Search Results (18)

This study provides a comprehensive phytochemical and biological evaluation of Acacia nilotica and Acacia seyal samples collected from Khartoum State, Sudan. Methanolic extracts of A. nilotica leaves (SN), A. seyal leaves (TL), and A. nilotica seeds (S) were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power), and antimicrobial activity against selected pathogenic microorganisms. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used to identify and quantify individual phenolic compounds. The SN sample exhibited the highest TPC (287.527 mg GAE/g), DPPH scavenging activity (96.815%), and reducing power (2.356), whereas TL showed the highest flavonoid content (155.296 mg QE/g). All samples demonstrated considerable antifungal activity against Candida albicans, while antibacterial activity varied according to species and extract type. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of major phenolic compounds, including naringenin, gallic acid, catechin, and methyl gallate, with notable variations among the investigated samples. In addition, several unidentified peaks were observed in the chromatographic profiles, suggesting the presence of additional phytochemical constituents under the applied analytical conditions. A strong positive correlation was observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (R² > 0.97), indicating the possible contribution of phenolic compounds to the observed bioactivity. Overall, this study provides further insight into the relationship between phenolic composition and biological activity in Acacia species and highlights their potential as natural sources of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and food applications. Full article

Digital tools and platforms offer significant potential to address critical gaps in market access, credit availability, and agricultural knowledge, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. This is especially relevant in regions like Sudan, where these opportunities remain largely underexplored. By providing real-time market information, facilitating financial access, and offering essential agricultural training, these tools can help bridge traditional barriers, improve decision-making capabilities, and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Such advancements strengthen economic resilience and promote equity in agriculture, enabling these farmers to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry. Our study was conducted in Omdurman’s Algamwai area during 2022 and 2023, and involved interviews with 100 female farmers. It explored the intersection of gender, technology, and socioeconomic equity. It highlighted how technological advancements can enhance agricultural productivity and market access while addressing challenges such as limited digital literacy and socioeconomic constraints. Despite structural inequalities—including restricted land ownership (45%), limited credit access (5%), and inadequate extension services—female farmers are driving innovation and sustainability by adopting sustainable practices, enhancing food security, and building community resilience. Digital urban agriculture provides income opportunities (76% rely on it) and serves as a platform for equitable participation. From a social science perspective, this research underscores the need to address systemic disparities to unlock the full potential of farmers. Policies ensuring equitable access to resources, credit, and technology are essential for fostering participation and maximizing the socio-economic benefits of digital agriculture in Sudan and similar contexts. Full article

The present study aimed to understand visitors’ perceptions of the ecosystem service functions of the AL-Sunut Forest Reserve, as well as their recreational activities. Here, the impact of respondents’ socioeconomic status on visitors’ perceptions was statistically analyzed by t-tests and ANOVA (SPSS software v26). Meanwhile, multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the relationships between factors shaping respondents’ perceptions of the AL-Sunut Forest during recreational activities. A total of 441 visitors were randomly selected and questioned through a questionnaire survey during February and March 2020. The results showed that visitors believed the recreational forest site was important and valuable and were willing to revisit it. Visitors also demonstrated a particular understanding of the ecosystem services provided by the forest ecosystem. There were significant differences in perceptions of ecosystem services among visitors of different backgrounds. The findings indicated that 79% of participants responded positively towards the importance of environmental education compared with any other education. In addition, 90% of respondents believed that habitats and natural resources such as forests must be protected. The results of the recreational activities of visitors showed that they acquired the most benefits when experiencing picturesque scenery and walking. Overall, the present findings can pave the way for decision-makers to develop a unique plan focusing on forests to implement an exhaustive approach to assessing the value of ecosystem services while emphasizing the general public’s welfare. The study’s results can also contribute to the future management of the AL-Sunut Forest. Full article

This study aims to present a methodological framework for estimating the recreational value as part of the ecosystem’s services provided by the Sudanese forests. The number of visitors ready to pay for the forest’s services has been analyzed using the individual travel cost method (ITCM). The data were collected using questionnaires with 640 visitors randomly participating at the forest site, and respondents’ results were analyzed using SPSS software v21. Further analysis of ITCM was performed using analysis of moment structure. The linear regression model is used to estimate the effects of variables, like socioeconomic variables, on the frequency of the visits to assess the recreational value of the forest site. The results showed that the consumer’s excess for each visitor was 21,500 Sudanese pounds (SDG), and travel costs, age, income, distance, and family size of visitors affect the recreational use of the site. Most of the visitors were students, with the majority of their ages ranging between 21 and 30. An additional discovery indicated that higher-income visitors were more willing to travel. These encouraging findings are a helpful guide for planning the future management of forests for recreational uses. This meant that forests offer great recreational value, which might help the Forestry Office ensure that natural forests are planned for and used sustainably. Full article

Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination during pregnancy has been proven as an effective preventative measure to reduce the incidence of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to assess the determinants of TT vaccine uptake among pregnant women at two public maternity specialized hospitals in Sudan. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at two public hospitals, Omdurman Maternity Hospital and Al Saudi Hospital in Omdurman, Khartoum State, in Sudan from February to April 2020. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with receiving three or more doses of the TT vaccine among pregnant women, presented as odds ratios, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant (at a 95% confidence interval). The study recruited 350 pregnant women, with 313 participants included in the analysis. This study found that only 40% of the pregnant women had received three doses or more of the TT vaccine. Pregnant women who attended Al Saudi Hospital were less likely to be vaccinated with the recommended dose of the TT vaccine in districts at high risk (received ≥3 doses) compared to those who attended Omdurman Hospital [OR = 0.49 (95% C.I. 0.29–0.82), p-value < 0.05]. Furthermore, the number of children at home was a significant predictor of the mothers’ immunization status as those with five children or more were ten times more likely to be vaccinated with three doses or more [OR = 10.54 (95% C.I. 4.30–25.86), p-value < 0.05]. We conclude that this low rate of TT vaccine uptake found in this study among pregnant women increases the number of newborn babies susceptible to contracting neonatal tetanus. The findings of this study should be considered in the development of communication strategies targeting and prioritizing at-risk groups to increase TT vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Sudan. Full article

Numerous studies have reported that sleep disorders are linked to poor health outcomes. However, studies on these associations in children and adolescents in an African context are limited. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between sleep duration and the presence of metabolic syndrome among early adolescents in Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on participants aged 10–15 years in Khartoum State, Sudan. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed by increased waist circumference and the presence of two or more metabolic abnormalities (triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoproteins [HDL-C], blood pressure [BP], and fasting plasma glucose [FBG]). Short sleep duration was defined based on National Sleep Foundation (NSF) classification. Data were collected by physical examinations, biochemical analyses, and self-developed standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics Version 24. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used for the smoothing function between sleep duration and MetS. p < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The prevalence of MetS and short sleep among early adolescents aged 10–15 years in Sudan was 2.3% and 55.0%, respectively. A higher prevalence of short sleep was found among overweight and obese participants (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MetS among short sleepers was 2.8%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that male short sleepers had higher odds of having MetS compared to female short sleepers. The relationship between short sleep and low HDL-C in boys and between short sleep and high TG in girls was statistically significant. The highest risk of MetS was observed at less than 6.5 h of sleep per night. Conclusions: Short sleep duration was significantly associated with overweight/obesity in the total population and with low HDL-C in boys and high triglycerides in girls. A nonlinear curve pattern was observed between sleep duration and prevalence of MetS. Longitudinal studies are needed to further determine the causal relationship between sleep habits and MetS and its components. Full article

Background and Objectives: Little is known regarding the 5C psychological antecedents to COVID-19 vaccination among pharmacists in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and its psychological antecedents among community pharmacists in Khartoum State, Sudan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about sociodemographic and health status characteristics, vaccine acceptance, and the 5C psychological antecedents to vaccination. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted, and results were presented using odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 382 community pharmacists participated in the current study, with a mean age of 30.4 ± 5.6 years. Nearly two-thirds of the participants (65.4%) were females, and the majority (74.9%) have received or intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine acceptance was significantly associated with the following psychological antecedents to vaccination: confidence, complacency, constraints, and calculation (p < 0.001). Results of the logistic regression showed that confidence in vaccines [OR = 6.82 (95% CI = 3.14–14.80)], conspiracy beliefs [OR = 0.44 (95% CI = 0.23–0.85)], and constraints to vaccination [OR = 0.18 (95% CI = 0.06–0.56)] were the significant determinants of vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The study revealed important predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance that can be used to guide policymakers in designing target-oriented interventions that can improve the vaccine acceptance rate among community pharmacists in Sudan. These findings suggest that interventions to promote vaccine acceptance among pharmacists should focus on building confidence in vaccines and providing accurate information about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, and reducing constraints to vaccination. Full article

This case–control study aimed to assess the size and echogenicity of inflamed tonsils using ultrasonography. It was carried out at different hospitals, nurseries, and primary schools in Khartoum state. About 131 Sudanese volunteers between 1 and 24 years old were recruited. The sample included 79 volunteers with normal tonsils and 52 with tonsillitis according to hematological investigations. The sample was divided into groups according to age—1–5 years old, 6–10 years old, and more than ten years. Measurements in centimeters of height (AP) and width (transverse) of both tonsils (right and left) were taken. Echogenicity was assessed according to normal and abnormal appearances. A data collection sheet containing all the study variables was used. The independent samples test (t-test) showed an insignificant height difference between normal controls and cases with tonsillitis. The transverse diameter increased significantly with inflammation (p-value < 0.05) for both tonsils in all groups. Echogenicity can differentiate between normal and abnormal tonsils (p-value < 0.05 using the chi-square test) for samples from 1–5 years and 6–10 years. The study concluded that measurements and appearance are reliable indicators of tonsillitis, which can be confirmed with the use of ultrasonography, helping physicians to make the correct diagnosis and decisions. Full article

