Chizoba Okeke, Robert Okonkwo, Nancy Ibeh, Oluchukwu Chukwuma, Chisom Okeke
Background: Gender variation is a feature of many physiological parameters including inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation is an obvious feature of Tuberculosis (TB) infection with changes in pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Objective: To compare the levels of inflammatory cytokines between male and female TB patients before treatment, after 2-months and after 6-months anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Materials and methods: A total of 35 males and 25 females TB subjects were enlisted before initiation of therapy and followed up after 2-months and 6 months treatment and samples collected and analysed. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 10 (IL-10, Interleukin -6 (IL-6), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were assayed by ELISA method.
Results: Before treatment, the median level of IL-6 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in males compared to female TB patients (P=0.046). While after 2-months treatment, TNF-α (pg/ml) and IL-10 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in males compared with females (P=0.008 and 0.045 respectively). Conversely, the median IL-6 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in female TB patients compared to the males (P=0.042). No significant differences were observed after 6-months treatment.
Conclusion: Gender differences exist in IL-6 before treatment and in IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 at two months treatment. Thus, TB treatment contributes differentially to levels of inflammatory cytokines in male and female TB patients.
Keywords: Tuberculosis; anti-tuberculosis drugs; cytokines; inflammation.
{"title":"Assessment of gender differences in some inflammatory cytokines of tuberculosis patients before and during treatment","authors":"Chizoba Okeke, Robert Okonkwo, Nancy Ibeh, Oluchukwu Chukwuma, Chisom Okeke","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.40","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Gender variation is a feature of many physiological parameters including inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation is an obvious feature of Tuberculosis (TB) infection with changes in pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
 Objective: To compare the levels of inflammatory cytokines between male and female TB patients before treatment, after 2-months and after 6-months anti-tuberculosis treatment.
 Materials and methods: A total of 35 males and 25 females TB subjects were enlisted before initiation of therapy and followed up after 2-months and 6 months treatment and samples collected and analysed. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 10 (IL-10, Interleukin -6 (IL-6), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were assayed by ELISA method.
 Results: Before treatment, the median level of IL-6 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in males compared to female TB patients (P=0.046). While after 2-months treatment, TNF-α (pg/ml) and IL-10 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in males compared with females (P=0.008 and 0.045 respectively). Conversely, the median IL-6 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in female TB patients compared to the males (P=0.042). No significant differences were observed after 6-months treatment.
 Conclusion: Gender differences exist in IL-6 before treatment and in IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 at two months treatment. Thus, TB treatment contributes differentially to levels of inflammatory cytokines in male and female TB patients.
 Keywords: Tuberculosis; anti-tuberculosis drugs; cytokines; inflammation.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136211816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
John G E, Okpo E A, Akpanke J, Okoro C U, Omang P A, Lennox J A
Background: This study was aimed at evaluating the microbial quality and proximate analysis of soymilk produced and soldwithin Calabar Metropolis.
Methodology: Soymilk samples were purchased in pairs from five locations in Calabar Metropolis. The samples collected weresubjected to microbiological and proximate analysis to ascertain the hygienic standards of the products and nutrient contents.
Results: The result showed that the highest heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.3 × 105 cfu/ml was recorded in soymilk samplesold in Goldie market while the least (2.7 × 104 cfu/ml) was recorded at Watt market. The mean fungal count was highest inAkim market samples (5.8 x 104 cfu/ml) and lowest in Atimbo market samples (2.4 x 103 cfu/ml). The probable bacterial andfungal isolates were identified as: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp,Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp. All the isolated bacteria species were found to be resistant to more than 50% of the antibiotics used. Proximate composition analysis of the soymilk samples revealed high moisture,carbohydrate and protein contents.
Conclusion: The microbial population detected in terms of number and types reflected poor hygienic standard of production.
Keywords: Soymilk; contamination; public health; hygiene; foodborne illnesses.
