Introduction: Malaria still remains a global burden especially in the under-five despite efforts made towards reducing it. The most recommended vector control methods are; use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) or long lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) and use of indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, these innovations may not have the same effect on malaria risk in the under-five. This study therefore aimed at assessing; the effect of ITNs/LLINs on malaria risk, the effect of IRS on malaria risk, and the effect of ITNs/LLINs on IRS, using nearest neighbours matched analysis. Methods: Nearest neighbour matched analysis was used to match the treated and control units by taking each treated unit and searching for the control unit with the nearest neighbours without replacement. Results: The results revealed a significant and negative effect of ITNs/LLINs and IRS on malaria risk [ATET=-0.05; 95% CI= -0.07 – -0.02] and [ATET=-0.12; 95% CI= -0.15 – -0.09] respectively. It also found a significant and positive effect of ITNs/LLINs on IRS [ATET=0.03; 95% CI= 0.01 – 0.05]. Conclusions: The implementation of policies and programs towards effective use of ITN/LLIN and IRS can reduce the burden of under-five malaria in Uganda. Keywords: Indoor residual spraying; insecticide treated nets; long lasting insecticide nets; Malaria; nearest neighbour matching; treatment effects; Uganda.
{"title":"Estimating the under-five malaria risk in Uganda based on the nearest neighbour matched analysis technique","authors":"Charles Natuhamya","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.20","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Malaria still remains a global burden especially in the under-five despite efforts made towards reducing it. The most recommended vector control methods are; use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) or long lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) and use of indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, these innovations may not have the same effect on malaria risk in the under-five. This study therefore aimed at assessing; the effect of ITNs/LLINs on malaria risk, the effect of IRS on malaria risk, and the effect of ITNs/LLINs on IRS, using nearest neighbours matched analysis. \u0000Methods: Nearest neighbour matched analysis was used to match the treated and control units by taking each treated unit and searching for the control unit with the nearest neighbours without replacement. \u0000Results: The results revealed a significant and negative effect of ITNs/LLINs and IRS on malaria risk [ATET=-0.05; 95% CI= -0.07 – -0.02] and [ATET=-0.12; 95% CI= -0.15 – -0.09] respectively. It also found a significant and positive effect of ITNs/LLINs on IRS [ATET=0.03; 95% CI= 0.01 – 0.05]. \u0000Conclusions: The implementation of policies and programs towards effective use of ITN/LLIN and IRS can reduce the burden of under-five malaria in Uganda. \u0000Keywords: Indoor residual spraying; insecticide treated nets; long lasting insecticide nets; Malaria; nearest neighbour matching; treatment effects; Uganda.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"131 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hafidha M Bakari, O. Alo, Mariam S Mbwana, Swalehe M Salim, Emilie Ludeman, Taylor Lascko, Habib O Ramadhani
Introduction: Family planning is an effective intervention for women living with HIV who do not desire to have children to reduce vertical transmission and infant- and pregnancy-related mortality. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of unmet need for family planning (UFP) and unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: This was a systematic review that searched databases from March 2007 to December 2021. UFP was defined as women who were sexually active and did not desire to have additional children (unmet need for limiting), or who delayed their next pregnancy (unmet need for spacing) but were not using any contraception. Unintended pregnancies were defined as women who reported that their last pregnancy was unintended. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Total of 35 articles were included. Overall, the pooled prevalence of UFP was 30.1% (95%CI, 26.4–33.9). The pooled prevalence of unmet need for spacing was 11.9% and 14.2% for limiting.. The pooled prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 16.5% (95%CI, 9.4–25.1). Conclusion: Three in ten women of reproductive age living with HIV in Africa have UFP. Efforts to prevent unsafe abortions from unintended pregnancies are needed to minimize the UFP. Keywords: Unmet need for family planning; women living with HIV; un intended pregnancy; sub-Saharan Africa.
