African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2022
Aspergillus-specific IgM/IgG antibody serostatus of patients hospitalized with moderate-critical COVID-19 in Uganda.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is known to complicate the coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19), especially those with critical illness. We investigated the baseline anti-Aspergillus antibody serostatus of patients with moderate-critical COVID-19 hospitalized at 3 COVID-19 Treatment Units in Uganda. All 46 tested patients, mean age 30, and 11% with underlying respiratory disease had a negative serum anti-Aspergillus IgM/IgG antibody immunochromatographic test on day 3 (mean) of symptom onset (range 1-26), but follow up specimens to assess seroconversion were not available.
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African health sciences · Sep 2022
Application of a modified Poisson model in identifying factors associated with prevalence of pregnancy termination among women aged 15 - 49 years in Uganda.
Abortion in Uganda is illegal, only permitted when it places the pregnant mother at risk. This study aimed to apply the modified Poisson model in identifying factors associated with the prevalence of pregnancy termination among women of reproductive age in Uganda. ⋯ There exists a significant proportion of women who have had their pregnancies terminated in Uganda. It is observed that woman's age, marital status, mass media exposure, having visited a health facility in the last 12 months and working status were main predictors. Based on these results, researchers concluded that the emphasis should be put on improving access to post-abortion care, contraceptive use and media exposure.
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African health sciences · Sep 2022
Ivermectin treatment response in two rural villages with a high prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy, Mahenge Tanzania.
Despite 20 years of ivermectin mass distribution in the Mahenge area, Tanzania, the prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy has remained high in rural villages. ⋯ Our study reports a decrease in microfilarial density following ivermectin treatment in most individuals. Optimizing ivermectin coverage will address the ongoing onchocerciasis transmission in Mahenge.
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African health sciences · Sep 2022
An examination of variables associated with breast cancer early detection behaviors of women.
Breast cancer is a worldwide common public health problem, and it is quite important to know the factors preventing the early detection behaviors to fight against it. ⋯ Early detection practices of women are not sufficient in our study. An increase in the knowledge level of women and consideration of the variables determined to be effective in early detection behaviors will allow increasing detection behavior.
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African health sciences · Sep 2022
Barriers and facilitators to adherence for antiretroviral therapy: the perspectives of patients from a wellness center in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
Patients' non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment remains a public health concern in many developing countries, especially in South Africa. ⋯ Barriers and facilitators for adherence included several factors related to the health system, health care workers, and the patients. Achievement of optimal adherence to ART requires the commitment of both patients and providers.