Background: The process of mass immunization against COVID-19 may be impacted by vaccine reluctance despite intense and ongoing efforts to boost vaccine coverage. The COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial component for controlling the pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, we did not come across any study presenting the post-vaccination side-effect profile among the Sudanese population. Developing strategies to improve the vaccine acceptability and uptake necessitate evidence-based reports about vaccine’s side effects and acceptance. In this regard, this study aimed at estimating the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine side-effects among the general population in Sudan. Methodology: A cross-sectional web-based quantitative study was conducted among the general population aged ≥18 years and residing in the Khartoum state of Sudan. A 30-item survey tool recorded the demographics, chronic diseases, allergy to other vaccines and COVID-19 vaccine side-effects after the first, second and booster doses. The data on the onset and duration of side-effects after each dose were also recorded. The distribution of side-effect scores after each dose of COVID-19 vaccine was compared using appropriate statistical methods. Results: A total of 626 participants were approached for this study. There was a preponderance of females (57.7%), and 19% of respondents had chronic diseases. The vaccination rate against COVID-19 was 55.8% (n = 349/626). The prevalence of side-effects after the first, second and booster doses were 79.7, 48 and 69.4%, respectively. Pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, exhaustion and fever were the common side-effects after the first and second doses, while pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache and muscle pain were frequently reported after the booster dose. Most of these side-effects appeared within 6 h and resolved within one or two days following the administration of the vaccine dose. The average side-effects scores were 4.1 ± 4.4 (n = 349), 2.2 ± 3.6 (n = 202) and 3.5 ± 4.1 (n = 36) after the first, second and booster doses, respectively. The female gender had significantly higher side-effects after primary and booster doses. The age group 18-24 years indicated higher side-effects after the first dose compared to participants with ages ranging from 31 to 40 years (p = 0.014). Patients with chronic disease indicated significantly higher (p = 0.043) side-effects compared to those without any comorbid illness. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of transient COVID-19 vaccine-related side-effects after primary and booster doses. However, these side-effects waned within 48 h. Pain at the injection site was the most common local side-effect, while fatigue, fever, headache and muscle pain were frequently reported systemic side-effects. The frequency of side-effects was more profound among females, young adults and those with comorbid conditions. These findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have side-effects as reported in the clinical trials of the vaccines. These results aid in addressing the ongoing challenges of vaccine hesitancy in the Sudanese population that is nurtured by widespread concerns over the safety profile. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is rapidly increasing in prevalence with rising childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles worldwide. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of MetS and its components among Sudanese early adolescents in Khartoum State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at primary schools in Khartoum State. A questionnaire was administered to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. Anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements were taken. Results: In total, 921 students, boys and girls aged 10–15 years old, participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 12.59 ± 1.21 years. The overall prevalence rate of MetS was 2.3% using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. MetS was significantly more prevalent among boys than girls (3.4% vs. 1.5%). Obese adolescents had higher MetS prevalence than those who were overweight (14.9 vs. 2.8, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Boys had a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome than girls. Early adolescents from Sudan who are obese had more risk factors for MetS than those who are normal weight or overweight. It is important to address the causes of increased risk for MetS early in life to prevent the development of the disease in adult life. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate whether measles vaccine uptake can be predicted directly or indirectly by parental perceptions about the availability of measles vaccine services with parental hesitancy towards the measles vaccine as a potential mediator. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted at Omdurman locality in Khartoum state, Sudan in February 2019. The study population included parents/guardians having at least one child aged 2–3 years old. Mediation analysis was conducted using two models, the ordinary least squares path analysis and multiple logistic regression. These models considered perceived vaccine accessibility and availability as independent factors, vaccine uptake as dependent factors, and vaccine hesitancy (PACV scores) as a mediator. A total of 495 responded and the mean age of the mothers who participated in the study was 31.1 (SD = 5.73). Half of the respondents (50.1%) completed university education and nearly three-quarters of the respondents (74.7%) were housewives. After controlling for the other factors, including the mother’s age and the number of children, parental perception about the accessibility and availability of the measles vaccine influences the uptake of the measles vaccine indirectly through the mediation effect of measles vaccine hesitancy. We suggest that intervening in measles vaccine hesitancy in addition to measles vaccination access issues will have a positive impact on the uptake and coverage of the measles vaccine in Sudan. Full article

