| 1. |
- Nsai, Frankline Sanyuy, et al.
(författare)
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Knowledge and practices of health practitioners on treatment of Buruli ulcer in the Mbonge, Ekondo Titi and Muyuka Health Districts, South West Region, Cameroon
- 2018
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Ingår i: Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 31
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract Introduction: after tuberculosis and leprosy, Buruli ulcer (BU) is the third most common mycobacterial infection. Buruli ulcer begins as a localized skin lesion that progresses to extensive ulceration thus leading to functional disability, loss of economic productivity and social stigma. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and practices among health practitioners on the treatment of BU in the Mbonge, Ekondo Titi and Muyuka Health Districts of the South West Region of Cameroon. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study that investigates participants' knowledge and practices on the treatment of BU. The study uses a qualitative method ofstructured questionnaires in the process of data collection. Results: seventy percent (70%) of the participants acknowledged they encounter cases of BU in their respective Hospitals or Health centers. Among these, 48% agreed they managed BU in their facilities and up to 91.7% noted that their community members are aware that BU is managed in their facility while seventy percent of the medical practitioners indicated they cannot identify the various stages of BU. Eighty-one percent of the practitioners from Muyuka HD indicated they could not identify the various stages of BU. More than 63% of the practitioners regarded BU patients as normal people in their communities however, practitioners that practiced for less than 5 years were likely not to admit BU patients in the same room with other patients. Beliefs such as being cursed (47.06%) and being possessed (29.41%) were reported by practitioners that acknowledged the existence of traditional beliefs in the community. Conclusion: despite the fact that a majority of the health practitioners knew what BU is, most of them demonstrated lack of knowledge on the identification of the various stages and management of the illness. Practitioners demonstrated positive attitude towards patients although they would not admit them in the same room with other patients. Considering the poor knowledge on identification and management demonstrated by most of the practitioners, management of the disease would be inadequate and may even aggravate the patient's situation. Training and onsite mentorship on screening, identification and management of BU is therefore highly recommended amongst health personnel practicing in endemic areas.
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| 2. |
- Agyemang, Joyce, et al.
(författare)
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Contraceptive use and associated factors among sexually active female adolescents in Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ashanti region-Ghana
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 32:182
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract Introduction: unintended pregnancies and adolescent childbearing are on the increase in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, 14% of adolescents aged 15-19 are already mothers or pregnant with their first child. Most of these pregnancies are associated with poor outcomes such as miscarriages, stillbirths, unsafe abortions and other complications that might result in infant or mortality. In addition, sexually-active adolescents (16-19 years) are at higher risk of contracting STIs. Evidence suggest that contraceptive use help reduce fertility rate and adolescent reproductive health. This study therefore sought to understand the magnitude and associated factors that influence female adolescents' use of contraceptive in the Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ghana. Methods: a descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study design was used for this study. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from randomly sampled 200 sexually active female adolescents; aged 16-19 for a three month period; June to September 2017. The questionnaire elicited data on the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, their knowledge and perception, use of contraceptives and factors influencing their contraceptive use. Data were analyzed using STATA version 12.1 software. Results: ninety-five percent of the respondents exhibited some knowledge about contraceptives, but this high knowledge did not translate into its use as the prevalence rate was 18%. Condom was the most widely used contraceptive (33%) and perceived side effects of contraceptives was found to be the main reason for not using the contraceptives (53.66%). Marital status and the participants who were staying with both parents were found to be associated with contraceptive use with their p-values of 0.023 and 0.002 respectively. Conclusion: considering the fact that contraceptive knowledge does not necessarily translate into use, further studies (qualitative), are needed to understand why high knowledge levels are not associated with high usage patterns.
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| 3. |
- Anye, Cho Sabastine, et al.
