Research Article
Bringing the Neglected out of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Systematic Literature Review
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
38-42
Received:
15 April 2025
Accepted:
24 April 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
Abstract: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) represent a group of infectious diseases that disproportionately impact the world’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Affecting over 1.7 billion people globally, NTDs are most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America, where poverty, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare infrastructure are common. Despite their significant health, social, and economic burden, these diseases remain underreported and underprioritized in global health agendas. The objective of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on the epidemiology, control strategies, and emerging innovations in the fight against NTDs, with a focus on the global, African, and Cameroonian contexts. The study employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating literature review and case study analysis, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in addressing NTDs. Key themes explored include the persistence of disease due to socio-political instability, weak healthcare systems, stigma, and funding shortfalls. The review also highlights ongoing interventions such as mass drug administration, community-based strategies, and innovations in diagnostics and vector control. Special attention is given to Cameroon, where nine of the twenty recognized NTDs are endemic. The review concludes that addressing NTDs requires a multifaceted, collaborative approach involving health system strengthening, community engagement, and increased investment. These efforts are essential to reduce the burden of NTDs and achieve the health-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Abstract: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) represent a group of infectious diseases that disproportionately impact the world’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Affecting over 1.7 billion people globally, NTDs are most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America, where poverty, inadequate sanitation, and limited ...
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Research Article
Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors Among Patients with Cancer at Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia, 2024
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
43-51
Received:
23 August 2025
Accepted:
9 September 2025
Published:
28 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.rs.20251003.12
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Abstract: Depression is a major public health problem among cancer patients. One in three people with cancer experience depression or anxiety disorders before, during, or after treatment. Currently, there is little data on the prevalence of depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among patients with cancer attending public hospitals in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 patients with cancer attending public hospitals in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia, from June 1-30, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The collected data was entered into Epi-data 4.6 and imported to the statistical package for Social Science version 25 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors with depression. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the association. The prevalence of depression among patients with cancer was 43.9% (95% CI: 38.6, 49.2). Poor medication adherence (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.87, 8.51), poor social support (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.79), unemployment (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.05, 5.04) were significantly associated with depression. In the current study, a significant number of patients with cancer had depression. Poor medication adherence, poor social support, and unemployment were significantly associated with depression among patients with cancer. Therefore, special attention should be given to patients with cancer with the mentioned risk factors of depression.
Abstract: Depression is a major public health problem among cancer patients. One in three people with cancer experience depression or anxiety disorders before, during, or after treatment. Currently, there is little data on the prevalence of depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated facto...
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Ngo Likeng Julienne Louise
