Publications by authors named "Paul Tsaku"
Background: Mental health and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are critical in healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Several policies are planned or designed by health stakeholders to address the mental health needs of people affected by NTDs. Still, the impact of such policies seems to be of no consequence.
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- The study, named Honey Experiment on Leprosy Ulcer (HELP), aims to investigate the effectiveness of raw African honey in healing leprosy ulcers compared to normal saline dressing.
- Conducted in Nigeria, this trial involves participants receiving either honey or saline treatments and will measure healing outcomes over 84 days.
- The research will help provide a clear understanding of honey’s potential benefits for ulcer treatment, with the trial actively recruiting participants since March 2022.*
Background: Mental health care is now recognised as essential for people affected by NTDs, but accessible services are rare. This paper presents results of a prevalence study for depression and anxiety among people living with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, and collation of user perspectives on needs and priorities for a new service.
Methods: Prevalence of mental conditions was carried out with 141 people living with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis and matched controls.
Background: The World Health Organization recommends person-centred and integrated care for mental health of people with Neglected Tropical Diseases. This study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of mental health care for people with NTDs, which integrated mental health care into primary health care services, in central Nigeria.
Methods: People affected by NTDs were screened for depression and anxiety, and those identified referred to the integrated service.
Introduction: Leprosy occurs among very poor people who may be stigmatised and pushed further to the margins of society. Programmes to improve social integration and stimulate economic development have been implemented to help break the vicious cycle of poverty, reduced quality of life and ulcer recurrence. These involve forming groups of people, with a common concern, to provide mutual support and form saving syndicates-hence the term 'self-help groups' (SHGs).
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- The study focuses on Suya, a popular barbecued meat in Nigeria, highlighting concerns about the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, particularly E. coli.
- A total of 300 Suya samples were tested, revealing a 13.3% occurrence of E. coli, with high resistance rates to several antibiotics like Ampicillin (100%) and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (95%).
- The research stresses the urgent need for antibiotic stewardship and monitoring of drug resistance due to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains found in the samples.