African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Single tube allele specific PCR: a low cost technique for molecular screening of sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria.
Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a hereditary blood disorder caused by a single mutation in the haemoglobin gene. The disease burden of SCA is highest in Nigeria. The allele specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) method is applicable for the direct detection of known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). ⋯ This study validates ASPCR as an effective, low cost approach for the clinical screening of SCA in Nigeria. ASPCR is also applicable for other genetic diseases, paternity testing, and forensics where more expensive fluorescence-based approaches are not obtainable.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Knowledge and perceptions on childhood asthma among care-takers of children with asthma at a National Referral Hospital in Western Kenya: a descriptive study.
Identifying knowledge gaps in asthma self-management and identifying existing myths is an important step in determining appropriate health education and demystifying the myths so as to enhance asthma control. ⋯ Most caregivers perceive syrups to be better despite having good basic knowledge on asthma. There is need to address asthma perceptions among caretakers in resource poor settings which is likely to improve control.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Prevalence and knowledge of hypertension among people living in rural communities in Ghana: a mixed method study.
Knowledge and understanding of hypertension and its associated health risks remain inadequate despite increasing trend of hypertension prevalence. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, knowledge and perceptions of hypertension in rural communities in Ghana. ⋯ This study demonstrates an increased prevalence of hypertension, knowledge gaps and misconceptions surrounding hypertension in rural communities in Ghana. This evidence is useful in streamlining interventional programmes aimed at improving knowledge and prevention of hypertension.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
A comparative assessment of caries risk using cariogram among smokers and smokeless tobacco users in india - a cross-sectional study.
A dearth of literature exists concerning utilization of the unique cariogram model for caries risk assessment in tobacco users. ⋯ The study findings from the different cariogram elements converged to indicate that smokers were at maximum caries risk, followed by smokeless tobacco users and therefore Cariogram model could be a useful tool to represent caries risk among smokers and smokeless tobacco users.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Association of hyperuricemia with metabolic syndrome among university workers: sex and occupational differences.
The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hyperuricemia is not fully understood. ⋯ Male workers with hyperuricemia, especially those working in administration were at risk of metabolic syndrome. It is important to screen, prevent and treat metabolic syndrome in individuals diagnosed with hyperuricemia at the workplace.