{"title":"Microbiological quality and proximate analysis of locally produced soymilk drinks sold in Calabar Metropolis; a public health assessment","authors":"John G E, Okpo E A, Akpanke J, Okoro C U, Omang P A, Lennox J A","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.87","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.87","url":null,"abstract":"Background: This study was aimed at evaluating the microbial quality and proximate analysis of soymilk produced and soldwithin Calabar Metropolis.
 Methodology: Soymilk samples were purchased in pairs from five locations in Calabar Metropolis. The samples collected weresubjected to microbiological and proximate analysis to ascertain the hygienic standards of the products and nutrient contents.
 Results: The result showed that the highest heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.3 × 105 cfu/ml was recorded in soymilk samplesold in Goldie market while the least (2.7 × 104 cfu/ml) was recorded at Watt market. The mean fungal count was highest inAkim market samples (5.8 x 104 cfu/ml) and lowest in Atimbo market samples (2.4 x 103 cfu/ml). The probable bacterial andfungal isolates were identified as: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp,Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp. All the isolated bacteria species were found to be resistant to more than 50% of the antibiotics used. Proximate composition analysis of the soymilk samples revealed high moisture,carbohydrate and protein contents.
 Conclusion: The microbial population detected in terms of number and types reflected poor hygienic standard of production.
 Keywords: Soymilk; contamination; public health; hygiene; foodborne illnesses.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136211821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa are at a greater risk of experiencing the adverse consequences of risky sexual behavior such as unwanted pregnancy and school drop-out than adolescents from other regions.
Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and identified the demographic, school and social factors associated with risky sexual behavior among secondary school students in Uganda.
Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in 12 secondary schools in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. A self-reported questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence and predictors of risky sexual behavior among the students.
Results: Out of the 910 students, 314 (34.6%) were sexually active and almost two in every ten adolescents had engaged in risky sexual behavior 171 (18.8%). About 27 (8.7%) had been pregnant or impregnated their sexual partner while 143 (45.6%) used condoms consistently. Risky sexual behavior was associated with age, gender of the student as well as alcohol consumption, smoking and substance use.
Conclusion: Most of the participants were not sexually active, however, among the sexually active students, more than half engaged in risky sexual behavior. This finding suggests the need to introduce comprehensive sex education with a focus on safe sex practices in secondary schools in Uganda.
Keywords: Prevalence; risk factors; sexual behavior.
{"title":"A cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors of risky sexual behavior among school-going adolescents in Mbarara municipality, Uganda","authors":"Michael U Anyanwu, Imelda Tamwesigire","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.14","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa are at a greater risk of experiencing the adverse consequences of risky sexual behavior such as unwanted pregnancy and school drop-out than adolescents from other regions.
 Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and identified the demographic, school and social factors associated with risky sexual behavior among secondary school students in Uganda.
 Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in 12 secondary schools in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. A self-reported questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence and predictors of risky sexual behavior among the students.
 Results: Out of the 910 students, 314 (34.6%) were sexually active and almost two in every ten adolescents had engaged in risky sexual behavior 171 (18.8%). About 27 (8.7%) had been pregnant or impregnated their sexual partner while 143 (45.6%) used condoms consistently. Risky sexual behavior was associated with age, gender of the student as well as alcohol consumption, smoking and substance use.
 Conclusion: Most of the participants were not sexually active, however, among the sexually active students, more than half engaged in risky sexual behavior. This finding suggests the need to introduce comprehensive sex education with a focus on safe sex practices in secondary schools in Uganda.
 Keywords: Prevalence; risk factors; sexual behavior.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136211823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kapembwa Sikwewa, Paul Simusika, Mulowa Mumbula, Darlington M Mwenya, Chungu Mandona, Gina Mulundu
Background: Fungal opportunistic infections in burn wound patients are among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.Attention remains focused on preventing bacterial infection at the expense of increasing fungal infection in burn wound patients.