{"title":"Prevalence of unmet need for family planning and unintended pregnancies among women of reproductive age living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Hafidha M Bakari, O. Alo, Mariam S Mbwana, Swalehe M Salim, Emilie Ludeman, Taylor Lascko, Habib O Ramadhani","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Family planning is an effective intervention for women living with HIV who do not desire to have children to reduce vertical transmission and infant- and pregnancy-related mortality. \u0000Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of unmet need for family planning (UFP) and unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. \u0000Methods: This was a systematic review that searched databases from March 2007 to December 2021. UFP was defined as women who were sexually active and did not desire to have additional children (unmet need for limiting), or who delayed their next pregnancy (unmet need for spacing) but were not using any contraception. Unintended pregnancies were defined as women who reported that their last pregnancy was unintended. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI). \u0000Results: Total of 35 articles were included. Overall, the pooled prevalence of UFP was 30.1% (95%CI, 26.4–33.9). The pooled prevalence of unmet need for spacing was 11.9% and 14.2% for limiting.. The pooled prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 16.5% (95%CI, 9.4–25.1). \u0000Conclusion: Three in ten women of reproductive age living with HIV in Africa have UFP. Efforts to prevent unsafe abortions from unintended pregnancies are needed to minimize the UFP. \u0000Keywords: Unmet need for family planning; women living with HIV; un intended pregnancy; sub-Saharan Africa.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"130 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Khulud Nurani, Pamela M Idenya, James Kigera, Philip M Mwachaka
Background: Transverse foramina are canals in cervical transverse processes transmitting the vertebral vessels and the accompanying sympathetic plexus. These foramina exhibit side, sex and population specific variations such as those of size, shape and number. Knowledge of these variations is important for cervical surgical procedures and prediction of vertebral artery variations. Objective: To describe the morphology and morphometry of cervical transverse foramina in an adult Kenyan population. Methods: Ninety-four neck CT scan images of 2 mm slice thickness in axial view were used to assess presence, number, completeness and shape of transverse foramina. Antero-posterior and transverse lengths were measured using NeusoftTM software. Paired and independent t-tests were used to compare morphometric parameters for side and sex respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences in foramina down the cervical spine. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Transverse foramina had a prevalence of 98.78% with 3.64% being duplicated. They were identified as type 1 (circular), type 2 (elongated antero-posteriorly), type 3 (elongated transversely), type 4 (oblique left-right elongation) and type 5 (oblique right-left elongation) in 69.62%, 3.62%, 13.38%, 7.23% and 6.15% respectively. 0.46% foramina were incomplete and 3.19% constricted. Diameters on the right were larger than left. C1 foramina were the largest and C7 smallest. The diameters decreased from C2 to C3 then increased to C6. Conclusion: Transverse foramina display side and level dependent variations. This is of clinical importance to spine surgeons to prevent intraoperative damage of vertebral vessels when operating in the cervical region. Keywords: Morphology and morphometry; transverse foramina; cervical vertebrae; in Kenyan Population; a radiological study.
{"title":"Morphology and morphometry of the transverse foramina of cervical vertebrae in an adult Kenyan population: a radiological study","authors":"Khulud Nurani, Pamela M Idenya, James Kigera, Philip M Mwachaka","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.38","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.38","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Transverse foramina are canals in cervical transverse processes transmitting the vertebral vessels and the accompanying sympathetic plexus. These foramina exhibit side, sex and population specific variations such as those of size, shape and number. Knowledge of these variations is important for cervical surgical procedures and prediction of vertebral artery variations. \u0000Objective: To describe the morphology and morphometry of cervical transverse foramina in an adult Kenyan population. \u0000Methods: Ninety-four neck CT scan images of 2 mm slice thickness in axial view were used to assess presence, number, completeness and shape of transverse foramina. Antero-posterior and transverse lengths were measured using NeusoftTM software. Paired and independent t-tests were used to compare morphometric parameters for side and sex respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences in foramina down the cervical spine. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. \u0000Results: Transverse foramina had a prevalence of 98.78% with 3.64% being duplicated. They were identified as type 1 (circular), type 2 (elongated antero-posteriorly), type 3 (elongated transversely), type 4 (oblique left-right elongation) and type 5 (oblique right-left elongation) in 69.62%, 3.62%, 13.38%, 7.23% and 6.15% respectively. 0.46% foramina were incomplete and 3.19% constricted. Diameters on the right were larger than left. C1 foramina were the largest and C7 smallest. The diameters decreased from C2 to C3 then increased to C6. \u0000Conclusion: Transverse foramina display side and level dependent variations. This is of clinical importance to spine surgeons to prevent intraoperative damage of vertebral vessels when operating in the cervical region. \u0000Keywords: Morphology and morphometry; transverse foramina; cervical vertebrae; in Kenyan Population; a radiological study.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"136 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. HIV treatment was initiated in 2004 and expanded to 94% coverage rate by the 2020. Objectives: i) to determine the level of treatment adherence during COVID-19-induced lockdowns and ii) to investigate the key determinants of adherence to ART during COVID-19-induced lockdowns. Methods: The cross sectional study involved 392 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and was conducted at nine health facilities in Bulawayo City. Data was analysed using the Shapiro-wilk test for normality, Chi-squared test, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Bartlett's test, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, scree plot, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: 94.6% of the respondents took their ARTs on time, and 90.6% did not miss any treatment review. The factors influencing treatment adherence were health systems (beta value 0.334), Family support (beta value 0.138) and knowledge/understanding of treatment (beta value 0.109). Health outcome concerns (beta value -0.194) and food security and livelihoods (beta value 0.191). Conclusion: Three factors had a positive impact on treatment adherence namely, functional health systems, family support, and knowledge or understanding of health treatment, while two factors namely health outcome concerns and food security and livelihoods negatively impacted treatment adherence. Keywords: Impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns; HIV/AIDs patients; Bulawayo; Zimbabwe.
