Department of Biological Sciences
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.njala.edu.sl/handle/20.500.144402/136
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Item Isolation of Angola-like Marburg virus from Egyptian rousette bats from West Africa(Nature Portfolio, 2020-01-24) Amman, Brian RMarburg virus (MARV) causes sporadic outbreaks of severe Marburg virus disease (MVD). Most MVD outbreaks originated in East Africa and field studies in East Africa, South Africa, Zambia, and Gabon identified the Egyptian rousette bat (ERB; Rousettus aegyptiacus) as a natural reservoir. However, the largest recorded MVD outbreak with the highest case-fatality ratio happened in 2005 in Angola, where direct spillover from bats was not shown. Here, collaborative studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Njala University, University of California, Davis USAID-PREDICT, and the University of Makeni identify MARV circulating in ERBs in Sierra Leone. PCR, antibody and virus isolation data from 1755 bats of 42 species shows active MARV infection in approximately 2.5% of ERBs. Phylogenetic analysis identifies MARVs that are similar to the Angola strain. These results provide evidence of MARV circulation in West Africa and demonstrate the value of pathogen surveillance to identify previously undetected threats.Item Predicting the adoption of improved cassava varieties in Sierra Leone(Academic Journals, 2021-02-15) Sesay, Janatu VeronicaIn Sierra Leone cassava plays a major role in households’ food and income security. Plant breeders have concentrated on improved varieties with an increasing yields per unit area. This study was designed to identify factors that influence adoption or rejection of improved cassava cultivars by growers. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and field walks; locations were selected using multistage stratified random sampling. Logistic regression was used to model uptake of improved varieties. Most farmers usually grow several cultivars and just over half have included an improved variety. Of the six improved varieties released in 2005 by the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, only SLICASS 4, was widely adopted and three were not recorded in the study. Preferred characteristics are; high yield, sweet taste, early maturity and good cooking quality. Cultivars are more likely to be adopted where; cassava is a major crop, households are experienced in cultivating cassava, they have access to research, contact with extension agents and access to cassava markets. Improved cultivars are less likely to be adopted by small households with few resources. Cassava breeders should recognize what farmers find desirable but success will depend on; communicating research, having active extension agents and good access to markets. Key words: Adoption, improved varieties, cassava, Sierra Leone.Item The use of condoms and other birth control methods among sexually active school-going adolescents in nine sub-Saharan African countries(BioMed Central, 2022-12-16) James, Peter BaiBACKGROUND: Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa still face sexual and reproductive health challenges. Contraceptives have been used to address these challenges. Despite efforts at national and global levels, contraceptive uptake among young people in Africa remains a challenge due to personal, societal, and health systems-based barriers. We estimated the prevalence and correlates of condom use and other birth control methods among sexually active school-going adolescents in nine sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Global School-based Student Health Surveys (GSHS) datasets pooled from nine SSA countries. We included a sample of 27,504 school-going adolescents 11 years and younger and 18 years and older. We employed meta-analysis using a random-effects model to estimate the total prevalence of the use of condoms, other birth control methods other than a condom and any birth control method at last sexual intercourse. We conducted complex sample descriptive and logistic regression analyses to determine the characteristics and determinants of not using condoms and other birth control methods among sexually active school-going adolescents in nine sub-Saharan African countries, respectively. RESULTS: More than half \[n = 4430, 53.8% (43.9-63.8)\], two-fifth \[n = 3242, 39.5% (33.2-45.9) and two-thirds of adolescents \[n = 4838, 65.6% (57.5-73.7)\] of sexually active in school adolescents across the nine sub-Saharan African countries used condom, other birth control methods and any form birth control method during their last sexual intercourse, respectively. The non-use of condoms at last sex was associated with being younger (less than 16 years) \[AOR = 1.48;95%CI: 1.12-1.94\], early sexual debut \[AOR = 1.81(1.47-2.22)\], having two or more sexual partners \[AOR = 1.30(1.06-1.58)\] and no/minimal parental support \[AOR = 1.54(1.17-2.03)\]. The non-use of other birth control methods at last sex was associated with being male \[AOR = 1.37 (1.09-1.73)\], early sexual debut \[AOR = 1.83(1.48-2.27) and having no parental support \[AOR = 1.64(1.34-2.00)\]. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive need among sexually active school adolescents in the nine sub-Saharan African countries is high. Such a need calls for the development of country-specific and or the review of existing school-based sexual health education and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health interventions that target risky adolescents and promote adolescent-parent effective communication, connectedness and support.Item Sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia: a secondary analysis of the 2017 Global school-based student health surveys(BioMed Central, 2022-12-24) James, Peter BaiBACKGROUND: Sierra Leone and Liberia have experienced civil wars and, recently, Ebola outbreaks that led to profound economic hardship, psychopathologies and family disruptions. These factors are associated with sexual risk behaviours among youths. However, there is very little information on sexual risk behaviour among Sierra Leonean and Liberian school-going adolescents. The present study assessed the prevalence and determinants of sexual risk behaviours among school-going adolescents (10-19 years) in Sierra Leone and Liberia. METHOD: We used publicly available nationally representative cross-sectional datasets of the 2017 Sierra Leone and Liberia Global school health survey. The sample consisted of 2798 and 2744 school-going adolescents from Sierra Leone and Liberia, respectively. Complex sample descriptive and regression analysis was used to analyse our data. RESULTS: The majority of adolescents in the two countries were involved in multiple sexual risk behaviour (80.2%), with a higher prevalence observed in Sierra Leone (85.2%) than in Liberia (75.3%). Liberian adolescents showed lesser odds of indulging in multiple sexual risk behaviours than their Sierra Leonean counterparts (AOR = 0.572; 95%CI: 0.345-0.946). Male, compared to females, were more likely to engage in multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR = 2.310;95%CI:1.543-3.458), with a similar pattern observed in both countries. Alcohol use was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR = 3.064; 95%CI: 2.137-4.392). Also, in Sierra Leone and Liberia, adolescents with one and two or more forms of psychological distress were more likely to have ever had sex than those who did not show any form of psychological distress. Missing class/school was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR = 1.655; 95%CI:1.133-2.418). Peer support was only found to be a protective factor against no condom use among Liberian adolescents (AOR = 0.608; 95%CI: 0.435-0.850). Less parental support was only associated with ever had sex among adolescents in Sierra Leone (AOR = 2.027; 95%CI: 1.322-3.107) but not in Liberia (AOR = 1.034; 95%CI: 0.650-1.644). CONCLUSION: Our study found a high sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Our finding highlights the need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education in schools and communities that incorporate mental health promotion activities tailored to this group.Item Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Assessment on Bat-Borne Zoonotic Diseases Among the People of Moyamba District, Sierra Leone(Dove Medical Press, 2023-07-01) Williams, Samuel Maxwell Tom**Background:** Bats are considered wildlife species of public health concern, as they are known to host various pathogenic agents, and their interactions with humans are potential routes of pathogen spillover. A high level of knowledge on Bat-borne Zoonotic Diseases (BZD), their causative agents, signs, symptoms, mode and pattern of transmission, health attitudes, and practices towards the disorders are vital parameters in handling them. This study aimed to look into BZD knowledge, public attitudes, and behaviour. **Methods:** We surveyed the 14 chiefdoms of Moyamba district. A total of 421 participants were randomly sampled using closed-ended questionnaire. Simple linear regression analysis was used to determine the effects of gender, age, education, and livelihood opportunities on BZD knowledge (at 95% confidence interval and alpha value = 0.05). The findings were analysed and correlated with a scientific and public health perspective to assess the breadth of knowledge and awareness of BZD among the people of Moyamba district. **Results:** The findings from the study show a low level of knowledge on BZD among the people of the Moyamba district, with only 119 (28.3%) individuals that had some knowledge about BZD. Of those that knew about BZD, 94 (79.0%) had very little knowledge, 24 (20.2%) had a fair amount, and 1 (0.8%) had a great deal of knowledge about BZD. The primary mode of knowledge dissemination was through social media platforms. **Conclusion:** The level of knowledge about BZD is also very low. As a result of these findings, policymakers, health professionals, and environmental educators will be compelled to develop strategies to reduce the risk of BZD transmission in Sierra Leone's population.Item Features of Mpox infection: The analysis of the data submitted to the ID-IRI network(Elsevier BV, 2023-05-20) Karlıdağ, Gülden Eser**Background:** Mpox is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. On May 21, 2022, WHO announced the emergence of confirmed Mpox cases in countries outside the endemic areas in Central and West Africa. **Methods:** This multicentre study was performed through the Infectious Diseases International Research Initiative network. Nineteen collaborating centres in 16 countries participated in the study. Consecutive