Objective: To determine the occurrence of common fungi in admitted burn wound patients and their environment: and theirantifungal susceptibility patterns at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods: This laboratory-based cross-sectional study enrolled a total 101 participants whose pus swab specimens were collectedfrom their burn wounds as well as 50 environmental swabs collected from strategic points. Wet mount, gram stain, culture onSabouraud dextrose agar, Corn meal agar and Germ tube were used to identify possible fungal isolates. Agar based disc susceptibilitytest was carried out using fluconazole. Data was analysed using Excel and STAT version 14.
Results: Median age was 3 years and median burn % of TBSA was 18 in participants’ who had burn wound fungal infectionand consisted of 3 males and 6 females. Organisms isolated included Candida albicans from 8(7.9%) participants and 2(4%) from50 environmental swabs. 1(1%) Candida spp was isolated from pus swabs. Out of the total 11 Candida isolates, 4 (36.4%) weresusceptible to fluconazole and 7 (63.6%) were resistant.
Conclusion: The isolation of Candida albicans and Candida spp from burn wound patients and the hospital ward environmentsuggests presence of fungi in burn wound patients and hospital ward environments. Candida isolated showed varying susceptibilitypatterns to fluconazole.
Keywords: Burns; Candida albicans; CLSI; fungal infection; Susceptibility patterns.
{"title":"The occurrence of fungi from burn wound patients and antifungal susceptibility patterns: a cross-sectional study in Lusaka, Zambia","authors":"Kapembwa Sikwewa, Paul Simusika, Mulowa Mumbula, Darlington M Mwenya, Chungu Mandona, Gina Mulundu","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.58","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.58","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Fungal opportunistic infections in burn wound patients are among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.Attention remains focused on preventing bacterial infection at the expense of increasing fungal infection in burn wound patients.
 Objective: To determine the occurrence of common fungi in admitted burn wound patients and their environment: and theirantifungal susceptibility patterns at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.
 Methods: This laboratory-based cross-sectional study enrolled a total 101 participants whose pus swab specimens were collectedfrom their burn wounds as well as 50 environmental swabs collected from strategic points. Wet mount, gram stain, culture onSabouraud dextrose agar, Corn meal agar and Germ tube were used to identify possible fungal isolates. Agar based disc susceptibilitytest was carried out using fluconazole. Data was analysed using Excel and STAT version 14.
 Results: Median age was 3 years and median burn % of TBSA was 18 in participants’ who had burn wound fungal infectionand consisted of 3 males and 6 females. Organisms isolated included Candida albicans from 8(7.9%) participants and 2(4%) from50 environmental swabs. 1(1%) Candida spp was isolated from pus swabs. Out of the total 11 Candida isolates, 4 (36.4%) weresusceptible to fluconazole and 7 (63.6%) were resistant.
 Conclusion: The isolation of Candida albicans and Candida spp from burn wound patients and the hospital ward environmentsuggests presence of fungi in burn wound patients and hospital ward environments. Candida isolated showed varying susceptibilitypatterns to fluconazole.
 Keywords: Burns; Candida albicans; CLSI; fungal infection; Susceptibility patterns.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ben Jemaa Houda, Khlifi Sarra, Inchirah Karmous, Jamoussi Henda, El Kari Khalid, Aguenaou Hassan, Aouidet Abdallah, Mankaï Amani
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relation of body mass index (BMI) to fat mass among children by two techniquesimpedancemetry and deuterium oxide dilution (D2O).
Methods: This study was carried out in 156 schoolchildren aged between 8 and 11 years. The children received interrogationspecifying lifestyle and food habits. Body composition was determined using the impedancemetry and D2O technique.
Results: The results showed a difference between the percentage of obese and overweight children according to BMIZ classification(30.1%), bioelectrical impedance method (14.7%) and D2O technique (42.9%). Despite the difference between the lasttwo classifications, we found a significant correlation between body fat percentages determined by impedancemetry and D2Otechnique (r = 0.695, p<0.01). Bioelectrical impedance analysis underestimated %BF by 78.02% in overall children, by 70.05%in boys and by 84.73% in girls compared to D2O technique.
