| 1. |
- Anchang-Kimbi, Judith K., et al.
(author)
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IgG isotypic antibodies to crude Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage antigen associated with placental malaria infection in parturient Cameroonian women
- 2016
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In: African Health Sciences. - : African Journals Online (AJOL). - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 16:4, s. 1007-1017
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Few studies have reported an association between placental malaria (PM) infection and levels of isotypic antibodies against non-pregnancy associated antigens. Objective: To determine and evaluate IgG isotypic antibody levels to crude P. falciparum blood stage in women with and without PM infection. Methods: Levels of IgG (IgG1-IgG4) and IgM to crude P. falciparum blood stage antigen were measured by ELISA in 271 parturient women. Placental malaria infection was determined by placental blood microscopy and placental histology. Age, parity and intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) usage were considered during analysis. Results: P. falciparum-specific IgG1 (96.5%) and IgG3 (96.7%) antibodies were predominant compared with IgG2 (64.6%) and IgG4 (49.1%). Active PM infection was associated with significant increased levels of IgG1, IgG4 and IgM while lower levels of these antibodies were associated with uptake of two or more IPTp-SP doses. PM infection was the only independent factor associated with IgG4 levels. Mean IgG1 + IgG3/IgG2 + IgG4 and IgG1 + IgG2 + IgG3/IgG4 ratios were higher among the PM-uninfected group while IgG4/IgG2 ratio prevailed in the infected group. Conclusion: PM infection and IPTp-SP dosage influenced P. falciparum-specific isotypic antibody responses to blood stage antigens. An increase in IgG4 levels in response to PM infection is of particular interest.
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| 3. |
- Darj, Elisabeth, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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"The fairer the better?" : Use of potentially toxic skin bleaching products
- 2015
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In: African Health Sciences. - : African Journals Online (AJOL). - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 15:4, s. 1074-1080
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background:Skin bleaching is a widespread phenomenon in spite of their potentially toxic health effects.Objectives:This study aimed to determine if such products are used in Sweden in particular by pregnant women, furthermore to explore immigrant women’s view skin bleaching.Methods:455 pregnant women completed a questionnaire, which were statistically analysed. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with immigrant women, content analysis was used to assess the data.Results:Skin bleaching products were used by 2.6% of pregnant women, significantlly more by women born in non-European countries. Motivating factors were associated with the concept of beauty together with social and economic advantages. The women had low awareness of the potential health risks of the products. Regulations on the trade of skin bleaching products have not effectively reduced the availability of the products in Sweden nor the popularity of skin bleaching.Conclusion:There is need for further research especially among pregnant women and possible effects on newborns. Products should be tested for toxicity. Public health information should be developed and health care providers educated and aware of this practice, due to their potential negative health implications.
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| 4. |
- Iriemenam, Nnaemeka C, et al.
(author)
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Cytokine profiles and antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in individuals living in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria.
- 2009
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In: African Health Sciences. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 9:2, s. 66-74
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The ability of the host immune system to efficiently clear Plasmodium falciparum parasites during a malaria infection depends on the type of immune response mounted by the host. STUDY DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the cellular-and antibody responses in individuals with P. falciparum infection, in an attempt to identify immunological signs indicative of the development of natural immunity against malaria in Ibadan, Nigeria. Levels of IL-10, IL-12(p70), IFN-gamma, and IgM, IgG and IgG1-4 subclasses in the serum of 36 symptomatic children with microscopically confirmed malaria parasitaemia and 54 asymptomatic controls were analysed by ELISA. RESULTS: IFN-gamma and IL-10 were significantly higher in the symptomatic children (p=0.009, p=0.025 respectively) than in the asymptomatic controls but no differences were seen for IL-12(p70). Estimated higher ratios of IFN-gamma/IL-10 and IFN-gamma/IL-12 were also observed in the symptomatic children while the asymptomatic controls had higher IL-12/IL-10 ratio. The mean concentration levels of anti-P. falciparum IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 antibodies were statistically significantly higher in the individuals >5 years of age than <5 years while anti-P. falciparum IgG3 antibodies were notably low in <5 years category. Children <5 years had higher IgM antibodies than IgG and the expression of IgG subclasses increased with age. CONCLUSION: Taken together, malaria infection is on a delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The higher levels of IFN-gamma seen in the symptomatic children (<6 months) may be instrumental in immune-protection against malaria by limiting parasite replication. The observed variations in immunoglobulin subclass levels were age-dependent and exposure-related.
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- Kanyamurwa, J. M., et al.
