African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
Uptake and utilization of institutional voluntary HIV testing and counseling services among students aged 18-24 in Kenya's public Universities.
Kenya is home to an estimated 1.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Kenya AIDS Indicator survey KAIS 2012, HIV prevalence in the age group 15-24 stood at 2.2%. Globally, young people aged 15-24 are a highly vulnerable population with respect to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. HIV testing and counseling services play a critical role as an entry point to care and treatment. However, uptake of HIV testing and counseling services among the youth in Kenya has been reportedly low. Youths at Universities are among the priority populations in HIV/AIDS programs. ⋯ It is necessary for policy makers in institutions of higher learning together with those tasked with managing healthcare services in these institutions to adopt approaches that will overcome the barriers to utilization of VCT services among students. With knowledge of the factors associated with uptake and utilization of VCT services in institutional facilities, efforts to tackle the barriers and maximize on enhancers should be utilized fully in order to improve uptake and utilization of services. More research should also focus on the persisting risky sexual behaviors among University students despite the high knowledge they have on HIV/AIDS.
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
Predictors of poor glycemic control in adult with type 2 diabetes in South-Eastern Nigeria.
The study investigated predictors of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). ⋯ Age, WHR, FPG, and SBP were significantly associated with differences in glycemic control. The elderly and FPG outside tight control showed significantly increased odds of poor glycemic control status.
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
C - reactive protein and urinary tract infection due to Gram-negative bacteria in a pediatric population at a tertiary hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania.
Gram-negative bacteria are the major cause of urinary tract infections (UTI) in children. There is limited data on UTI systemic response as measured using C-reactive protein (CRP). Here, we report the association of CRP and UTI among children attending the Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania. ⋯ C-reactive protein was significantly positive among children with UTI due to gram-negative bacteria and those with fever. In children with age ≤ 2 years, positive CRP indicates UTI due to gram-negative enteric bacteria.
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among students of the University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study.
The 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline categorized blood pressure into 4 levels:normal (SBP<120 and DBP <80mm Hg), elevated (SBP of 120-129 or DBP< 80 mmHg) and stage 1 (SBP of 130-139 or DBP of 80-89 mm Hg) or 2 (SBP≥140 orDBP≥90mmHg). Compared with the JNC7 guideline, the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline recommends using lower SBP and DBP levels to define hypertension. ⋯ At least one out of four students had hypertension. These data should encourage public health authorities to develop strategies for screening of BP and topromote the adoption of healthy lifestyle in young adults.
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
Complementary and alternative treatment methods for menopausal hot flashes used in Turkey.
Study was planned to determine complementary and alternative treatment methods for menopausal hot flashes. ⋯ Women who use CAM usually use it with information that is out of the knowledge of health profession and lack of information. It is recommended to carry out extensive studies for CAM methods and the mechanisms of action that women use.