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the percentage of overweight and obesity varied according the methods used.Further development of body composition methods is needed in children for the real determination of the obesity prevalenceand therefore a better monitoring of this public health problem.
Keywords: BMI; body fat; deuterium isotopic dilution; impedancemetry; obesity.
{"title":"Relationship of body mass index to percent body fat determined by deuterium isotopic dilution and impedancemetry among Tunisian schoolchildren","authors":"Ben Jemaa Houda, Khlifi Sarra, Inchirah Karmous, Jamoussi Henda, El Kari Khalid, Aguenaou Hassan, Aouidet Abdallah, Mankaï Amani","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.77","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.77","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relation of body mass index (BMI) to fat mass among children by two techniquesimpedancemetry and deuterium oxide dilution (D2O).
 Methods: This study was carried out in 156 schoolchildren aged between 8 and 11 years. The children received interrogationspecifying lifestyle and food habits. Body composition was determined using the impedancemetry and D2O technique.
 Results: The results showed a difference between the percentage of obese and overweight children according to BMIZ classification(30.1%), bioelectrical impedance method (14.7%) and D2O technique (42.9%). Despite the difference between the lasttwo classifications, we found a significant correlation between body fat percentages determined by impedancemetry and D2Otechnique (r = 0.695, p<0.01). Bioelectrical impedance analysis underestimated %BF by 78.02% in overall children, by 70.05%in boys and by 84.73% in girls compared to D2O technique.
 Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the percentage of overweight and obesity varied according the methods used.Further development of body composition methods is needed in children for the real determination of the obesity prevalenceand therefore a better monitoring of this public health problem.
 Keywords: BMI; body fat; deuterium isotopic dilution; impedancemetry; obesity.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: The study aimed to determine the prevalence, causes, and associated factors of visual impairment and blindnessamong the older population in Outreach sites, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-outreach-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 821 older population which were selectedusing a systematic random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews and ocular examinations were performed to collect thedata. A binary logistic regression was performed.
Result: A total of 821 participants were recruited for the study with a median age of 57 years, with a range of 40-91 years. Outof 821 participants, 41.8% had visual impairment, and 11.7% were blind. Sixty-four and fifty seven percent of visual impairmentand blindness were caused by cataract. Age ≥70years (AOR=15.0; 95%CI: 8.4-26.9), rural residency (AOR=2.3; 95%CI: 1.5-3.6),non-formal education (AOR=3.0; 95%CI: 1.6-5.6), unemployed (AOR=1.5;95%CI:1.05-2.4) and history of eye examination(AOR=1.7;95%CI:1.1-2.8) were positively associated with visual impairment. Similarly, blindness was significantly associatedwith age ≥ 70years (AOR=7.2; 95%CI: 3.1-16.6), rural residency (AOR=2.2;95%CI:1.2-4.2), and history of eye examination(AOR=1.9; 95%CI: 1.1- 3.3).
Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in this study was found to be high. Age, residency, educationalstatus, occupational status, and history of eye examination were significantly associated with visual impairment and blindness.
Keywords: Visual impairment; blindness; older population; Northwest Ethiopia.
{"title":"Prevalence, causes and associated factors of visual impairment and blindness among older population in outreach site, Northwest Ethiopia. A dual center cross-sectional study","authors":"Melkamu Temeselew Tegegn, Aragaw Kegne Assaye, Gizachew Tilahun Belete","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.79","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.79","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The study aimed to determine the prevalence, causes, and associated factors of visual impairment and blindnessamong the older population in Outreach sites, Northwest Ethiopia.
 Methods: A community-outreach-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 821 older population which were selectedusing a systematic random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews and ocular examinations were performed to collect thedata. A binary logistic regression was performed.