Vaccine uptake is one of the indicators that has been used to guide immunization programs. This study aimed to evaluate whether measles vaccine uptake is predicted by measles vaccine hesitancy. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban districts in Khartoum state in February 2019. Measles vaccine uptake among children was measured as either fully vaccinated or partially/not vaccinated. The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) scale was used to measure measles vaccine hesitancy. Multivariate logistic regression was run to identify the predictors of measles vaccination uptake, controlling for sociodemographic variables, and the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CI were calculated. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was created, and the area under the curve (AUC) for the PACV was computed. Data were collected from 495 participants. We found that measles vaccine hesitancy (PACV scores) predicts the uptake of measles vaccine after controlling for other potential social confounders, such as the mother’s age and the number of children (aOR 1.055; 95% CI 1.028–1.028). Additionally, the ROC for the PACV yielded an area under the curve (AUC 0.686 (95% CI 0.620–0.751; p < 0.001)). Our findings show that measles vaccine hesitancy in Sudan directly influences the uptake of the measles vaccine. Addressing the determinants of vaccine hesitancy through communication strategies will improve vaccine uptake. Full article

Determinants of vaccine hesitancy are not yet well understood. This study aims to assess measles vaccine hesitancy and characterize its determinants among Sudanese parents in Omdurman in Khartoum State. A community-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in Khartoum State in February 2019. The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccination (PACV) was used to measure measles vaccine hesitancy. Questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the family, the perception of the parents about the measles vaccine, and the parental exposure to information were asked. Proportions of vaccine hesitancy and coefficients of linear regression were computed. Five hundred parents were recruited for the study. We found that a significant proportion of participants (about 1 in 5 parents) had hesitations regarding the measles vaccine. Significant predictors of measles vaccine hesitancy were parental exposure to anti-vaccination information or materials (β = −0.478, p-value < 0.001), the parents’ perception of the effectiveness of measles vaccines (β = 0.093, p-value = 0.020), the age of the mother (β = 0.112, p-value = 0.017), the birth rank of the child (β = −0.116, p-value = 0.015), and the total number of the children in the family (β = 0.098, p-value = 0.013). Vaccination access issues were the common justification for parental vaccination hesitancy. Our findings indicate that investment in vaccine communication as well as addressing access issues might be an effective intervention for improving measles vaccine acceptance and, ultimately, measles vaccine coverage. Full article

This study investigated the causative agent of a haemorrhagic fever epidemic in Gedaref state, south-east Sudan. Six cases of febrile illness with haemorrhagic manifestations presented at outpatient health-clinics. Blood samples were collected from the patients and shipped to Khartoum where they were tested for dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) using real-time qPCR. Fifty percent (3/6) of them tested positive for RVFV and neither DENV or CHIKV was detected. All patients were males between 20 and 48 years old who had no history of recent travel. This finding describes the first emergence of RVFV in Gedaref state. Considering that the state hosts a major market of livestock, and it has one of the largest-seasonal open pastures in the country that is usually flooded with herds from the neighbouring states and countries during the rainy season, this emergence could represent a major threat to public health in the region and countries importing animals and/or animal products from east Africa. Therefore, we urge the policymakers of the health and animal resources sectors to implement a one health strategy with a well-established early warning surveillance and response system to prevent the establishment of the disease in the area. Full article

Ticks transmit many pathogens with public health and veterinary importance. Despite the wide distribution of tick-borne pathogens in Sudan, the information on the tick–pathogen relationship needs to be updated, particularly using modern molecular techniques. This cross-sectional study, conducted between September and November 2019, used morphology, PCR, and sequencing to confirm the identity of adult cattle ticks (male and female; n = 536) from Khartoum State (n = 417) and East Darfur State (n = 119). Moreover, the presence of Theileria annulata, Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, Anaplasma marginale, and Ehrlichia ruminantium was detected and confirmed in each tick using species-specific PCR or nested PCR and sequencing. The most economically important tick genera, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Amblyomma, were prevalent in the study area, and 13 different tick species were identified. The most prevalent tick species were Rhipicephalusevertsi evertsi (34.3%) and Hyalomma anatolicum (57.3%) in Khartoum State, and Rhipicephalus annulatus (27%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (25%), and Hyalomma rufipes (29%) in East Darfur State. We detected all five pathogens in both states. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the presence of E. ruminantium, its vector Amblyomma variegatum, and B. bovis in Khartoum State. Further, this is the first report on most tick and pathogen species identified in East Darfur State. Our findings indicate the migration of some tick and pathogen species beyond their distribution areas in the country, and this consideration is necessary to develop future control strategies. Full article