(författare)
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A Four-Year Hospital-Base Retrospective Study of the Predictors of Tuberculosis in People Living with HIV and Receiving Care at Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon
- 2020
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Ingår i: International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS. - : Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. (GHEP). - 2161-864X .- 2161-8674. ; 9:2, s. 167-172
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infections place immense burdens on healthcare systems with particularly diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. TB is high among opportunistic diseases and the most leading cause of death among patients with HIV/AIDS. HIV infection is the most-known risk factor for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and progression to active disease, which increases the risk of latent TB reactivation by 20-fold. We present a four-year descriptive analysis of TB in people living with HIV in the Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH) from 2012-2016. Methods: This was a hospital-based descriptive chart review. We conducted manual reviews of medical records of HIV/TB co-infected patients from June 2017-July 2017 at BRH’s AIDS Treatment Centre, North West region of Cameroon. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of cases were captured using a pre-tested data collection sheet and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 25. Results: Out of the 1078 HIV patients, 36.5% (393) of them were diagnosed with TB; 75% (808) of the People living with HIV (PLWHIV) were active; among the remaining 25%, 10.2% were bedridden, 13.0% were jobless, and 1.8% were retired. The greater proportion of the participants were females 65.5% (705). Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The baseline anemia, smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, detectable (≥50copies/mL), CD4 count ≤ 200cells/µl and gender of the PLWHIV were associated with the incidence of TB. We recommend early diagnosis and treatment of anemia, modification of patient’s lifestyle, and strengthening of immunization programs to reduce the risk of TB occurrence among HIV-infected people.
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| 4. |
- Bashir, Muwada Bashir Awad, et al.
(författare)
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Stigma on epileptic patients attending the outpatient clinic of Soba University Hospital and the National Center for Neurological Science (NCNS) Khartoum, Sudan
- 2019
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Ingår i: The Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 32
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological conditions for people of different age group, race, gender and socio-economic status in various nations, affecting 50 million people around the world; 80% of them living in developing countries. In Sudan, literature has well documented epilepsy stigma and it related elements of labelling, negative typecasting, isolation, devaluing and discrimination that are significantly affecting patients living standards and social life. This study focuses on understanding the prevailing, different types of stigma among people living with epilepsy (PWE) in Sudan and to determine its frequency in connection with demographic factors and patients coping ability of PWE. Methods: a health facility-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 270 people between the ages of 16-70years who are affected by epilepsy in an outpatient clinic. Standardized questionnaires were used to interview the patients with assistance gotten from their relative where necessary. The data is analyzed using SPSS version 20. The study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of The National Center for Neurological Sciences (NCNS), Ibrahim-Malik Teaching Hospital Sudan. Results: the study realized that 16.6% of the patient had a positive self-stigma score, half of them having coaching stigma and 25% courtesy stigma. One third of people with epilepsy had poor coping score that was strongly determined by self- stigma and courtesy stigma score. Conclusion: parents and relatives related sigma is a major problem facing people of epilepsy in Sudan; thus, raising such group awareness and education about the disease can markedly improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy in Sudan.
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| 5. |
- Ewang, Bestina Forkwa, et al.
(författare)
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Vaccination Coverage Under the Expanded Program on Immunization in South West Cameroon
- 2020
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Ingår i: International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS. - : Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. (GHEP). - 2161-864X .- 2161-8674. ; 9:2, s. 242-251
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Inadequate vaccination coverage with increased risk of vaccine preventable disease outbreaks remain a problem in Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the vaccination coverage levels under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in a health area and to identify factors that affect vaccination coverage in view of providing valuable data for disease prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in August 2017 in the Mbonge health area, Southwest Cameroon. Clustered sampling technique was used to select study communities and a purposive sampling design was used to select households. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from consenting caregivers of children aged 9–23 months. Vaccination coverage was assessed by consulting the vaccination cards and parents’ recall. In households with more than one child aged 9-23months, the youngest was chosen. Results: Overall, 300 caregivers were enrolled into the study. The average vaccination coverage for the past three years (2014-2016) was 34.0%. Two hundred and fifty-five (85%) children had vaccination cards. Amongst the children, 143 (47.7%) had taken all vaccines as recommended while 30 (10%) had not received a single dose. Factors significantly associated with incomplete vaccination status included: occupation (being a farmer) (p-value=0.011), marital status (married) (p-value=0.048), caregiver’s utilization of health facility (p-value=0.003), low levels of mothers’ utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services (p-value=0.000), and low knowledge on vaccination (p-value=0.000). Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Adequate vaccination coverage can be attained through good sensitization and health education for primary caregivers. Targeting families living far away from vaccination centers, using appropriate communication and vaccination strategies may improve vaccination coverage in the Mbonge Health Area of South West Region, Cameroon.
