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Case Report
Capacities of Frontline Health Services During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study in Senegal
Abdoulaye Diallo*
,
Zeyni El Abidine Sy,
Abib Ndiaye,
Viviane Marie Solange Mbengue,
Aissatou Nomokho,
Mame Omar Gueye,
Papa Ibrahima Ndour,
Abdoulaye Diaw,
Fatoumata Zahra Mboup,
Tidiane Gadiaga,
Fatoumata Ly,
Fanding Badji,
Moussa Traore,
Jeff Kabinda,
Davy Audrey Liboko,
Babacar Gueye,
Kamadore Toure,
Youssoupha Ndiaye,
Samba Cor Sarr
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
261-269
Received:
1 August 2026
Accepted:
14 August 2026
Published:
8 September 2026
Abstract: Background: The organization of health systems has been largely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the role of hospitals in the management of serious cases, front-line services have been particularly affected. This study aims to provide information on the capacities and response needs of the health system during COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried in 86 facilities at national level and 74 key informants from communities. Three domains were targeted: capacity of health services to maintain essential health services; capacity to manage COVID-19 cases in epidemic treatment centers; community needs and perceptions regarding the use of essential services. Data collection was done by phone. Data analysis included the estimation of tracer indicators using percentages and numbers. Results: The assessment of the capacity of first-line services showed a discontinuity of certain essential services. Concerning the management of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, only one in 2 structures is equipped to perform Rapid Diagnostics Tests. The overall availability of medicines is noted in majority of facilities, while a tiny part has all the tracer medicines. The level of application of barrier measures in facilities, and compliance with guidelines for COVID-19 prevention is low (less than 1 in 5 facilities). Despite communities raised concerns about COVID-19, there was a distrust regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: This pilot system demonstrated the possibility of providing tracer indicators during a response to an epidemic, in a diligent and systematic way, through an electronic and telephone data collection, thus helping fast informed decisions making.
Abstract: Background: The organization of health systems has been largely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the role of hospitals in the management of serious cases, front-line services have been particularly affected. This study aims to provide information on the capacities and response needs of the health system during COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal...
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Research Article
Antibiotic Use, Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness and Knowledge–Practice Gaps in Magharibi A, Zanzibar:
A Bayesian Estimation and Posterior Predictive Analysis
Ochieng O Anthony*,
Sultan Khamis Muki
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
270-282
Received:
17 August 2026
Accepted:
26 August 2026
Published:
22 September 2026
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic use, including premature treatment discontinuation, antibiotic sharing, and inappropriate treatment decisions. This study assessed antibiotic-use practices, AMR awareness, and the knowledge–practice gap among community inhabitants and community health workers in Magharibi A District, Zanzibar, while applying Bayesian analysis to project the persistence of inappropriate antibiotic-use behaviours under comparable conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 16 December 2025 to 24 June 2026 among 60 respondents, comprising 44 community inhabitants and 16 community health workers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Bayesian estimation, and posterior predictive analysis to quantify uncertainty and estimate the likely occurrence of selected antibiotic-use behaviours in comparable populations. All community inhabitants (44/44, 100%) reported previous antibiotic use, and none reported obtaining antibiotics without a prescription. However, all (44/44, 100%) reported discontinuing antibiotic treatment before completing the prescribed course. Economic constraints were the leading reported reason for discontinuation (22/44, 50.0%), while 7/22 (31.8%) of those reporting economic constraints also reported antibiotic sharing. Traditional or herbal remedies were subsequently used by 25/44 (56.8%) inhabitants, including 7/44 (15.9%) following hospital discharge. AMR awareness was lower among community inhabitants (29/44, 65.0%) than among community health workers (16/16, 100%), highlighting a substantial knowledge–practice gap. Bayesian posterior predictive analysis indicated that inappropriate antibiotic-use behaviours may remain prevalent in comparable communities if underlying social, economic, and behavioural conditions remain unchanged. These findings highlight the need to strengthen community-based AMR education, antibiotic-use counselling, and socioeconomic support, with active involvement of community health workers, to promote rational antibiotic use and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in Zanzibar.
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic use, including premature treatment discontinuation, antibiotic sharing, and inappropriate treatment decisions. This study assessed antibiotic-use practices, AMR awareness, and the knowledge–practice gap among community inhabitants and community health workers in Magharibi A...
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Research Article
Motivation for HIV Screening Among Men in the
Djidja-Abomey-Agbangnizoun Health Zone, Benin, in 2025
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
283-292
Received:
26 August 2026
Accepted:
9 September 2026
Published:
24 September 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Screening is a major challenge for achieving the 95-95-95 target in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2022 in Benin, the HIV screening rate among men was 62.00% compared with 4.59% in the Djidja-Abomey-Agbangnizoun Health Zone of Zou department; hence the present study, which aimed to identify the factors associated with HIV screening among men in Djidja-Abomey-Agbangnizoun in 2025. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving men aged 15 to 49 years, selected by five-stage cluster sampling, and health workers from HIV screening centers, selected by purposive sampling. Associated factors were identified by multiple logistic regression, using a backward stepwise procedure, at a significance threshold of 5%. Results: Among the 185 men surveyed, 27.05% knew their HIV serostatus, of whom 12.00% were able to show their result. Associated factors were Yoruba ethnicity (OR = 10.55, p = 0.018), non-participation in awareness sessions (OR = 5.08; p = 0.005), average monthly income below 50 000 FCFA (OR = 0.25; p = 0.006), awareness that screening is free of charge (OR = 0.05; p = 0.003), and awareness of the existence of a law on HIV (OR = 0.24; p = 0.009). Conclusion: It is essential that the health program to combat HIV/AIDS strengthen communication strategies around HIV screening.
Abstract: Introduction: Screening is a major challenge for achieving the 95-95-95 target in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2022 in Benin, the HIV screening rate among men was 62.00% compared with 4.59% in the Djidja-Abomey-Agbangnizoun Health Zone of Zou department; hence the present study, which aimed to identify the factors associated with HIV screening am...
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Research Article
Socio-demographic and Cultural Factors Associated with Decision of Married Women on Use Contraceptive Methods in the DRC
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
293-299
Received:
3 September 2026
Accepted:
23 September 2026
Published:
23 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20261205.14
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Abstract: While the prevalence of using of modern contraceptive is 55% worldwide, the prevalence is barely 22% in Africa, and less than 10% in Central. In sub-Saharan Africa, the use of contraceptives is associated to a number of socio-demographic, economic and cultural factors which affect women’s decision regarding their use of contraceptives. This study aims to explore socio-demographics factors and cultural factors that influence decision of married women to use the different contraceptive methods in Lubumbashi. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to September 2025 in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We interviewed a stratified random sample of 423 of married women in Kassapa I and II health areas. The data were encoded and analyzed using Excel 2016 and SPSS version 23. Both bi-variable and multivariable multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the associated socio demographics and cultural factors of decision of married women on use of contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan countries. This study reveals that 83% of respondents have decision on use of contraceptive methods; the majority of women, 70.23%, used natural methods, including the calendar. A significant association was found between religion, education level, the spouse attitude toward to the use of contraception and the decision on use of contraceptive methods. The main reason for not using contraceptive methods is the desire for motherhood (81.2% of respondents). Contraceptive use among couples remains much influenced by level of education, religion and the attitude of the spouse.
Abstract: While the prevalence of using of modern contraceptive is 55% worldwide, the prevalence is barely 22% in Africa, and less than 10% in Central. In sub-Saharan Africa, the use of contraceptives is associated to a number of socio-demographic, economic and cultural factors which affect women’s decision regarding their use of contraceptives. This study a...
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