results: We enrolled a total of 23 HCWs, of whom 69.6% (n = 16) were females while 30.4% (n = 7) were males. Majority (65.2%, n = 15), were midwives and the rest were: doctors (30.4%, n = 7) and a nurse (4.3%). The HCWs were positive towards the intervention: they believed that the intervention reduced delays, promoted professional escort, encouraged sharing of supplies, enabled exchange of relatively more patient details, feedback and improved case management. They believed it was culturally acceptable and had enough skills and experience of operating phones. All participants recommended scale out of the intervention, but advised on the need for dedicated human-resource to coordinate phone calls, ensure availability of airtime and charged battery. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the phone-based communication intervention was highly accepted by the healthcare workers, and that hospitals can successfully give feedback to lower health centres through iterative phone calls. This provides a possible solution to the long-standing challenge of poor feedback rates and a vicious cycle of poor maternal-fetal outcomes in resource limited settings.
文摘Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if self-testing kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre- and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre- and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.
文摘Ogi an affordable complementary food is of paramount importance due to its popularity as diets of many native African populations.The study explored effects of biofortification with garlic and ginger on acceptability and nutritional quality of ogi flour prepared from sorghum and quality protein maize by natural fermentation technique.Pasting properties,bulk density,water absorption capacity,total reducing sugar and sensory characteristics were evaluated.Biofortified samples showed stable total reducing sugar content,increase in bulk density,decrease in water absorption capacity and peak time during storage.The pasting temperatures of biofortified ogi flour were below boiling temperature thus formed paste in hot water below the boiling point.Ogi(maize)with 2%garlic-2%ginger and ogi(sorghum)with 4%garlic-2%ginger were the most preferred with no significant difference(p<0.05).Biofortification with garlic and ginger at 2 and 4%improved the quality attributes and acceptability of ogi flour.The study on biofortification of ogi with garlic and ginger is germane in formulation of nourishing weaning food that is light,less bulky for babies,nursing mothers and malnourished populations.
文摘Based on the data from the survey of 7826 young couples in two districts of shanghai, we analyzed the acceptability of oral pill, IUD, condom and injection in women. The results showed that 63.4% of subjects were unwilling to use pill and 5.7% were unwilling to use injection, mainly for the reasons that the pill was 'harmful to health' and the 'cause of obesity', 8.7% of subjects were unwilling to use IUD, mainly for the reasons of the 'cause of menorrhagia or spotting' and 'being easy to fail', 6.2% of subjects were unwilling to use condom, mainly for the reasons of 'interference with intercourse' and 'inconvenience in use'. The most important source of getting the information was 'heard from person's talking'.Simple variate and Logistic analysis showed that women's age at marriage, education, occupation, contraceptive knowledge score, history of using the contraceptives,some women's traits etc. affected the acceptability of the contraceptives. The study implies that it is necessary to strengthen provision of contraceptive knowledge for young couples and to make them have correct understanding of the side effects of contraceptives for improving family planning program.
文摘The objective of this study was to assess sensory acceptability of locally-produced chickpea-based ready-to-use supplementary foods （RUSF） among moderately malnourished children （6-59 months）. A quantitative descriptive analysis using a five point hedonic scale among a total of 140 mother-baby pairs was conducted in five hotspot priority one district. The target groups were sampled from 10 sites of five districts （two sites per district）. The child-mother pairs per district were selected through systematic random sampling. The selection criteria included children aged 6-59 months with moderate acute malnutrition （MAM） and not suffering from any illness. Half of the respondents （46%） were farmers, while 29% were housewives; only 21% had formal education. Both sexes were equally represented in the sample size among children with 46% being males while 54% females. About half （46%） of households had four or more children with median maternal age during child birth reported at 28.6 ± 5.9 years. About 89% of children consumed complementary food from starchy staple food; 17% consumed from vitamin A rich foods; 57% consumed from dark green leafy vegetables; no child consumed meat, fish and eggs; 49.3% consumed legumes, nuts and seeds; 36.4% consumed milk and milk products and the mean dietary diversity was rated at two out of the nine food groups. The amount of RUSF consumed by children from 48-59 months was higher than children who were 6-11 months. Amhara region had accepted chickpea only and chickpea ＋ maize＋ soy the two products more than the other four regions with an average mean value of 4.8 and 4.6 by mother/caregiver and interviewer, respectively. Mothers＇ perception of the appearance of the products and their overall acceptability was similar in most regions except South Nation Nationality People Region （SNNPR） where the rating of the two products was low with an average mean value of 4.6. Two of the products were well accepted by the study of the participants. The purchase for progress （P4P） programme could utilize this opportunity to support cooperative unions to make chickpeas available on the market given importance to.
文摘Cassava has gained attention as a potential industrial crop. The roots are processed into cassava flour for bakery and confectioneries. With the ever increasingly expensive level of wheat flour import for bread production in developing countries like Ghana, the need for other highly nutritious yet readily available and less expensive source of composite flour is important. <span style="font-family:Verdana;">The aim of the study was</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to investigate consumer acceptability of bread developed from cassava flour and wheat flour. A 4</span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">×</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3 factorial design was used to develop bread samples (A = 100% wheat flour, control, B = 10% cassava flour + 90% wheat flour, C = 20% cassava flour +</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">80% wheat flour and </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 30% cassava flour + 70% wheat flour). Sensory evaluation was performed on the bread samples using the 9-point hedonic scale to evaluate sensory attributes like colour, gumminess, mouth-feel, taste, flavour, and overall acceptability. The proximate compositions of the products were also evaluated using the A. O. A. C (2005) official methods. Statistically, there was </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">significant</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> difference among the protein and carbohydrate of all flour products developed. However, the energy content of products with 30% cassava flour replacement was significantly higher than other replicates. The control had the lowest moisture content of 17.5% with product 20% cassava flour replacement having the highest moisture content of 18.2%. In terms of overall </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">acceptability</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 10% cassava flour replaced bread was rated like extremely ahead of the control sample which was rated as like very much. These results showed that the 10 and 20% wheat/cassava composite flour bread recipe could be a viable alternative to achieve the desired economic, food security and health.</span></span></span></span>