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| 6. |
- Gyamfua, Ampofo Ama, et al.
(författare)
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The level of knowledge and associated socio-demographic factors on cervical cancer among women: a cross-sectional study at Kenyase Bosore community, Ghana
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 34:44
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: cervical cancer is a major cause of death amongst women around the world. In Ghana, it accounts for over 2,119 female deaths and about 3,151 new diagnoses of the disease and usually diagnosed at an advance stage, making it difficult to treat. This study aims at assessing the knowledge on risk factors, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer among women in Bosore. Methods: this study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among women in Bosore a town in the Kwabre East District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A total of 200 women were selected for the studies using the convenience sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data and statistical package for social sciences application was used to analyse the data. Pearson chi-square test was used to find associations between knowledge and awareness level and socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Results: generally, 9.7% of the respondents had high knowledge on cervical cancer, 20.6% had moderate knowledge and 69.7% had low knowledge on cervical cancer. There was a significant association between educational background (p=0.000) and awareness level of the respondents. There was also a significant association between the occupation (p=0.003), educational background (p=0.000) and knowledge level of the respondents. Conclusion: the knowledge level of the respondents was very low. Specifically, the respondents had inadequate knowledge on risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. The study revealed that there should be introduction and intense education on cervical cancer education at antenatal and family planning clinics in the community and Ghana as whole.
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| 7. |
- Nandagire, Wakabi Hellen, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring cultural beliefs and practices associated with weaning of children aged 0-12 months by mothers attending services at Maternal Cild Health Clinic Kalisizo Hospital, Uganda
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: despite the fact that mothers know the exact age to wean their infants, majority of the mothers do not practice exclusive breastfeeding due to cultural beliefs and practices. The purpose of the study was to explore cultural beliefs and practices associated with weaning children at the Maternal Child Health Clinic Kalisizo Hospital. Methods: this was a simple qualitative study. Seven in-depth-interviews were conducted among 7 mothers of children within the ages 0-12 months attending post-natal care services using self-generated semi-structured key informant's guide. This took place at the Maternal Child Health Clinic Kalisizo Hospital. Purposive sampling method was used to select mothers for the study. Three themes were generated namely: identification of the different cultural beliefs and practices associated with weaning, how the different cultural beliefs are practiced and the impacts of these cultural beliefs and practices. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: although a majority of the mothers knew the recommended age to wean their infants, they did not ignore the ill-informed cultural beliefs, taboos and practices from their elders such as peer pressure, advice and counselling from mother-in laws and teachings from older women who are seen as role models. Conclusion: adherence to cultural beliefs, taboos and practices, have a powerful influence on weaning, hence hindering exclusive breast feeding.
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| 8. |
- Nkfusai, Claude Ngwayu, et al.