{"title":"The impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns on Antiretroviral-Therapy (ART) adherence by HIV/AIDs patients on ART in the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe","authors":"Jamela Mjabuli, Özdal Macide Artac","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. HIV treatment was initiated in 2004 and expanded to 94% coverage rate by the 2020. \u0000Objectives: i) to determine the level of treatment adherence during COVID-19-induced lockdowns and ii) to investigate the key determinants of adherence to ART during COVID-19-induced lockdowns. \u0000Methods: The cross sectional study involved 392 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and was conducted at nine health facilities in Bulawayo City. Data was analysed using the Shapiro-wilk test for normality, Chi-squared test, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Bartlett's test, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, scree plot, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. \u0000Results: 94.6% of the respondents took their ARTs on time, and 90.6% did not miss any treatment review. The factors influencing treatment adherence were health systems (beta value 0.334), Family support (beta value 0.138) and knowledge/understanding of treatment (beta value 0.109). Health outcome concerns (beta value -0.194) and food security and livelihoods (beta value 0.191). \u0000Conclusion: Three factors had a positive impact on treatment adherence namely, functional health systems, family support, and knowledge or understanding of health treatment, while two factors namely health outcome concerns and food security and livelihoods negatively impacted treatment adherence. \u0000Keywords: Impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns; HIV/AIDs patients; Bulawayo; Zimbabwe.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"59 1‐2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Japhet Kimondo Josephat, Cyprian Beda Mpinda, Rose Justus Masalu
Background: Traditional healers utilize the roots of Suregada zanzibariensis for managing diabetes mellitus. Therefore, evaluation of toxic properties of this plant is important. Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicity of S. zanzibariensis root extract on Wistar rats and to screen phytochemical compounds of the EAESZ. Methods: GCMS analysis of the plant extracts were performed by using GCMS-2010 Shimadzu and mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the data in the library of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Acute oral toxicity testing was carried by administering a single Distilled water extract (DWESZ) and EAESZ to four different groups of rats at dosage of 300mg/kg and 2000mg/kg in each extract to the separately group of rats Results: The GC-MS analysis of S. zanzibariensis roots extract revealed the presence of 10 major compounds. A higher single dose (2000mg/Kg) of EAESZ and DWESZ extract did not produce any sign of toxicity throughout 14 days of study, in terms of changes in behaviour or mortality in tested rats. No significant (p > 0.05) hematological, liver histological, biochemical changes were noticed between rats treated and control rats Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that the plant extract can be classified as non-toxic. Keywords: Phytochemical profiling; acute oral toxicity; Suregada zanzibariensis (Baill) root extract.
