Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1784-1793

University of KwaZulu Natal (Westville campus), Occupational Therapy.

Background: Trauma in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa constitutes at least 17.8% of overall emergency cases, with hand trauma being common.

Aim: Based on these statistics, the authors of this study aimed to identify and describe the most common traumatic hand injuries managed in the province including current trends and intervention practices of occupational therapists to inform future intervention. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1629-1639

Westville Campus, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZu-lu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa;

Background: The unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) drastically spread worldwide, resulting in extraordinary measures put in place in various countries including Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) countries.

Objective: To assess the factors associated with compliance with the public health measures imposed by various SSA countries.

Method: Cross sectional study using self-administered surveys distributed on social media platforms between April 18th and May 16th, 2020, corresponding with the mandatory lockdown period in most SSA countries. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1938-1940

University Center of Formiga (UNIFOR/MG) and State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG). Science and Education.

About 100 years separate the last two pandemics that hit humanity, but scientific development does not seem to have impacted Brazilian society, including its leaders. Remedies without scientific proof, obviously without effectiveness, have been used in Brazil against the Spanish flu and nothing has changed against COVID-19. But perhaps today the process of disinformation is worse because the Internet and social networks are too efficient to spread Fake News, resulting in doctors, politicians and journalists prescribing all kinds of innocuous medicines. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1764-1775

Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Background: The burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing globally and prompt identification, coupled with improved management of CKD patients have increased the population of pre-dialysis patients. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the predictors of survival among pre-dialysis CKD patients in South Africa.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study of 256 consecutive consenting Black non-dialysis requiring CKD patients attending the renal outpatient clinic of a tertiary Hospital in South Africa from 1st June 2016 to 1st December 2016. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1801-1807

Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Surgery Clinic, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw/Kajetany, Poland.

Background: Taste is the leading sense in how we determine the quality of consumed food. Proper gustatory sensation largely determines the well-being and health of an organism, and this affects their quality of life.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to estimate the risk of early taste disorders following implantation surgery. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1701-1710

Department of Pediatrics, Kampala International University School of Health Sciences, Western Campus.

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of pneumonia among children under-five years presenting with acute respiratory symptoms.

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study at the Pediatric Department of Kampala International University - Teaching Hospital, from the month of April to August 2019. The study included 336 children aged 2 to 59 months presenting with acute respiratory symptoms to the pediatric clinic. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1830-1841

Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.

Background: Young people in Ethiopia aged between 18 and 24 who have had sex before age 18 has increased from 35% in 2005 to 40% in 2016 among women and from 9% to 12% among men.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with risky sexual behavior among secondary and preparatory students in Wolaita Sodo town, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia; 2020.

Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 4 to 25, 2020. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1574-1583

Microbiology and Immunology unit, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia.

In the past years, numerous new fatal infections have emerged, including Ebola, Nipah, and Zika viruses, as well as coronaviruses. Recently, infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged in China, and were then transmitted all over the world, causing the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is transmitted at a higher rate than other diseases caused by coronaviruses. At the time of writing this review, COVID-19 is not contained in most countries in spite of quarantine, physical distancing, and enhanced hygiene measures. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 12;21(4):1507-1508

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Medical College: Belle Rive, Vacoas-Phoenix, Mauritius.

Afr Health Sci 2021 12;21(4):1544-1545

IT center at University of Montenegro.

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1905-1913

Department of Orthodontic, Pedodontic and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O. Box 65014, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

Background: A full complement of teeth has been shown to be a prerequisite for a healthy masticatory system and satisfactory function and having tooth loss can be undesirable.

Objective: To determine the subjective prosthodontic treatment need, tooth loss and associated factors among patients attending dental clinics in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among subjects with tooth loss aged 18 years and above attending public dental clinics in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1733-1738

School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.

Background: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is derived from endothelial cell lineage; it is caused by Human Herpes Virus-8 (HHV-8) facilitated by immune suppression. KS remains one of the commonest sarcoma seen in Tanzania. The paucity of recent data makes monitoring the disease a challenge. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1527-1532

Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) - Deemed to be University, Ammapettai, Nellikuppam, Chengalpet District, Tamil Nadu - 603108.

Objectives: The objective of the article is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the members of the general population.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the public health authorities to implement unprecedented public health measures with an intention to control the spread of the infection.

Methods: An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine and World Health Organization website and a total of 27 articles were selected based upon the suitability with the current review objectives. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1685-1691

Department of Pharmacology, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Dental caries remains a global oral health challenge with the prevalence reported as high as 66.7% in adults. Despite the use of modern medicines, the prevalence of dental caries remains high. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1808-1816

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Ilorin/ University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Background: Despite collaborative efforts aimed at its eradication, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) continues in endemic areas.