 Result: A total of 821 participants were recruited for the study with a median age of 57 years, with a range of 40-91 years. Outof 821 participants, 41.8% had visual impairment, and 11.7% were blind. Sixty-four and fifty seven percent of visual impairmentand blindness were caused by cataract. Age ≥70years (AOR=15.0; 95%CI: 8.4-26.9), rural residency (AOR=2.3; 95%CI: 1.5-3.6),non-formal education (AOR=3.0; 95%CI: 1.6-5.6), unemployed (AOR=1.5;95%CI:1.05-2.4) and history of eye examination(AOR=1.7;95%CI:1.1-2.8) were positively associated with visual impairment. Similarly, blindness was significantly associatedwith age ≥ 70years (AOR=7.2; 95%CI: 3.1-16.6), rural residency (AOR=2.2;95%CI:1.2-4.2), and history of eye examination(AOR=1.9; 95%CI: 1.1- 3.3).
 Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in this study was found to be high. Age, residency, educationalstatus, occupational status, and history of eye examination were significantly associated with visual impairment and blindness.
 Keywords: Visual impairment; blindness; older population; Northwest Ethiopia.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shahid Mahmood, Ashraf Coovadia, Abdullah E Laher, Ahmed Adam
Background: Smartphone and mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have become an integral part of the day-to-day function of healthcare professionals, allowing quick, comprehensive, and up-to-date access to current clinical guidelines and other reference material.
Objective: To evaluate the extent and nature of use of mHealth apps by paediatric department doctors in South Africa.
Methods: E-mails requesting study participation were sent out to 285 paediatric department doctors employed at six hospitals affiliated to the University of the Witwatersrand. Willing participants were directed to complete the online study questionnaire.
Results: A total of 150 respondents completed the questionnaire. All respondents owned a mobile device and already had one or more mHealth apps, 95.3% were unaware of any regulatory body responsible for regulating the use of mHealth apps, 86.0% did not have access to free Wi-Fi at work and 87.3% used an mHealth app at least once daily. Drug dosing (81.3%), diagnostic (59.3%) and clinical decision-making (44.7%) apps were the most common app categories with Medscape® (62.0%) and EMGuidance® (41.3%) being the most frequently used apps. Peer recommendation (76.0%), app credibility (74.0%) and app functionality (66.0%) were the most common factors that were considered by respondents prior to downloading or using an mHealth app.
Conclusion: Medical apps are frequently used among paediatric medical doctors of all ranks. Drug dosing, diagnostic and clinical decision-making apps are the most common app categories in use. Improved awareness of the regulations pertaining to the use of mHealth apps amongst doctors is required.
Keywords: Medical apps; mHealth; mobile health; smartphone health; information technology; drug dosing app; medical diagnostic app.
{"title":"mHealth app usage amongst paediatric department doctors in South Africa","authors":"Shahid Mahmood, Ashraf Coovadia, Abdullah E Laher, Ahmed Adam","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.24","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Smartphone and mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have become an integral part of the day-to-day function of healthcare professionals, allowing quick, comprehensive, and up-to-date access to current clinical guidelines and other reference material.
 Objective: To evaluate the extent and nature of use of mHealth apps by paediatric department doctors in South Africa.
 Methods: E-mails requesting study participation were sent out to 285 paediatric department doctors employed at six hospitals affiliated to the University of the Witwatersrand. Willing participants were directed to complete the online study questionnaire.
 Results: A total of 150 respondents completed the questionnaire. All respondents owned a mobile device and already had one or more mHealth apps, 95.3% were unaware of any regulatory body responsible for regulating the use of mHealth apps, 86.0% did not have access to free Wi-Fi at work and 87.3% used an mHealth app at least once daily. Drug dosing (81.3%), diagnostic (59.3%) and clinical decision-making (44.7%) apps were the most common app categories with Medscape® (62.0%) and EMGuidance® (41.3%) being the most frequently used apps. Peer recommendation (76.0%), app credibility (74.0%) and app functionality (66.0%) were the most common factors that were considered by respondents prior to downloading or using an mHealth app.