{"title":"Phytochemical profiling and acute oral toxicity of Suregada zanzibariensis (Baill) root extract","authors":"Japhet Kimondo Josephat, Cyprian Beda Mpinda, Rose Justus Masalu","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.15","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Traditional healers utilize the roots of Suregada zanzibariensis for managing diabetes mellitus. Therefore, evaluation of toxic properties of this plant is important. \u0000Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicity of S. zanzibariensis root extract on Wistar rats and to screen phytochemical compounds of the EAESZ. \u0000Methods: GCMS analysis of the plant extracts were performed by using GCMS-2010 Shimadzu and mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the data in the library of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Acute oral toxicity testing was carried by administering a single Distilled water extract (DWESZ) and EAESZ to four different groups of rats at dosage of 300mg/kg and 2000mg/kg in each extract to the separately group of rats \u0000Results: The GC-MS analysis of S. zanzibariensis roots extract revealed the presence of 10 major compounds. A higher single dose (2000mg/Kg) of EAESZ and DWESZ extract did not produce any sign of toxicity throughout 14 days of study, in terms of changes in behaviour or mortality in tested rats. No significant (p > 0.05) hematological, liver histological, biochemical changes were noticed between rats treated and control rats \u0000Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that the plant extract can be classified as non-toxic. \u0000Keywords: Phytochemical profiling; acute oral toxicity; Suregada zanzibariensis (Baill) root extract.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"133 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Sodeinde, O. Abolurin, Olaitan Adeyoola, Idongesit Ekpo, Ashley Eto-Ihekwaba, Anuoluwapo Mabogunje, Ginikachukwu Ogbuehi, Ifeanyichukwu Ogbuiyi-chima, Tolulope Ogunsanya
Background: Men’s support improve breastfeeding practices. However, male involvement in breastfeeding practices is low, particularly in middle-and-low-income countries. Objective: This study assessed the perception of spousal involvement in breastfeeding among women attending infant welfare clinic in a private tertiary hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted among 330 mothers. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Spousal involvement was assessed through the report of engagements of their husbands in 9 different activities. Those who participated in at least 5 and fewer than 5 activities were regarded as good and poor involvements respectively. Data were summarized using mean and standard deviation. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with perceived male involvement. P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: Mean age of participants was 32.3±6.5 years. Most (88.2%) of them reported that their husbands were involved in decision-making concerning breastfeeding. Women with monogamous relationships, who had tertiary education, and who were Christians were more likely to report good spousal involvement in breastfeeding. Conclusion: Educated women in monogamous relationships were better supported by their spouses. There is need for women’s education and general empowerment to ensure better breastfeeding practices. Keywords: Spousal involvement; breastfeeding; infant welfare clinic; Ogun State; Nigeria.
{"title":"Perception of spousal involvement in breastfeeding among women attending infant welfare clinic in a private Tertiary Health Institution in Ogun State, Nigeria","authors":"K. Sodeinde, O. Abolurin, Olaitan Adeyoola, Idongesit Ekpo, Ashley Eto-Ihekwaba, Anuoluwapo Mabogunje, Ginikachukwu Ogbuehi, Ifeanyichukwu Ogbuiyi-chima, Tolulope Ogunsanya","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.34","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.34","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Men’s support improve breastfeeding practices. However, male involvement in breastfeeding practices is low, particularly in middle-and-low-income countries. \u0000Objective: This study assessed the perception of spousal involvement in breastfeeding among women attending infant welfare clinic in a private tertiary hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria. \u0000Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted among 330 mothers. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Spousal involvement was assessed through the report of engagements of their husbands in 9 different activities. Those who participated in at least 5 and fewer than 5 activities were regarded as good and poor involvements respectively. Data were summarized using mean and standard deviation. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with perceived male involvement. P < 0.05 was statistically significant. \u0000Results: Mean age of participants was 32.3±6.5 years. Most (88.2%) of them reported that their husbands were involved in decision-making concerning breastfeeding. Women with monogamous relationships, who had tertiary education, and who were Christians were more likely to report good spousal involvement in breastfeeding. \u0000Conclusion: Educated women in monogamous relationships were better supported by their spouses. There is need for women’s education and general empowerment to ensure better breastfeeding practices. \u0000Keywords: Spousal involvement; breastfeeding; infant welfare clinic; Ogun State; Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"44 s153","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soufiane Elmoussaoui, K. Kaoutar, Ahmed Chetoui, Abdeslam El Kardoudi, F. Chigr, Mounir Borrous, M. Najimi
Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is considered as the marker of infant wellbeing and the fundamental focus of infant health policy. The objective of this survey was to determine the prevalence of LBW and its associated factors in term new borns. Methods: The data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with LBW. Results: Totally 350 mother–newborn pairs were participated in this study. Out of this, 16.7% of term neonates were found to be LBW. Of note, employed mothers, mothers having birth interval less or equal to two years, women with previous history of low birth weight and mothers living in passive smoking conditions at home during pregnancy were more likely to have low birth weight babies. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBW in our study could be considered as relatively high. It is recommended that special attention should be given to pregnant mothers to get adequate rest, attentional diet, and antenatal services available and accessible to all pregnant women. Keywords: Low birth weight; newborn; mothers; Marrakesh; Morocco.
