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Volume 2, Issue 2, 2024
Open Access
Research article
Investigating Malaria Susceptibility in Central Maluku District: A Focus on $Anopheles$ Mosquito Habitats
yura witsqa firmansyah ,
adi anggoro parulian ,
hedie kristiawan ,
bhisma jaya prasaja ,
elanda fikri ,
linda yanti juliana noya
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Available online: 05-07-2024

Abstract

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Malaria remains a formidable challenge to global public health, with an estimated 241 million cases reported across 85 endemic countries in 2020. Within this context, Indonesia, and particularly the Central Maluku Regency, has reported a notable burden of the disease, evidenced by 102 confirmed cases in 2022 as per the annual parasite incidence (API) data, highlighting indigenous transmissions in specific locales. This research was conducted to assess the susceptibility to malaria within the operational area of the Hila Perawatan Primary Healthcare Centre (Puskesmas), situated in the Leihitu sub-district of Ambon Island, through an examination of $Anopheles$ mosquito breeding sites, larval densities, and habitat indices. Employing a descriptive research design, this cross-sectional observational study was carried out on October 26-27, 2023, to meticulously document the ecological footprint of the $Anopheles$ mosquito, particularly $Anopheles$ $farauti$. Findings reveal a habitat index (HI) of 33% in Kaitetu village with a larval density of 20%, indicating a significant presence of Anopheles farauti larvae. These findings suggest that environmental and behavioral factors within households, such as the use of gauze and ceilings, nocturnal activities, application of mosquito repellents, wearing of long-sleeved clothing, and utilization of mosquito nets, are pivotal in influencing malaria transmission dynamics. This study underscores the imperative of integrating environmental management with community engagement strategies to mitigate malaria transmission in endemic regions. The results not only provide a nuanced understanding of the $Anopheles$ mosquito's breeding patterns and its implications for malaria transmission but also offer a foundational basis for tailoring targeted interventions aimed at reducing the malaria burden in the Central Maluku District.

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A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in the management of cardiovascular diseases, evaluating 500 prescriptions from hospitalized patients between January 1 and April 1, 2023. Using Medscape online software for the identification of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and SPSS version 21 for statistical analysis, the study documented a 93% occurrence rate of pDDIs across the prescriptions. These interactions were categorized as serious (15% of cases, n=760, maximum per encounter: 4, mean: 1.52 ± 1.064), significant (75.6% of cases, n=3855, maximum per encounter: 30, mean: 7.71 ± 4.583), and minor (9.5% of cases, n=485, maximum per encounter: 4, mean: 0.95 ± 1.025). On average, 9.5 medications were prescribed per patient. Factors significantly associated with the incidence of pDDIs included age (r= 0.921, P < 0.01), presence of concurrent diseases (r= 0.782, P < 0.01), length of hospital stay (r= 0.559, P < 0.01), and the number of prescribed drugs (r= 0.472, P < 0.01). The most frequent interacting combinations were identified, with Clopidogrel + Enoxaparin (38.15%, n=290) and Enoxaparin + Aspirin (26.92%, n=210) being the most common, followed by other notable combinations. The study recorded adverse drug reactions in 15 patients. This investigation highlights a significant prevalence of pDDIs, particularly in cases of polypharmacy among cardiovascular patients. It underscores the critical need for systematic analysis and vigilant monitoring of prescriptions prior to drug administration by healthcare professionals.

Open Access
Research article
A Comparative Analysis of Side Effects from the Third Dose of COVID-19 Vaccines in Palestine and Jordan
jebril al-hrinat ,
aseel hendi ,
abdullah m. al-ansi
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Available online: 06-05-2024

Abstract

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In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence and characteristics of adverse effects following the administration of the third dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines were compared between recipients in Palestine and Jordan. Data were collected via an online survey targeting random samples from both countries. In Palestine, the primary factors predisposing individuals to side effects after the third dose were prior adverse reactions to earlier vaccinations and a history of COVID-19 infection before vaccination. Minor contributing factors included food sensitivities, weight, and drug sensitivities. In Jordan, gender, smoking, and food sensitivities emerged as the most significant variables influencing the development of side effects, with age being a secondary factor. Weight, COVID-19 infection post-vaccination, and prior adverse reactions to earlier doses were less significant. In Palestine, individuals with diabetes and respiratory diseases were more prone to adverse effects, followed by those who are obese, and those with cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disorders, immune diseases, cancer, arthritis, and hypertension. In Jordan, participants with arthritis were the most likely to develop side effects, followed by those who are obese, and those with respiratory conditions and thyroid disorders. These findings confirm that COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use are generally safe, and vaccination remains a crucial tool in curbing the spread of the virus. Acceptance of the third dose has been notable in both Palestine and Jordan, underscoring the value of booster doses in enhancing immunity.

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