African health sciences
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African health sciences · Mar 2023
Meta AnalysisPrevalence of depression in people with tuberculosis in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems comorbid with tuberculosis. However, a consolidated picture of the prevalence of depression among tuberculosis patients in East Africa remains unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide new understandings by systematically examining evidence concerning the prevalence of depression among tuberculosis patients in East Africa. ⋯ A total of 409 studies were accessed. However, only 29 qualified for a full-text review, and 9 studies with a population of 2838 were included in the qualitative description and quantitative analysis. The pooled prevalence estimate of depression amongst tuberculosis patients was 43.03 % (34.93, 51.13). The highest prevalence was observed in Kenya, with 45.71% (29.26, 62.16); a similar rate was observed in Ethiopia, with 45.11 % (34.60, 55.62). Subgroup analysis based on screening tool was used: 45.71% with BDI and 41.53% with PHQ.
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African health sciences · Mar 2023
Meta AnalysisVitamin D deficiency in rheumatoid arthritis patients of India - a single-arm meta-analysis.
Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ The results demonstrate significant low levels of serum vitamin D levels in patients with RA and established a negative correlation of Vitamin D with RA disease activity. The current evidence suggests a rationale for Vitamin D supplementation in the management of RA.
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African health sciences · Mar 2023
ReviewStaging of COVID-19 disease; using selected laboratory profiles for prediction, prevention and management of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa-review.
There are many uncertainties on the future management of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) in Africa. By July 2021, Africa had lagged behind the rest of the world in Covid-19 vaccines uptake, accounting for just 1.6% of doses administered globally. During that time COVID 19 was causing an average death rate of 2.6% in Africa, surpassing the then global average of 2.2%. ⋯ For each of the studies, we extracted data on pathophysiology, selected clinical chemistry and immunological tests, clinical staging and treatment. Our review reports a gross unmet need for vaccination, inadequate laboratory capacity for immunological tests and the assessment of individual immune status, clinical staging and prediction of disease severity. We recommend selected laboratory tools in the assessment of individual immune status, prediction of disease severity and determination of the exact timing for suitable therapy, especially in individuals with co-morbidities.
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African health sciences · Mar 2023
ReviewA comprehensive review of the components of nurse-coordinated care which are most effective in preventing coronary heart diseases.
Coronary artery disease occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle as a consequence of coronary artery blockage, resulting in heart muscle failure. During normal heart action, cardiac muscles will always need an adequate supply of blood to fulfill their oxygen requirements. ⋯ According to the national cardiovascular control program, secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease has increased, including measures such as cholesterol management, blood pressure monitoring, and smoking cessation. If you know more about NCC, it might be easier to figure out what roles it could play and what effects its use might have.
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African health sciences · Mar 2023
ReviewA critical review of literature on health financing reforms in Uganda - progress, challenges and opportunities for achieving UHC.
Universal health coverage (UHC) is one of the sustainable development goals (SDG) targets. Progress towards UHC necessitates health financing reforms in many countries. Uganda has had reforms in its health financing, however, there has been no examination of how the reforms align with the principles of financing for UHC. ⋯ Health financing policy intentions were aligned with WHO guidance on reforms towards UHC, however actual outputs and outcomes in terms of improvement in health financing functions and financial risk protections remain far from the intentions.