cases with positive Mpoxv-DNA results by the polymerase chain reaction test were included in the study. **Results:** The mean age of 647 patients included in the study was 34.5.98.6% of cases were males, 95.3% were homosexual-bisexual, and 92.2% had a history of sexual contact. History of smallpox vaccination was present in 3.4% of cases. The median incubation period was 7.0 days. The most common symptoms and signs were rashes in 99.5%, lymphadenopathy in 65.1%, and fever in 54.9%. HIV infection was present in 93.8% of cases, and 17.8% were followed up in the hospital for further treatment. In the two weeks before the rash, prodromal symptoms occurred in 52.8% of cases. The incubation period was 3.5 days shorter in HIV-infected Mpox cases with CD4 count <200/μL, we disclosed the presence of lymphadenopathy, a characteristic finding for Mpox, accompanied the disease to a lesser extent in cases with smallpox vaccination. **Conclusions:** Mpox disseminates globally, not just in the endemic areas. Knowledge of clinical features, disease transmission kinetics, and rapid and effective implementation of public health measures are paramount, as reflected by our findings in this study.Item Effect of density and management of oil palm plantations on the avifauna of Southeastern Sierra Leone(Academic Journals, 2023-11-24) James, FeikaOil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a tropical perennial plant that provides most of the vegetable oil traded internationally. Although native to Africa, oil palm is grown throughout the humid tropics, and the largest producers are now in Southeast Asia. In many regions of cultivation, oil palm has been identified as a leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss. In Sierra Leone, oil palm grows wild in secondary forest and fallow land, as well as in plantations; research into its impact on biodiversity is limited. The effects of natural (wild) and plantation oil palm on the avifauna of southeastern Sierra Leone was examined. Over a two-year period, point-count surveys of birds were conducted on six occasions during the wet and dry seasons. Four plots were established in each of the six land-use types: Primary Forest, secondary forest, farm-bush with few oil palms, farm-bush with many oil palms, small plantations and larger plantations. Results from the study suggest that small-scale oil palm plantations, even under traditional low-intensity management, have a reduced avifauna compared to farm-bush. The difference between secondary forest and farm-bush is small, suggesting that traditional management of oil palm as a “non-timber forest product” is less detrimental to biodiversity. Key words: Natural oil palm plantations, birds, biodiversity/conservation, farm bush.Item Do disempowered childbearing women give birth at home in Sierra Leone? A secondary analysis of the 2019 Sierra Leone demographic health survey(BioMed Central, 2023-11-22) James, Peter BaiBACKGROUND: A nationwide assessment of the link between women's empowerment and homebirth has not been fully examined in Sierra Leone. Our study examined the association between women's empowerment and homebirth among childbearing women in Sierra Leone using the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey (2019 SLDHS) data. METHOD: We used the individual file (IR) of the 2019 SLDHS dataset for our analysis. A total of 7377 women aged 15-49 years who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey were included. Outcome variable was "home birth of their last child among women in the five years preceding the 2019 SLDHS. Women's empowerment parameters include women's knowledge level, economic participation, decision-making ability and power to refuse the idea of intimate partner violence. We used the complex sample command on SPSS version 28 to conduct descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Three in every 20 women had home childbirth (n = 1177; 15.3%). Women with low \[aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.43-2.92\] and medium \[aOR 1.44; 95%CI 1.05-1.97\] levels of knowledge had higher odds of giving birth at home compared to those with high levels of knowledge. Women who did not have power to refuse the idea of intimate partner violence against women were more likely to had given birth at home \[aOR 1.38; 95% CI1.09-1.74\]. In addition, women with no \[aOR 2.71; 95% CI1.34-5.46) and less than four antenatal care visits \[aOR 2.08; 95% CI:1.51-2.88\] and for whom distance to a health facility was a major problem \[aOR 1.95; 95% CI1.49-2.56\] were more likely to have had a homebirth. However, no statistically significant association was observed between a women's decision-making power and home birth \[aOR 1.11; 95% CI 0.86-1.41\]. CONCLUSION: Despite improvements in maternal health indicators, homebirth by unskilled birth attendants is still a public health concern in Sierra Leone. Women with low knowledge levels, who did not have power to refuse the idea of intimate partner violence against women, had less than four ANC visits and considered distance to a health facility as a major problem had higher odds of giving birth at home. Our findings reflect the need to empower women by improving their knowledge level through girl child and adult education, increasing media exposure, changing societal norms and unequal power relations that promote