{"title":"Prevalence and determinant factors of low birth weight in Marrakesh province, Morocco: cross sectorial survey","authors":"Soufiane Elmoussaoui, K. Kaoutar, Ahmed Chetoui, Abdeslam El Kardoudi, F. Chigr, Mounir Borrous, M. Najimi","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.32","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.32","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is considered as the marker of infant wellbeing and the fundamental focus of infant health policy. The objective of this survey was to determine the prevalence of LBW and its associated factors in term new borns. \u0000Methods: The data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with LBW. \u0000Results: Totally 350 mother–newborn pairs were participated in this study. Out of this, 16.7% of term neonates were found to be LBW. Of note, employed mothers, mothers having birth interval less or equal to two years, women with previous history of low birth weight and mothers living in passive smoking conditions at home during pregnancy were more likely to have low birth weight babies. \u0000Conclusion: The prevalence of LBW in our study could be considered as relatively high. It is recommended that special attention should be given to pregnant mothers to get adequate rest, attentional diet, and antenatal services available and accessible to all pregnant women. \u0000Keywords: Low birth weight; newborn; mothers; Marrakesh; Morocco.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"124 s440","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141835050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eliena Kisaka, T. Kabalimu, I. Semali, Y. Mashalla
Background: Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among HIV+ve women. Objective: To determine factors influencing utilisation of cervical cancer screening among HIV+ve women attending Cancer Treatment and Care in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Methods: Cross-sectional study among HIV+ve women was carried out between September and October 2021; collected using a standardised questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine cervical cancer extent and association of predictors of cervical cancer screening. Results: 230 HIV+ve women aged 21–60 years were interviewed. Only 47% had screened for cervical cancer. Low knowledge of HIV+ve as risk significantly associated with less likelihood to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 0.49, 95% CI (0.253-0.957, P = 0.037)]. Parity of 3 or more was twice likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.124, 95% CI (1.012-4.456, P = 0.046)]; and housewives were 2.5 more likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.594, 95% CI (1.149-5.853, P = 0.002)]. Lack of knowledge on preventive measures was less associated with likelihood to screen [AOR 0.114, 95% CI (0.013-0.972, P = 0.047)]. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge on HIV+ve and prevention, age and parity are likely to influence utilisation of cervical cancer screening services. Keywords: Cervical cancer; HIV positive women.
{"title":"Factors influencing utilisation of cervical cancer screening services among HIV positive women attending care and treatment centres in Kinondoni municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania","authors":"Eliena Kisaka, T. Kabalimu, I. Semali, Y. Mashalla","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among HIV+ve women. \u0000Objective: To determine factors influencing utilisation of cervical cancer screening among HIV+ve women attending Cancer Treatment and Care in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam. \u0000Methods: Cross-sectional study among HIV+ve women was carried out between September and October 2021; collected using a standardised questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine cervical cancer extent and association of predictors of cervical cancer screening. \u0000Results: 230 HIV+ve women aged 21–60 years were interviewed. Only 47% had screened for cervical cancer. Low knowledge of HIV+ve as risk significantly associated with less likelihood to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 0.49, 95% CI (0.253-0.957, P = 0.037)]. Parity of 3 or more was twice likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.124, 95% CI (1.012-4.456, P = 0.046)]; and housewives were 2.5 more likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.594, 95% CI (1.149-5.853, P = 0.002)]. Lack of knowledge on preventive measures was less associated with likelihood to screen [AOR 0.114, 95% CI (0.013-0.972, P = 0.047)]. \u0000Conclusion: Lack of knowledge on HIV+ve and prevention, age and parity are likely to influence utilisation of cervical cancer screening services. \u0000Keywords: Cervical cancer; HIV positive women.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"74 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents with numerous functional disabilities which require specific expertise for effective management. Objective: To describe the level of PD-specific expertise among physiotherapists (PTs) in Ghana and establish the association between the level of expertise, practice duration and number of persons with PD treated annually. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among PTs. A 25-item questionnaire was validated, piloted and distributed to PTs during an annual general meeting. Microsoft Excel 2016 and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to perform descriptive statistical analysis and test for association respectively. Results: There was a 70% (n=42/60) response rate. Overall, 50%-90% of the participating PTs had limited knowledge about the cardinal motor signs, non-motor symptoms, motor complications of PD and setting of treatment goals. There was no significant association between participants’ level of PD-Specific expertise and practice duration and number of persons with PD treated annually. Conclusion: The PTs exhibited inadequate knowledge about PD and its management. This limitation was not influenced by PTs practice duration or number of persons with PD treated annually. The immediate need for PD-specific training for PTs in Ghana is crucial to enhance PTs’ expertise in the management of persons with PD. Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; physiotherapy; professional knowledge.
