ObjectiveFactors that contribute to wealth related inequalities in self-rated health (SRH) and happiness remains unclear most especially in sub-Saharan countries (SSA). This study aims to explore and compare socioeconomic differentials in SRH and happiness in five SSA countries.MethodsUsing the 2010/2014 World Values Survey (WVS), we obtained a sample of 9,869 participants of age 16 and above from five SSA countries (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda and Zimbabwe). Socioeconomic inequalities were quantified using the concentration index. The contribution of each predictor to concentration index’s magnitude was obtained by means of regression based decomposition analysis.ResultsPoor SRH ranges from approximately 9% in Nigeria to 20% in Zimbabwe, whereas unhappiness was lower in Rwanda (9.5%) and higher in South Africa (23.3%). Concentration index was negative for both outcomes in all countries, which implies that poor SRH and unhappiness are excessively concentrated among the poorest socioeconomic strata. Although magnitudes differ across countries, however, the major contributor to wealth-related inequality in poor SRH is satisfaction with financial situation whereas for unhappiness the major contributors are level of income and satisfaction with financial situation.ConclusionsThis study underscores an association between wealth related inequalities and poor SRH and unhappiness in the context of SSA. Improving equity in health, as suggested by the commission of social determinants of health may be useful in fighting against the unfair distribution of resources. Thus, knowledge about the self-rating of health and happiness can serve as proxy estimates for understanding the distribution of health care access and economic resources needed for well-being in resident countries.

BackgroundEmpirically assessing the needs of refugees in camps is critical to the improvement of existing policies and programs that aim at enhancing their well-being. By neglecting the needs of refugees, interventions may fail to capture the complex patterns of refugees’ daily lives within camps. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the needs of encamped Malian refugees in Northern Burkina Faso following the 2012-armed conflict. In addition to assessing the needs of Malian refugees, the study aimed to critically assess from an upstream perspective the degree of their involvement in policies and practices that are targeted towards improving their livelihood.MethodsWe took an “upstream” view on the lives of Malian refugees to identify their unmet needs. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to collect data from various media sources, including data aggregated from the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The most populous refugee camp (Mentao) was visited in September 2012 and in-depth group discussion and interviews were conducted with key informants, including nine camp representatives and four officials from the central and decentralized administrations.ResultsMedia canvass combined with the UNHCR level 2 census revealed a flawed headcount of refugees, which was 205.4% higher than the real number in Burkina Faso. Although refugees live harmoniously with the natives and their security has been assured, they strongly complained about the number of unused food items distributed. Camps were distributed among humanitarian organizations leading to differential advantage and resources from one camp to another. Additionally, idleness, lack of classrooms facilities for pre-school children and lack of continuous healthcare services were major concerns raised. Further, refugees expressed limited involvement in the planning and implementation of programs that are related to their welfare.ConclusionThis study revealed that refugees’ voices were not taken into consideration in making tailor-made programs. This calls for more comprehensive surge capacity to deal with refugees’ basic needs. Further, a strong leadership from hoststate should be encouraged to offer equal opportunities to refugees regardless of their camps. Finally, an innovative strategy is needed to build a reliable database that could enhance the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs.

engaged in formal sex work. STIs including Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) were detected using the Seegene Anyplex qPCR panel. The cervicovaginal microbiome and cytokines were also characterized in a subset of 168 participants. Results The prevalence of any STI was 25.1% (95% CI, 22.3-28.0%). The most common STIs were UU (13.2%) and MH (11.3%), followed by CT (6.6%), TV (3.2%), NG (0.3%), and MG (0.5%). U. urealyticum was more prevalent among sex workers compared to non-sex workers (19.7 vs 10.4%, p=0.001). Number of partners positively correlated with UU (P=0.004), while duration of sexual activity was positively correlated with MH (P<0.001) and UU (P=0.023). Recent history of STI treatment did not correlate with any STI. MH was most associated with symptoms, including vaginal discharge, itching, and painful urination (P< 0.001). All STIs except CT were positively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. UU and MH were correlated with vaginal microbiota alpha diversity (P<0.001). Conclusion U. urealyticum and M. hominis were the most prevalent STIs among young women from Mombasa, Kenya, and these organisms were associated with sexual exposure and an inflammatory mucosal milieu that has been linked to increased HIV acquisition. Disclosure No significant relationships.