African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Practice GuidelineProposed guidelines for the management of nodding syndrome.
Nodding Syndrome is a poorly understood neurologic disorder of unknown aetiology that affects children and adolescents in Africa. Recent studies have suggested that the head nods are due to atonic seizures and Nodding Syndrome may be classified as probably symptomatic generalised epilepsy. As part of the Ugandan Ministry of Health clinical management response, a multidisciplinary team developed a manual to guide the training of health workers with knowledge and skills to manage the patients. ⋯ Initial management focuses on the most urgent needs of the patient and the immediate family until 'stability' is achieved. The most important needs were considered as seizure control, management of behavioural and psychiatric difficulties, nursing care, nutritional and subsequently, physical and cognitive rehabilitation. This paper summarises the processes by which the proposed guidelines were developed and provides an outline of the specific treatments currently being provided for the patients.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
A 5 - year surveillance of wound infections at a rural tertiary hospital in Nigeria.
Wound infections are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant etiologic agent of wound infection among in and out patients. A generally higher resistance pattern was observed among nosocomial bacterial pathogens. Prudent use of antibiotics is recommended.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Malaria and HIV co-infection and their effect on haemoglobin levels from three health-care institutions in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
Malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are two major infections with enormous public health consequence. Together, they are endemic in many developing countries with anaemia being the most frequent haematological consequence of the infections. ⋯ Our data indicated a higher prevalence of malaria in HIV infected patients and also revealed that patients co-infected with malaria and HIV were more likely to be anaemic.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking pattern among brothel-based female sex workers in two local government areas in Lagos state, Nigeria.
Alcohol and tobacco use are known risk factors for non communicable diseases especially among women. Brothel based female sex workers may be at increased risk of exposure to these two substances. ⋯ The prevalence of harmful alcohol use and cigarette smoking are very high among this group of female sex workers. Programs that address the use of these substances should be made available for these women.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
The impact of HIV/AIDS stigma on HIV counseling and testing in a high HIV prevalence population in Uganda.
Despite its importance in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing (HCT) is low in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease continues to be a serious public health problem. This has in part been attributed to HIV/AIDS related stigma. ⋯ The low level of stigma, older age, higher level of education, being ever married and monogamous sexual relationships are significant predictors of increased uptake of HCT.