 Conclusion: Medical apps are frequently used among paediatric medical doctors of all ranks. Drug dosing, diagnostic and clinical decision-making apps are the most common app categories in use. Improved awareness of the regulations pertaining to the use of mHealth apps amongst doctors is required.
 Keywords: Medical apps; mHealth; mobile health; smartphone health; information technology; drug dosing app; medical diagnostic app.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136212129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: To investigate the risk factors of thyroid nodule recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Methods: The medical record information of 120 patients with thyroid nodules admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to April 2022 was retrospectively analysed. All participants received RFA treatment. According to the results of the postoperative thyroid ultrasoundexamination (USG), the patients were divided into the recurrence group (R, N=16) and the non-recurrence group (NR,N=104). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors of thyroid nodule recurrenceafter RFA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the value of the forecast of each independentfactor and combined model for thyroid nodule recurrence after RFA.
Results: During the follow-up period, 16 patients recurred, and the recurrence rate was 13.33%. Univariate regression analysisshowed that whether the nodules are solitary (WNS), nodule diameter (ND), the degree of risk of nodular location (DRN),recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury were associated with thyroid nodule recurrence after RFA (P<0.05). Binary logisticregression analysis showed that WNS, ND, DRN and RLN injury were independent risk factors for the recurrence of thyroidnodules after RFA (P<0.05). ROC analysis of independent factors and combined model showed that solitary nodules, nodulediameter and nodule location risk degree had diagnostic value, while RLN injury had no predictive value. The combined modelis more predictive than the independent factors.
Conclusions: The risk factors of recurrent thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation are related to WNS, ND, DRN and so on, which should be paid attention to and preventive measures should be taken.
Keywords: Thyroid nodules; radiofrequency ablation; recurrence; risk factors.
{"title":"Risk factors of recurrent thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation","authors":"Yuke Xia, Yuehe Fu, Mengjia Qian, Yiyao Cui","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.68","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.68","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To investigate the risk factors of thyroid nodule recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
 Methods: The medical record information of 120 patients with thyroid nodules admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to April 2022 was retrospectively analysed. All participants received RFA treatment. According to the results of the postoperative thyroid ultrasoundexamination (USG), the patients were divided into the recurrence group (R, N=16) and the non-recurrence group (NR,N=104). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors of thyroid nodule recurrenceafter RFA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the value of the forecast of each independentfactor and combined model for thyroid nodule recurrence after RFA.
 Results: During the follow-up period, 16 patients recurred, and the recurrence rate was 13.33%. Univariate regression analysisshowed that whether the nodules are solitary (WNS), nodule diameter (ND), the degree of risk of nodular location (DRN),recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury were associated with thyroid nodule recurrence after RFA (P<0.05). Binary logisticregression analysis showed that WNS, ND, DRN and RLN injury were independent risk factors for the recurrence of thyroidnodules after RFA (P<0.05). ROC analysis of independent factors and combined model showed that solitary nodules, nodulediameter and nodule location risk degree had diagnostic value, while RLN injury had no predictive value. The combined modelis more predictive than the independent factors.
 Conclusions: The risk factors of recurrent thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation are related to WNS, ND, DRN and so on, which should be paid attention to and preventive measures should be taken.
 Keywords: Thyroid nodules; radiofrequency ablation; recurrence; risk factors.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136212130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Setting-objective: Current COVID-19 outbreak has led to many behavioural changes, including smoking behaviours. We aimed to investigate the success of quitting smoking of smoking cessation outpatients.
Design: Patients who applied to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic of a state hospital during the pandemic were retrospectively analysed. Smoking cessation success, personal views and experiences about COVID-19 were questioned. Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale was applied.
