African health sciences
-
African health sciences · Dec 2015
Effect of low-intensity continuous training on lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness in both cigarette and hookah smokers.
The decline in cardiorespiratory fitness and lung function was higher in smokers. Training method could mitigate some of the negative consequences of smoking among smokers unable or unwilling to quit. ⋯ The low-intensity continuous training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces lung function decline in both cigarette and hookah smokers. It seems to be beneficial in the prevention programs of hypertension. It could have important implications in prevention and treatment programs in smokers unable or unwilling to quit.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2015
"The fairer the better?" Use of potentially toxic skin bleaching products.
Skin bleaching is a widespread phenomenon in spite of their potentially toxic health effects. ⋯ 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.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2015
Evaluation of prescription pattern and patients' opinion on healthcare practices in selected primary healthcare facilities in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria.
Inappropriate prescribing negatively impacts on health and economy of individual and the society. ⋯ Primary healthcare attendees were satisfied with medication costs affordability and accessibility of PHC to abode but expressed dissatisfaction with follow-up of care and courtesy of workers. Also, inappropriate prescriptions characterized by polypharmacy and overuse of antibiotics were common underscoring the need for regular training of PHC workers on rational drug use and instituting appropriate measures for improvement.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialAerobic exercises alleviate symptoms of fatigue related to inflammatory cytokines in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Non-insulin dependent diabetic patients frequently suffer from fatigue symptoms that result from chronic systemic inflammation. Aerobic exercise was proved to modulate systemic inflammation. ⋯ Treadmill walking exercise training is an effective treatment policy to improve symptoms of fatigue related to inflammatory cytokines in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2015
Poverty and inequality - but of what - as social determinants of health in Africa?
Many African economies have achieved substantial economic growth over the past recent years, yet several of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) including those concerned with health, remain considerably behind target. This paper examines whether progress towards these goals is being hampered by existing levels of poverty and income inequality. It also considers whether the inequality hypothesis of Wilkinson and Pickett1 applies to population health outcomes in African states. ⋯ The study shows that tackling poverty should be the immediate concern in Africaas a means of promoting better health for all. There is a question mark over whether the findings of Wilkinson and Pickett1 on the relationship between income inequality and health apply to Africa. The reasons for this question mark are discussed. More research is needed to investigate whether the inequality results found in this study are replicated in other studies of African health.