(author)
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Differential returns from globalization to women smallholder coffee and food producers in rural Uganda
- 2013
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In: African Health Sciences. - : MAKERERE UNIV, FAC MED. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 13:3, s. 829-841
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Globalization-related measures to liberalize trade and stimulate export production were applied in Uganda in the late 1980s, including in the coffee production sector, to revitalize agricultural production, increase incomes to farmers and improve rural food security. Objective: To explore the different effects of such measures on the health and dietary outcomes of female coffee and food small holder farmers in Uganda. Methods: We gathered evidence through a cross-sectional comparative interview survey of 190 female coffee producers and 191 female food producers in Ntungamo district. The study mostly employed quantitative methods of data collection, targeting the sampled households. We also utilized qualitative data; collected three months after the household survey data had been collected and their analysis had been accomplished. Using qualitative interviews based on an unstructured interview guide, extra qualitative information was collected from key informants at national, district and community levels. This was among other underlying principles to avoid relying on snapshot information earlier collected at household level in order to draw valid and compelling conclusions from the study. We used indicators of production, income, access to food and dietary patterns, women's health and health care. Of the two groups selected from the same area, female coffee producers represented a higher level of integration into liberalised export markets. Results: Document review suggests that, although Uganda's economy grew in the period, the household economic and social gains after the liberalization measures may have been less than expected. In the survey carried out, both food and coffee producers were similarly poor, involved in small-scale production, and of a similar age and education level. Coffee producers had greater land and livestock ownership, greater access to inputs and higher levels of income and used a wider variety of markets than food producers, but they had to work longer hours to obtain these economic returns, and spent more cash on health care and food from commercial sources. Their health outcomes were similar to those of the food producers, but with poorer dietary outcomes and greater food stress. Conclusions: The small-scale women farmers who are producing food cannot rely on the economic infrastructure to give them support for meaningful levels of production. However, despite having higher incomes than their food producing counterparts, the evidence showed that women who are producing coffee in Uganda as an export commodity cannot rely on the income from their crops to guarantee their health and nutritional wellbeing, and that the income advantage gained in coffee-producing households has not translated into consistently better health or food security outcomes. Both groups have limited levels of autonomy and control to address these problems.
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| 7. |
- Moshi, Haleluya I., et al.
(author)
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A one-year prospective study on the occurrence of traumatic spinal cord injury and clinical complications during hospitalisation in north-east Tanzania
- 2021
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In: African Health Sciences. - : African Health Sciences. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 21:2, s. 788-794
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Clinical complications following spinal cord injury are a big concern as they account for increased cost of rehabilitation, poor outcomes and mortality.Objective: To describe the occurrence of traumatic spinal cord injury and associated clinical complications during hospi- talisation in North-East Tanzania.Method: Prospective data were collected from all persons with traumatic spinal cord injury from North-East Tanzania from their admission to discharge from the hospital. Neurological progress and complications were assessed routinely. Data were captured using a form that incorporated the components of the core data set of the International Spinal Cord Society and were analysed descriptively.Results: A total of 87 persons with traumatic spinal cord injury were admitted at the hospital with a mean age of 40.2 ± 15.8 years. There were 69 (79.3%) males, and 58 (66.6%) of the injuries resulted from falls. Spasms (41 patients, 47.1%), neuropathic pain (40 patients, 46%), and constipation (35 patients, 40.2%) were the most commonly reported complications. The annual incidence rate in the Kilimanjaro region was at least 38 cases per million.Conclusion: The incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury in the Kilimanjaro region is relatively high. In-hospital compli- cations are prevalent and are worth addressing for successful rehabilitation.
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- Okafor, Chidi, et al.
(author)
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Challenges and recommendations for addressing under-five pneumonia morbidity and mortality in Nigeria
- 2023
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In: African Health Sciences. - : MAKERERE UNIV, COLL HEALTH SCIENCES,SCH MED. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 23:2, s. 193-201
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Pneumonia is a severe infection and one of the most common causes of mortality among children under five years of age, when not appropriately managed. Infection of the lungs by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and consequent inflammation may lead to cough and difficult breathing. Some of the key predisposing factors are malnutrition and air pollution. WHO reports that Africa has the highest burden of global child mortality, and 16% of all deaths in pneumonia, were children under five years of age in 2016.Objectives: This study aimed to explore how health providers perceive pneumonia as a cause of under-five mortality in Nigeria.Methods: A qualitative study design with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions was used to explore and understand nurses and pediatricians' views regarding the pneumonia situation, vaccinations, and preventive suggestions to reduce under five pneumonia deaths in Nigeria.Results: Two themes and four categories emerged: participant's anxiety over the situation, their views on impediments, current policies and strategies, and suggestions on addressing severe pneumonia.Conclusions: The results from this study highlight contextual issues playing major roles in pneumonia mortality among children in Nigeria, which will need approaches on several levels to address them.
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| 12. |
- Råssjö, Eva-Britta, et al.