Objective: To evaluate the experience and preparedness of female adolescents to protect their future daughters from FGM/C.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving adolescent secondary school girls in North Central Nigeria. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1722-1732

School of Sciences, Nkumba University, Entebbe, Uganda.

Background: Timely health care among children with suspected malaria, and intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) in pregnancy avert related morbidity and mortality in endemic regions especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria burden has steadily been declining in endemic countries due to progress made in scaling up of such important interventions.

Objectives: The study assessed malaria health seeking practices for children under five years of age, and IPTp in Wakiso district, Uganda. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1621-1628

Haseki Education Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, İstanbul, Turkey.

Objective: We aimed to determine Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, immune status, and the prevalence of antibody response in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Istanbul, Turkey.

Methods: The study includes PLWHA aged 18 years and older who were followed-up for at least 6 months from 1997 to 2018.

Results: Of the 653 patients with PLWHA, 99 (15. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1546-1557

Gazı State Hospital, Emergency Clinic Samsun, Turkey.

Background: In this study, we aim to study the clinical features and chest CT findings of the patients, COVID-19 diagnosis of which are verified.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on RT-PCR (+) COVID-19 patients who were examined in our hospital's emergency department between March 11, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

Results: 326 patients were included in this retrospective study in total. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1603-1614

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda.

Introduction: Globally, the HIV burden continues to rise among young people despite the discovery of ART. This study assessed demographic and psycho-social factors among young people associated with readiness to be initiated on ART.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among newly diagnosed HIV positive young people aged 15-24 years at 4 HIV clinics at Mulago Hospital. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1518-1526

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services.

Background: The implementation of COVID-19 lockdown measures across the globe could affect adolescents' health.

Objective: This review was conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the health of the adolescents.

Methodology: We conducted this study using the scope reviews methodological framework. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 12;21(4)

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1754-1763

Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Background: Globally, rising blood pressure is of public health concern as it is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and preventable death. This study accessed the relationship of blood pressure status, dietary factors and serum electrolytes among in-school adolescents in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 488 secondary school students (aged 10-19 years). Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1746-1753

Department of Biology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 139, Medunsa 0204, South Africa.

Background: Knowledge of medicinal plants used by the traditional healers are mostly confined among the locals and the adherents, hence, proper enquiry and documentation can help the ever dynamic scientific world to find permanent cure to the menace of such deadly diseases such as cancer. This study aimed at (1) specifically recording medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, South Africa, and (2) documenting the different methods of preparation and administration of those medicinal plants as recorded during the study.

Method: An open-ended semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 90 willing traditional healers in Hammanskraal and Winterveld area, Tshwane Municipality, South Africa to document plants used for cancer treatments. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1640-1650

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Stigma continues to be a major barrier to tuberculosis (TB) control particularly in urban populations. Stigma can influence health seeking behaviour and affect adherence to TB treatment, yet few studies have examined TB related stigma and associated factors in Uganda. This study was therefore conducted to determine the level of stigma and associated factors among TB patients in an urban setting in Kampala, Uganda. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1651-1661

Emergency medicine division, University of Kwazulu-Natal Republic of South Africa.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern. The Emergency department (ED) is the community gate for healthcare where antibiotics are often prescribed. However, there is a paucity of data regarding antibiotic prescription practices in Africa. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1739-1745

Uganda Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology.

Introduction: Lung cancer is a major global public health burden constituting 11.6% of all new cancer diagnoses and 18.4% of all cancer-related mortality. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1823-1829

Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

Background: A healthy lifestyle has a key role in reducing health problems. Since one of the most common problems in Postmenopausal women has been sexual dysfunction (SD). The specific purpose of the present study was to identify the effects of health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) on sexual function among postmenopausal women. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1669-1676

Instituto de Investigação Científica Bento da Rocha Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal.

Background: Since the emergence of the genus Homo, hominids have occupied a wide variety of environments, facing different selective pressures.

Objectives: The aim this study is to compare genotype frequencies between South-West Europe and Peri-equatorial Africa in genes potentially modulators of blood pressure.

Methods: The analyzed sample consisted of 325 individuals from Portugal and 226 individuals from Africa (48 from Mozambique and 178 from São Tomé and Príncipe). Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1849-1859

School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences PMB 31 Ho, Ghana.

Background: Globally, complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among pregnant women aged 15 to 19 years. This study investigated the psychosocial factors influencing contraceptive use among adolescent mothers in the Volta Region using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 422 adolescent mothers. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2021 Dec;21(4):1558-1566

Rawalpindi Medical University, Medicine.

Background: The limitations and false-negative results of Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) in diagnosing COVID-19 infection demand the need for imaging modalities such as chest HRCT to improve the diagnostic accuracy and assess the severity of the infection.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the chest HRCT severity scores in RT-PCR positive and negative cases of COVID-19.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 clinically suspected COVID-19 patients. Read More