gender-based violence against women, and improving roads and transport infrastructure.Item Bullying victimization among in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 Sierra Leone Global School-Based Health Survey(Public Library of Science, 2023-12-22) Osborne, AugustusAdolescent bullying victimization is recognized as a public health and mental health problem in many countries. However, data on bullying victimization's prevalence and risk factors is scarce in sub-Saharan Africa Sierra Leone. This research aimed to determine bullying victimization prevalence and its associated factors among Sierra Leonean school-going adolescents. The Sierra Leone 2017 Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) dataset was analyzed. The outcome variable was the respondent's self-report of bullying victimization ("How many days in the previous 30 days were you bullied?"). Descriptive, Pearson chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. The regression analysis yielded adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a significance level of p 0.05. Bullying victimization was prevalent among 48.7% of the in-school adolescents. Adolescents who drank alcohol \[aOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.50-4.10\], who reported feelings of loneliness \[aOR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.07-2.14\] and who had attempted suicide \[aOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.03-2.87\] were also more likely to be bullied. Also, school truancy \[aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.24-1.88\] among teenagers was associated with an increased risk of being bullied. Our findings suggest that bullying is a widespread problem among Sierra Leonean school-aged youth, and alcohol drinking, loneliness, suicide attempt and school truancy are potential risk factors. In light of the aforementioned causes of bullying in schools, policymakers and school administrators in Sierra Leone need to develop and execute anti-bullying policies and initiatives that target the underlying risk factors of bullying among teenagers.Item Women’s knowledge of symptoms of obstetric fistula, experiences, and associated factors in Sierra Leone(Public Library of Science, 2024-10-24) Osborne, AugustusBACKGROUND: Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth condition that results from prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, leading to a tear between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum. It is a public health issue, particularly in low-income countries with limited access to quality maternal healthcare. This study aims to assess knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula and its associated factors in Sierra Leone. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey was used for the study. Our study comprised 15,574 reproductive women aged 15 to 49. Using a four-modelled approach, a mixed-effect multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The proportion of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula was 57.5% \[55.3,59.7\] in Sierra Leone. Women aged 20-49, particularly those between 40-44 \[aOR = 2.82; 95% CI: 2.13, 3.73\], were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula compared to teenagers (15-19). Women with higher levels of education \[aOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.49, 2.88\] were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula than those without education. Working women \[aOR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.56\], those who listened to the radio \[aOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.67\] or used the internet \[aOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.32, 2.05\], and those with a high number of lifetime births \[aOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.57, 2.54\] were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Women who had ever had sex \[aOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.73, 2.77\], were pregnant \[aOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.66\] or had terminated a pregnancy \[aOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.59\] were more likely to be aware of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. A female household head \[aOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.38\] was associated with a higher likelihood of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. On the other hand, larger household sizes \[aOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.97\] and living in the Western region \[aOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.75\] were associated with a lower likelihood of knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. CONCLUSION: Most reproductive-aged women in Sierra Leone have knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Factors such as age, education, occupation, media exposure, parity, sexual activity, pregnancy status, abortion history, ethnicity, household structure, and geographic location influence the knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Based on these findings, the government and partner organisations in Sierra Leone should implement comprehensive health education programs targeting reproductive-aged women, with a specific focus on obstetric fistula prevention, symptoms, and available treatment options.