Publications by authors named "Shehu Shagari Awandu"

Human papillomavirus (HPV) coinfection remains common globally. However, its clinical significance compared to mono-infection remains controversial. Further, the epidemiology of HPV genotype combination in coinfection is not well studied in Kenya.

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Background: Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered the primary etiological factor for invasive cervical cancer. Understanding the epidemiology of circulating potential high-risk (HR) and HR HPV strains is essential in updating epidemiological knowledge and recommendations on genotype-specific vaccination development. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with Potential HR/HR HPV among women attending selected reproductive health clinics in Lake Victoria Basin.

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Background: Physically disabled persons continue to be discriminated, excluded and neglected based on design of structures and their location. This hampers equitable access to services and disproportionately affect them during a pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate physical access barriers to COVID-19 vaccines among persons with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, (March 2020 to March 2022) in Ugenya Sub-county, Siaya County in Western Kenya.

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Introduction: as a public health policy, the ongoing global coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination drives require continuous tracking, tracing, and testing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Diagnostic testing is important in virus detection and understanding its spread for timely intervention. This is especially important for low-income settings where the majority of the population remains untested.

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Background: Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-associated endemic Burkitt's Lymphoma pediatric cancer is associated with morbidity and mortality among children resident in holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum regions in western Kenya. P. falciparum exerts strong selection pressure on sickle cell trait (SCT), alpha thalassemia (-α/αα), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2) variants (FC27, 3D7) that confer reduced malarial disease severity.

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Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among pregnant women can lead to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preventive measures are essential as there is no definite cure. This study determined the knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures including COVID-19 vaccine uptake, among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in western Kenya.

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The population's antibody response is a key factor in comprehending SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology. This is especially important in African settings where COVID-19 impact, and vaccination rates are relatively low. This study aimed at characterizing the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) in both SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals in Kisumu and Siaya counties in western Kenya using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Shehu Shagari Awandu"

  • - Shehu Shagari Awandu's recent research primarily focuses on public health issues in Western Kenya, particularly concerning HPV infections, COVID-19 vaccination accessibility, and the epidemiology of various infectious diseases, aiming to inform preventive measures and health policy.
  • - His studies highlight critical concerns such as the prevalence and genotype distribution of high-risk HPV among women, the physical access barriers to COVID-19 vaccines for disabled individuals, and the relationship between hemoglobinopathies and Epstein Barr virus infections in children.
  • - Awandu’s work emphasizes the importance of understanding local health demographics and challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to tailored public health interventions and evidence-based policy recommendations.