Results: The smoking cessation rate in the study population was 14.7%. The reasons for not being able to quit smoking were; stress (51.9%), drug discontinuation (28.4%) and reasons related to COVID-19 (12.3%). According to HADS scores; 35.8% of the participants were at risk for anxiety and 72.6% for depression. Those with pulmonary symptoms at the time of application (p=0.001), those who continued smoking cessation treatment (p=0.016), and those without depressive symptoms (p=0.040) were significantly more successful in quitting smoking. The rate of continuing smoking was significantly higher in patients with a history of COVID-19 <18.9% of participants>(p=0.013).
Conclusion: Intense stress and depressive symptoms, discontinuation of smoking cessation treatment and being infected with Coronavirus negatively affect the smoking cessation process in pandemic. These parameters should be considered during smoking cessation interviews and behavioural support should be obtained if necessary.
Keywords: Smoking; cessation; pandemics.
{"title":"Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on smoking cessation success","authors":"Pakize Ayşe Turan, Onur Turan","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.50","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.50","url":null,"abstract":"Setting-objective: Current COVID-19 outbreak has led to many behavioural changes, including smoking behaviours. We aimed to investigate the success of quitting smoking of smoking cessation outpatients.
 Design: Patients who applied to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic of a state hospital during the pandemic were retrospectively analysed. Smoking cessation success, personal views and experiences about COVID-19 were questioned. Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale was applied.
 Results: The smoking cessation rate in the study population was 14.7%. The reasons for not being able to quit smoking were; stress (51.9%), drug discontinuation (28.4%) and reasons related to COVID-19 (12.3%). According to HADS scores; 35.8% of the participants were at risk for anxiety and 72.6% for depression. Those with pulmonary symptoms at the time of application (p=0.001), those who continued smoking cessation treatment (p=0.016), and those without depressive symptoms (p=0.040) were significantly more successful in quitting smoking. The rate of continuing smoking was significantly higher in patients with a history of COVID-19 <18.9% of participants>(p=0.013).
 Conclusion: Intense stress and depressive symptoms, discontinuation of smoking cessation treatment and being infected with Coronavirus negatively affect the smoking cessation process in pandemic. These parameters should be considered during smoking cessation interviews and behavioural support should be obtained if necessary.
 Keywords: Smoking; cessation; pandemics.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The research was conducted to determine the level of weight self-stigma, depression loneliness and whether is there a relationshipbetween them. This was a descriptive correlational study. The study was conducted in a diet outpatient clinic of auniversity hospital. Participants had moderate weight self-stigma, depression and loneliness. Weight self-stigma sub-dimensionsself-devaluation (β=0.28; p<0.001) and fear of enacted stigma (β=0.28; p<0.001) equally predicted depression. Fear of enactedstigma predicted social loneliness negatively (β=-.44; p<0.001). Fear of enacted stigma (β =.16, p<.005) and depression (β =.44,p<.001) predicted emotional loneliness positively. Weight self-stigma was positively correlated with depression and loneliness(p<0.001).
Keywords: Obesity; weight self stigma; depression; loneliness.
{"title":"The relationship between weight self-stigma, depression and loneliness in people with obesity","authors":"Aysel A Özdemir, Hilal Türkben","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.80","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.80","url":null,"abstract":"The research was conducted to determine the level of weight self-stigma, depression loneliness and whether is there a relationshipbetween them. This was a descriptive correlational study. The study was conducted in a diet outpatient clinic of auniversity hospital. Participants had moderate weight self-stigma, depression and loneliness. Weight self-stigma sub-dimensionsself-devaluation (β=0.28; p<0.001) and fear of enacted stigma (β=0.28; p<0.001) equally predicted depression. Fear of enactedstigma predicted social loneliness negatively (β=-.44; p<0.001). Fear of enacted stigma (β =.16, p<.005) and depression (β =.44,p<.001) predicted emotional loneliness positively. Weight self-stigma was positively correlated with depression and loneliness(p<0.001).
 Keywords: Obesity; weight self stigma; depression; loneliness.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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