(författare)
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Assessment of the knowledge of the modes of transmission and prevention of malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Nkwen Health Center Bamenda, Cameroon
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 33
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: malaria is a life threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bites of infected female anopheles' mosquitoes. According to the latest WHO data published in 2017, malaria deaths in Cameroon reached 9.161 deaths accounting for 4.14% of total deaths. The age adjusted death rate is 29.11 per 100,000 and Cameroon is ranked the 30th in the world with a high prevalence of malaria. The aim of this study was therefore, to access the knowledge of the modes of transmission and prevention of malaria among pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic (ANC) at the Nkwen Health Center, Bamenda. Methods: this was a cross-sectional hospital based survey study. The researchers recruited 51 eligible women in the Nkwen Health Centre and used a validated and pre-tested questionnaires to collect data. Collected data were entered into Excel and analysed using descriptive statistics and the results presented in tables and figures. Results: sixty four percent of the women have basic knowledge about the mode of malaria transmission. Thirty six percent of the women had little knowledge about malaria transmission modes and the possible dangers of the disease. Conclusion: slightly above 50% of pregnant women have basic knowledge on the modes of malaria transmission. Lack of knowledge regarding the modes of malaria transmission can be one of the reasons why there is still quite a high level of malaria prevalence among pregnant women attending ANC at the Nkwen Health Center, Bamenda. There is therefore, a need to educate women on malaria transmission modes.
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| 9. |
- Nkfusai, Ngwayu Claude, et al.
(författare)
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Cervical cancer in the Bamenda Regional Hospital, North West Region of Cameroon: a retrospective study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 32
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: cervical cancer is ranked the 7th most common cancer in the world. Cancer of the cervix is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer after breast cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among females in less developed countries. Incidence rates are highest in countries with low income. Nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in developing parts of the world. The study researchers therefore, carried out a retrospective study to determine the proportion of cervical cancer among other types of cancer in the cancer registry of the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Methods: the objective of this study was to determine the proportion of cervical cancer among other types of cancers in the cancer registry of the Bamenda Regional Hospital, North West Region of Cameroon from past records. We reviewed all records from the registry of patients who attended the Bamenda Regional Hospital to screen and/or be operated upon for cervical cancer and other types of cancer. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of cases were captured using a data collection sheet: age, type of cancer, stage of cancer, type of surgery carried out and date of surgery. Data were entered and analysed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software. Results: 59 cancer cases were received in the center between 2012 and 2017. Of these, 31 (52%) had cervical cancer. Most patients who screened positive for cancer of the cervix were of the 50-54 age groups. Most of these patients (47.5%), were received at late stages (stages 3 and 4). Conclusion: over half (52%) of the patients receiving cancer care in this center have cervical cancer and generally turn up late for management.
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| 10. |
- Nkwenti, Hedwig Eposi, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of subsidized malaria treatment among under-five children in the Buea Health District, Cameroon
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pan African Medical Journal. - : Pan African Medical Journal. - 1937-8688. ; 33
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: access to free diagnoses and treatments has been shown to be a major determinant in malaria control. The Cameroon government launched in 2011 and 2014 the exemption of the under-fives' simple and severe malaria treatment policy to increase access to health care and reduce inequality, so as to reduce the mortality related to malaria among the under-fives. This study assessed the effect of providing free malaria treatment in the Buea Health district. Methods: this retrospective and cross sectional study was carried out in the Buea health district. Aggregated monthly data from (2008-2010) before and (2012-2014) after the implementation of free malaria treatment was compared, to assess the attributable outcomes of free treatment. A semi-structure questionnaire was also used to assess barriers faced in providing free malaria treatment services by health care workers. Data was collected using a semi-structure questionnaire and a data review summary sheet. The Data was analysed using Epi-Info 7, Excel and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 for Windows. All statistical tests were performed at 95% confidence interval (significance level of 0.05). Results: increase utilisation of health care; as general and malaria related consultations (by 5.7% (p=0.001) witnessed an increase after the implementation of free malaria treatment services. Severe malaria hospitalisation also increased, indicating that most caregivers used the health facility when complications had already set in, which could have led to no significant reduction in mortality due to malaria among under-five children (4.4%, p=0.533). Conclusion: utilisation of health care increased; as consultation and morbidity rate increased after the implementation of free malaria treatment services. Communication strategy should therefore be strengthened so as to better disseminate information, so as to enhance the effectiveness of the program. There is the need to make a large-scale study to assess the impact of subsidized malaria treatment.
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