African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Perception and practice of contraception among male soldiers in Sobi barracks, Ilorin, Nigeria.
There is a popular belief among the general population that Nigerian soldiers tend to have large families but this has not been substantiated with evidence-based research. The Nigerian military health authority implements female-targetted contraception strategies, with less focus on their husbands; who are the dominant fertility determinants. ⋯ The study revealed a high approval and willingness to discuss contraception with their spouses/partners but low contraceptive use.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Hand hygiene practices among community Health Officers in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Health care associated infections are most commonly transmitted by the hands of Health care workers and other hospital personnel. ⋯ Though there was improved compliance to hand hygiene guidelines, this still fall short of acceptable standards. The provision and promotion of the proper use of alcohol-based hand rub may further improve compliance with hand hygiene by reducing the time required to perform it and the convenience of the method.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Observational StudyExotic and indigenous problem plants species used, by the Bapedi, to treat sexually transmitted infections in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
The ethnic usage of exotics and indigenous problem plants is a highly debated topic, as legislative requirements over-shadow their potential medicinal value, particularly to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited information exists regarding their medicinal value among the Bapedi. ⋯ Exotic and indigenous problem species constitute an important component of the STIs treatment protocol. Their utilization by Bapedi cautions against the narrow-minded approach of indiscriminate eradication, as these species can play a significant role in the primary health care needs of socio-economic vulnerable people.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialAntiemetic effects of dexamethasone and ondansetron combination during cesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia.
Nausea and vomiting are frequently seen in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) under regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone combination with that of the use of each agent alone to decrease the incidence of post-delivery intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV) during CS under spinal anesthesia. ⋯ Single dose 4mg ondansetron, 8mg dexamethasone, or combined use of 8mg dexamethasone+4mg ondansetron, given intravenously is all effective agents for the control of postdelivery IONV. Combined use of dexamethasone and ondansetron for the same indication does not seem to increase the antiemetic efficacy.
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African health sciences · Jun 2013
Review Case ReportsNeuropsychiatric perspectives on nodding syndrome in northern Uganda: a case series study and a review of the literature.
Nodding Syndrome (NS), previously called Nodding Disease, is a chronic and debilitating illness affecting thousands of children aged 3-18 years in post-conflict Northern Uganda and South Sudan. Characterised by malnutrition, stunted growth, mental retardation and seizures, some researchers have designated it as epilepsy. With reports appearing in Northern Uganda in1997, NS reached epidemic proportions around 2000-2003 when people were moved into Internally Displaced People's (IDP) camps. Investigations for infections (onchocerciasis) and toxins have been inconclusive as to cause, treatment or outcome. No study has addressed the possible relationship of NS to childhood war-trauma experiences. ⋯ NS could present as an association of childhood complex PTSD, (called Developmental Trauma Disorder), occurring in the chronically war-traumatised children of Northern Uganda, complicated by severe prolonged depression with its characteristic symptoms of psychomotor retardation, anxiety, anhedonia and anorexia. This, coupled with food shortages, resulted in malnutrition, wasting and stunted growth with severe avitaminoses. Many children had seizures. All this calls for multi-disciplinary treatment approaches.