Effect of Community Interventions on Intelligence Development of Infants

Objective To assess the interventions effect on intelligence of the infants through the community. Methods A total of 309 newborns and their families were recruited in Xuhui district, Shanghai. They were asked to fill out the baseline questionnaires. The newborns＇ intelligence quotients were measured by Developmental Screening Test for Child Under Six, and physical examinations were conducted at the same time. The newborns were randomly assigned to intervention group （156 cases） and control group （153 cases）. The infants and their families were followed up every 6 months. A questionnaire of follow-up was completed by face-to-face interview at the communities and infant intelligence quotients were measured and had their physical check-ups again at the end of the 6th month. Results After 6 months＇ intervention, the means of MI and DQ in the intervention group were respectively 5.96 and 9.80 higher than those in control group after adjustment of the baseline scores. Conclusion Early intelligence education in the community may promote the intelligence development of infants.

Factors of Failure of Community Interventions of PMTCT Activities in Haut Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The objective of the study was to identify the failure factors of community interventions in terms of HIV activities in the province of Haut-Katanga during the year 2016. Materials and Methods: The study was phenomenological of the factors, carried out in Haut Katanga. All health facilities (FOSAs) having integrated the prevention of transmission of HIV infection from mother to child (PMTCT) were included in the study. The collection was carried out through individual semi-structured interviews with PMTCT focal points, mentor mothers and people living with HIV (PLWHA) cared for in some of these health facilities (FOSAs). The number of participants was determined by the saturation of responses. Nvivo v.11 software was used for the analyses. The data of each woman was handled confidentially. The authorization of the ethics committee of the University of Kinshasa ESP/CE091/2015, the free and written consent, was obtained before collecting the information. Results: It was observed the socio-cultural factors of success and failure of the interventions: the social fear generated by contradictory messages in the sensitization of the community;the lack of an obvious strategy for the involvement of the partner;the weak coordination of community care activities between the central office of the health zone;the FOSA and the community worker: low interest in community care evidenced by weak accountability of FOSAs, community and program providers in this regard;that relates to community activities;coordination of care between care units;overload of the staff in charge of activities within the health structure and their low motivation;the low communication time devoted to people living with HIV in the FOSAs. Conclusion: The study shows that interventions that can improve the quality and outcomes of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services can be directly linked to the program itself, as well as come from another or the community, which generally remains the weak link in which efforts are even less noticeable, at least as far as PMTCT is concerned. Integrating care data for the mother-child couple improve the continuum of services between the different care units as well as the quality of data management.

Why Multi-Sectoral Approaches Are Rarely Applied in Community Health Interventions in Some Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The objective of this work is to analyze the reasons why community health interventions in Africa do not consider multisectoral approaches. To achieve it, we perform a mini-review of health development policies and plans available online in seven countries from four regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, two main reasons have been highlighted. First, national strategic plans and policies for health development, in their formulation, neither sufficiently emphasize multisectoral approaches, nor sufficiently make these approaches operational in strategies and activities. Second, the mindset of health professionals due to their initial training orientation based on the biomedical approach, stands that disease is only a result of a physiological imbalance in the body;therefore, to restore health, such an imbalance only needs sophisticated procedures and interventions to be overcome. Such an orientation completely ignores the social, cultural and economic context in which the individual lives, which has an irretrievable influence on the health imbalance. However, health, influenced by the conditions in which people are conceived, born, grow, live, work and aged, cannot be effectively improved in a sustainable way without taking into account all these conditions. Whence the importance of approaches based on every sector of human activity that influences the living conditions.

Study on the Effects of Infant Fostering Interventions in Xuhui District,Shanghai

Objective To assess the effects of fostering interventions on the infants and their families through the community. Methods A total of 309 infants born on 1st August, 2003 to 30th August, 2004 and their families were recruited as participants by cluster sampling in Longhua and Kantian sub-districts of Xuhui district, Shanghai. The newborns were randomly assigned to intervention group （156 cases） and control group （153 cases）. The infants and their families will be followed up during 3-year interventions. Results After 6 months＇ intervention, the proportion of infants who could turn over the body in the intervention group （88.46%） was higher than that in control group （75.16%）. The morbidity of upper-respiratory tract infection in intervention group （20.51%） was significantly lower than that in control group （32.68%）. The incidence rates of pneumonia, diarrhea and anemia in intervention group were all lower than that in control group, except for pneumonia, the differences were not significant. Both of the knowledge about how to foster infants and service utility in intervention group were higher than that in control group. Conclusion The fostering interventions through the community promote the prevention and control of infants disease, increase the knowledge level and service util ity of families.