(author)
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“Safe sex advice is good - but so difficult to follow”. Views and experiences of the youth in a health centre in Kampala : From Kiswa Youth Clinic, Kampala, Uganda
- 2002
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In: African Health Sciences. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 2:3, s. 107-113
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Young people in Uganda are advised by the Ministry of Health and other authorities to abstain from sex in order to avoid the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and early pregnancies. If they cannot abstain they should use condoms and they should stay faithful to their partner. Objective To find out how young people perceive this advice and if they find it possible and realistic to follow. Method In May and June 2000 twenty informants were selected by purposeful sampling and were interviewed in English. Given items were discussed. The interviews were recorded on tape, transcribed, extracted and sorted into categories in a qualitative research method. Results Most of the interviewed youth claimed that the advice is good and helpful but there are many obstacles. The results showed that information given in schools about condom use and safer sex behaviour is not always adequate. However, despite lack of clear health education messages, the risk of being HIV positive is of major concern to many youth. In addition, the expected lack of support if the test is positive is a common reason for abstaining from HIV testing. Conclusions More discussions in society are needed to create consensus on safe sex messages presented to young people. HIV infection is a major concern but many young people abstain from testing, as they expect to receive inadequate support.
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| 13. |
- Råssjö, EB, et al.
(author)
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Self-reported sexual behaviour among adolescent girls in Uganda : reliability of data debated
- 2011
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In: African Health Sciences. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 11:3, s. 383-389
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE:To compare self-reported information about sexual behaviour in a research interview to information retrieved during a clinical consultation.METHOD:595 sexually experienced women below 20 years, were interviewed by a social worker about genital symptoms and sexual behaviour. A midwife interviewed, examined, and took vaginal samples for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Four questions were embedded in both the social workers interviews and among midwife's questions. The women were asked if they perceived their latest /current partner to be faithful, if he had complained about any genital symptoms, if a condom was used at latest sexual intercourse and if the woman knew her HIV status.RESULTS:The prevalence of gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia was 7.1% but for women who reported that their partner had complained about genital symptoms it was significantly higher. Agreement between answers given in the research interview and to the midwife was good for HIV status but only fair or moderate for perceived faithfulness, partner's symptoms and recent condom use.CONCLUSION:Information about risk factors revealed in individual interviews and by the midwives taking a history was incongruent. Any approach for management of STIs, which is built on self-reported risk factors, needs careful assessment of reliability.
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| 14. |
- Stassen, Willem, et al.
(author)
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Barriers and facilitators to implementing coronary care networks in South Africa : a qualitative study
- 2020
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In: African Health Sciences. - : NISC - National Inquiry Services Centre. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 20:1, s. 338-350
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa consistently fails to deliver timely reperfusion to these patients, possibly due to under-developed coronary care networks (CCN).Objectives: To determine the current perceived state of CCNs, to determine the barriers to optimising CCNs and to suggest facilitators to optimising CCNs within the South African context.Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, by performing two structured in-depth and two focus group interviews (n=4 and 5, respectively), inviting a purposely heterogeneous sample of 11 paramedics (n=4), doctors (n=5), and nurses (n=2) working within different settings in South African CCNs. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to content analysis.Results: Participants described an under-resourced, unprioritised and fragmented CCN with significant variation in performance. Barriers to CCN optimisation resided in recognition and diagnosis of STEMI, transport and treatment decisions, and delays. Participants suggested that thrombolysing all STEMI patients could facilitate earlier reperfusion and that pre-hospital thrombolysis should be considered. Participants highlighted the need for regionalised STEMI guidelines, and the need for further research.Conclusion: Numerous barriers were highlighted. Healthcare policy-makers should prioritise the development of CCNs that is underpinned by evidence and that is contextualised to each specific region within the South African health care system.
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| 15. |
- Urasa, Miriam, et al.
(author)
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Knowledge of cervical cancer and screening practices of nurses at a regional hospital in Tanzania
- 2011
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In: African Health Sciences. - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 11:1, s. 48-57
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Cervical cancer, the most common cancer among women in Tanzania is strongly linked to Human Papilloma Virus. Precancerous lesions can be detected by Papanicolau smear screening. Nurses, being the largest group of health workers, have an important role in promotion of cervical cancer screening. Objectives: To determine nurses' awareness of cervical cancer and their own screening practices at a hospital in Tanzania. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study using questionnaires on 137 nurses. Data analysis was made by descriptive statistics and chi square tests. Results: Less than half of the nurses had adequate knowledge regarding cervical cancer. There was a significant association between knowledge levels of causes of cervical cancer and transmission of HPV and age. Knowledge was more adequate among the young nurses (p = 0.027) and knowledge differed significantly between cadres. Registered nurses had more adequate knowledge than enrolled nurses (p = 0.006). The majority did not know screening intervals and a few were aware of HPV vaccine. Most nurses (84.6%) had never had a Pap smear examination. Conclusion: These results reflect a need for continuing medical education, creation of cervical cancer prevention policies and strategies at all levels of the health sector.
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