{"title":"Evaluating the knowledge, practice and experience about management of Parkinson’s Disease among physiotherapists in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey","authors":"Mary Agoriwo","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.45","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.45","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents with numerous functional disabilities which require specific expertise for effective management. \u0000Objective: To describe the level of PD-specific expertise among physiotherapists (PTs) in Ghana and establish the association between the level of expertise, practice duration and number of persons with PD treated annually. \u0000Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among PTs. A 25-item questionnaire was validated, piloted and distributed to PTs during an annual general meeting. Microsoft Excel 2016 and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to perform descriptive statistical analysis and test for association respectively. \u0000Results: There was a 70% (n=42/60) response rate. Overall, 50%-90% of the participating PTs had limited knowledge about the cardinal motor signs, non-motor symptoms, motor complications of PD and setting of treatment goals. There was no significant association between participants’ level of PD-Specific expertise and practice duration and number of persons with PD treated annually. \u0000Conclusion: The PTs exhibited inadequate knowledge about PD and its management. This limitation was not influenced by PTs practice duration or number of persons with PD treated annually. The immediate need for PD-specific training for PTs in Ghana is crucial to enhance PTs’ expertise in the management of persons with PD. \u0000Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; physiotherapy; professional knowledge.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"20 2‐3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Intestinal obstruction is a major cause of surgical admissions in African countries. In this study, we assessed the causes, management outcome and associated factors among patients admitted with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction to AURH. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients admitted to AURH with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction from September 2017G.C. to August 2020G.C. Results: Sigmoid volvulus and Adhesions were the most common causes of large bowel obstruction and small bowel obstruction, respectively accounting for 85.4% and 37.3% of cases. 203(69.3%) patients were managed operatively among which 70(23.9%) had unfavorable outcome. The mortality rate of intestinal obstruction in our study population was 5.5%. Factors which had significant association with management outcome were length of hospital stay, history of abdominal surgery and history of intestinal obstruction. Conclusion: The most common causes of intestinal obstruction in our study population were similar to the one’s implicated in other studies done in the low-income countries. There is relatively high rate of unfavorable outcome which calls for further investigation as to why this is occurring. We recommend also interventions to be implemented to reduce the causes of morbidity and mortality related to intestinal obstruction found in this study. Keywords: Intestinal obstruction; management outcome; causes of intestinal obstruction.
{"title":"Causes, management outcome, and associated factors in patients admitted with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction to Ambo University Referral Hospital: a 3-year retrospective chart review","authors":"Erko Beyene, Meti Negassa","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v24i2.36","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.36","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Intestinal obstruction is a major cause of surgical admissions in African countries. In this study, we assessed the causes, management outcome and associated factors among patients admitted with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction to AURH. \u0000Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients admitted to AURH with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction from September 2017G.C. to August 2020G.C. \u0000Results: Sigmoid volvulus and Adhesions were the most common causes of large bowel obstruction and small bowel obstruction, respectively accounting for 85.4% and 37.3% of cases. 203(69.3%) patients were managed operatively among which 70(23.9%) had unfavorable outcome. The mortality rate of intestinal obstruction in our study population was 5.5%. Factors which had significant association with management outcome were length of hospital stay, history of abdominal surgery and history of intestinal obstruction. \u0000Conclusion: The most common causes of intestinal obstruction in our study population were similar to the one’s implicated in other studies done in the low-income countries. There is relatively high rate of unfavorable outcome which calls for further investigation as to why this is occurring. We recommend also interventions to be implemented to reduce the causes of morbidity and mortality related to intestinal obstruction found in this study. \u0000Keywords: Intestinal obstruction; management outcome; causes of intestinal obstruction.","PeriodicalId":94295,"journal":{"name":"African health sciences","volume":"8 2‐3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141834836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}