Towards Inclusive Development: Situating the Socio-Economic Wellbeing and Environmental Issues of an Indigenous Cultural Community in the Philippines

The Municipality of Carranglan is a rural community where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. The Kalanguya Ancestral Domain (KAD) is also located in the area, and it provides a home for the Kalanguya indigenous cultural community. They have fled to the area for a variety of reasons. Despite its rural setting, Carranglan is regarded as a first-class municipality and the largest municipality in Nueva Ecija. This study described and documented the socio-economic profile, and existing issues and problems the Kalanguya Indigenous Peoples (IPs) experienced in their milieu, especially in terms of environmental protection. Recognizing and valuing their perspectives is vital for inclusive development. This study also situated the current status and conditions of the IPs, who generally live below the poverty line and face a range of plights and challenges. As part of safeguarding indigenous rights and interests, this study was undertaken after series of consultations with community elders and leaders. Key informant interviews, household surveys, semi-structured interviews, focused-group discussion (FGD), and direct observations were used to elicit information. Many of the respondents are elementary undergraduates which show that the community had lacked access to education. The following are the primary socioeconomic issues confronting IPs: insufficient access to potable water, suboptimal agricultural productivity, meager monthly income, and a dearth of supplementary and alternative livelihood opportunities. Forest fires, landslides, encroachment of illegal loggers, and concerns about wildlife resources are some of the current environmental issues they have encountered. The local population was supportive of plans and actions targeted at improving the environment. This reveals that the IPs possess unique indigenous forest expertise that enables them to properly manage natural resources.

Community-based dengue control intervention in Ouagadougou:intervention theory and implementation fidelity

Background:While malaria control is the primary health focus in Burkina Faso,the recent dengue epidemic calls for new interventions.This paper examines the implementation fidelity of an innovative intervention to control dengue in the capital Ouagadougou.Methods:First we describe the content of the intervention and its theory.We then assess the fidelity of the implementation.This step is essential as preparation for subsequent evaluation of the intervention’s effectiveness.Observations(n=62),analysis of documents related to the intervention(n=8),and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders(n=18)were conducted.The collected data were organized and analyzed using QDA Miner.The theory of the intervention,grounded in reported good practices of community-based interventions,was developed and discussed with key stakeholders.Results:The theory of the intervention included four components:mobilization and organization,operational planning,community action,and monitoring/evaluation.The interactions among these components were intended to improve people’s knowledge about dengue and enhance the community’s capacity for vector control,which in turn would reduce the burden of the disease.The majority of the planned activities were conducted according to the intervention’s original theory.Adaptations pertained to implementation and monitoring of activities.Conclusions:Despite certain difficulties,some of which were foreseeable and others not,this experience showed the feasibility of developing community-based interventions for vector-borne diseases in Africa.

Effects of scaling up various communitylevel interventions on child mortality in Burundi,Kenya,Rwanda,Uganda and Tanzania:a modeling study

Background:Improving child health remains one of the most significant health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa,a region that accounts for half of the global burden of under-five mortality despite having approximately 13%of the world population and 25%of births globally.Improving access to evidence-based community-level interventions has increasingly been advocated to contribute to reducing child mortality and,thus,help low-and middle-income countries(LMICs)achieve the child health related Sustainable Development Goal(SDG)target.Nevertheless,the coverage of community-level interventions remains suboptimal.In this study,we estimated the potential impact of scaling up various community-level interventions on child mortality in five East African Community(EAC)countries(i.e.,Burundi,Kenya,Rwanda,Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania).Methods:We identified ten preventive and curative community-level interventions that have been reported to reduce child mortality:Breastfeeding promotion,complementary feeding,vitamin A supplementation,Zinc for treatment of diarrhea,hand washing with soap,hygienic disposal of children’s stools,oral rehydration solution(ORS),oral antibiotics for treatment of pneumonia,treatment for moderate acute malnutrition(MAM),and prevention of malaria using insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying(ITN/IRS).Using the Lives Saved Tool,we modeled the impact on child mortality of scaling up these 10 interventions from baseline coverage(2016)to ideal coverage(99%)by 2030(ideal scale-up scenario)relative to business as usual(BAU)scenario(forecasted coverage based on prior coverage trends).Our outcome measures include number of child deaths prevented.Results:Compared to BAU scenario,ideal scale-up of the 10 interventions could prevent approximately 74,200(sensitivity bounds 59,068-88,611)child deaths by 2030 including 10,100(8210-11,870)deaths in Burundi,10,300(7831-12,619)deaths in Kenya,4350(3678-4958)deaths in Rwanda,20,600(16049-25,162)deaths in Uganda,and 28,900(23300-34,002)deaths in the United Republic of Tanzania.The top four interventions(oral antibiotics for pneumonia,ORS,hand washing with soap,and treatment for MAM)account for over 75.0%of all deaths prevented in each EAC country:78.4%in Burundi,76.0%in Kenya,81.8%in Rwanda,91.0%in Uganda and 88.5%in the United Republic of Tanzania.Conclusions:Scaling up interventions that can be delivered at community level by community health workers could contribute to substantial reduction of child mortality in EAC and could help the EAC region achieve child health-related SDG target.Our findings suggest that the top four community-level interventions could account for more than threequarters of all deaths prevented across EAC countries.Going forward,costs of scaling up each intervention will be estimated to guide policy decisions including health resource allocations in EAC countries.

