African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2021
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda: a 10-year retrospective analysis.
Endoscopy is required for formal diagnosis of many upper gastrointestinal (UGI) conditions including oesophageal cancer (OC). There is a paucity of data on endoscopy findings in East Africa as access to testing is challenging for patients. We describe the findings of 10 years of UGI endoscopy in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). ⋯ Those undergoing endoscopy in MRRH are most commonly male patients presenting in their 5th decade with dysphagia. There is a high proportion of significant findings including gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and oesophageal cancer.
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African health sciences · Jun 2021
Evaluation of the postal service for referral of specimen of drug resistance tuberculosis in Amhara region, Ethiopia; mixed method.
In Ethiopia, specimens of presumptive drug resistant tuberculosis cases are transported by courier system from district sample collection centers to reference laboratories. It is essential to track the effectiveness of the referral system and identify challenges in order to take timely and appropriate actions. We assessed turnaround time and quality of specimens, and explored challenges of the specimen referral system in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2017. ⋯ The postal service was effective in keeping quality and majority of test results were timely delivered. Yet, there were operational challenges. Therefore, effective communication, using dedicated vehicle for specimen shipment and awareness creation on specimen collection and handling are recommended.
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African health sciences · Jun 2021
Community pharmacists' management of self-limiting infections: a simulation study in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria.
Inappropriate use of antibiotics, especially for treatment of self-limiting infections remains one of the major drivers of antibiotic resistance (ABR). Community pharmacists can contribute to reducing ABR by ensuring antibiotics are dispensed only when necessary. ⋯ This study shows high rate of inappropriate antibiotics dispensing among community pharmacists. There is need for improved awareness of antibiotic resistance through continuing education and training of community pharmacists. Furthermore, the inclusion of antibiotic resistance and stewardship in undergraduate pharmacy curriculum is needed.
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African health sciences · Jun 2021
Hearing healthcare gaps in LMICS: snapshot from a semi-urban community in Nigeria.
Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have high prevalence of hearing loss which are mainly due to preventable causes. While urban communities in LMICs are likely to have functional hearing healthcare delivery infrastructure, rural and semi-urban communities may have different reality. ⋯ Despite the heavy burden of ear complaints there is inadequate hearing healthcare delivery in a typical LMIC community. This highlights the need for urgent improvement of hearing healthcare.
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African health sciences · Jun 2021
Relationships between cardiovascular signs and neurological signs in asphyxiated neonates in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria.
Perinatal asphyxia is a condition associated with multiple organ dysfunctions inclusive of cardiovascular dysfunction. Neurologic predictors of survival have been studied, but little has been reported regarding cardiovascular signs and their role in determining outcome in asphyxia. ⋯ Abnormal cardiovascular signs increased with the progression of HIE staging but had no relationship with mortality.