Rural Resilience: A Comprehensive Study on Water Supply, Sanitation, Disease Patterns, and Hygiene Practices in Munshiganj, Bangladesh

This research project investigates the current status of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a reconnaissance survey. Findings reveal that 30% of individuals rely on surface water (hand-tube wells, rivers, and ponds), prioritized as canal > river > pond, while 70% depend on groundwater (subterranean electric motor, deep tube-well). Drinking water is generally sufficient, with 95% reporting adequacy throughout the year. About 45% use hand tube-well water, 28% use deep tube-well water, and 11% use supply tap water for various purposes. Bathing trends include underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river, while for cooking, the order is underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river. Toilet water supply ranks as supply tap water > hand tube-well water > deep tube-well water. Although sanitation awareness is high, some lack knowledge of good hygiene practices. After defecating, handwashing methods include soap, ash, soil, or water. Children’s waste disposal varies, with some discarding it in open areas. Approximately 40% suffer from diseases like Diarrhoea due to unsafe water, primarily affecting children and elders. Training exists, but a significant portion lacks sanitation education. Dry skin or exposure to cold water may cause temporary irritation. Local government involvement in sanitation efforts is less active compared to non-governmental organizations. Results emphasize the need to enhance community awareness of safe water supplies and sanitation practices. .

Assessing resources for implementing a community directed intervention (CDI) strategy in delivering multiple health interventions in urban poor communities in Southwestern Nigeria: a qualitative study

Background:Many simple,affordable and effective disease control measures have had limited impact due to poor access especially by the poorer populations(urban and rural)and inadequate community participation.A proven strategy to address the problem of access to health interventions is the Community Directed Interventions(CDI)approach,which has been used successfully in rural areas.This study was carried out to assess resources for the use of a CDI strategy in delivering health interventions in poorly-served urban communities in Ibadan,Nigeria.Methods:A formative study was carried out in eight urban poor communities in the Ibadan metropolis in the Oyo State.Qualitative methods comprising 12 focus group discussions(FGDs)with community members and 73 key informant interviews(KIIs)with community leaders,programme managers,community-based organisations(CBOs),non-government organisations(NGOs)and other stakeholders at federal,state and local government levels were used to collect data to determine prevalent diseases and healthcare delivery services,as well as to explore the potential resources for a CDI strategy.All interviews were audio recorded.Content analysis was used to analyse the data.Results:Malaria,upper respiratory tract infection,diarrhoea and measles were found to be prevalent in children,while hypertension and diabetes topped the list of diseases among adults.Healthcare was financed mainly by out-of-pocket expenses.Cost and location were identified as hindrances to utilisation of health facilities;informal cooperatives(esusu)were available to support those who could not pay for care.Immunisation,nutrition,reproductive health,tuberculosis(TB)and leprosy,environmental health,malaria and HIV/AIDs control programmes were the ongoing interventions.Delivery strategies included house-to-house,home-based treatment,health education and campaigns.Community participation in the planning,implementation and monitoring of development projects was reported as common practice.The resources available for these activities and which constitute potential resources for the CDI process include community volunteers,CBOs and NGOs.Others are landlords;professional,women and youth associations;social clubs,religious organisations and the available health facilities.Conclusion:This study’s findings support the feasibility of using the CDI process in delivering health interventions in urban poor communities and show that potential resources for the strategy abound in the communities.

Community based interventions for the prevention and control of Non-Helmintic NTD

In this paper,we aim to systematically analyze the effectiveness of community based interventions(CBI)for the prevention and control of non-helminthic diseases including dengue,trypanosomiasis,chagas,leishmaniasis,buruli ulcer,leprosy and trachoma.We systematically reviewed literature published up to May 2013 and included 62 studies in this review.Findings from our review suggest that CBI including insecticide spraying;insecticide treated bednets and curtains;community education and cleanliness campaigns;chemoprophylaxis through mass drug administration;and treatment have the potential to reduce the incidence and burden of non-helminthic diseases.Lack of data limited the subgroup analysis for integrated and non-integrated delivery strategies however,qualitative synthesis suggest that integrated delivery is more effective when compared to vertical interventions;however,such integration was possible only because of the existing vertical vector control programs.Community delivered interventions have the potential to achieve wider coverage and sustained community acceptance.Eradicating these diseases will require a multipronged approach including drug administration,health education,vector control and clean water and sanitation facilities.This would require high level governmental commitment along with strong partnerships among major stakeholders.