African health sciences
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African health sciences · Mar 2024
Sociodemographic predictors of beliefs about getting HIV infection by witchcraft or supernatural means: a population-based study of 15335 Senegalese women.
To provide more insights about beliefs of witchcraft and supernatural means as causes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among women in Senegal. ⋯ We demonstrated many predictors of the wrong beliefs about getting HIV infection by witchcraft or supernatural means in the Senegalese women. Policymakers should initiate health educational programs in parallel with increasing the socioeconomic status to limit the HIV transmission. In addition, continuous monitoring of the HIV knowledge in the endemic countries is crucial to decrease HIV burden.
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African health sciences · Mar 2024
The use of antenatal corticosteroids in preterm labour for the prevention of perinatal mortality in hospitals in Tanzania.
Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are given to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to hasten the maturation of the lungs, lowering the risk of newborn respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and perinatal mortality. ⋯ ACS significantly reduced the risk of perinatal mortality and RDS among preterm infants exposed to ACS in utero and delivered by women in preterm labour. The use of ACS should be encouraged in low-resource settings where preterm birth is prevalent to improve perinatal outcomes.
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African health sciences · Mar 2024
Use of mobile hospitals to improve access to health services and promote primary health care: lessons from Zambia (2011-2018).
Mobile hospitals play a critical role in serving difficult to access populations. In 2011, they were introduced by the Zambian government to improve access to health care. However, little is known about and/or documented about their use in Zambia, and other similar settings where people rely on them to access critical health care, or have to travel long distances to the nearest health centre. ⋯ The research not only highlights conditions that must be considered for the effective implementation of mobile hospitals, but also the need for engagement of various key stakeholders during agenda setting in order to build trust and buy in, which contribute to smoother implementation.
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African health sciences · Mar 2024
Newborn and infant hearing screening for early detection of hearing loss in Nairobi, Kenya.
Early detection of hearing loss and subsequent intervention leads to better speech, language and educational outcomes giving way to improved social economic prospects in adult life. This can be achieved through establishing newborn and infant hearing screening programs. ⋯ Establishing universal newborn and infant hearing screening programs is essential for early detection and intervention for hearing loss. Data management and efficient follow-up systems are an integral part of achieving diagnostic confirmation of hearing loss and early intervention.
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African health sciences · Mar 2024
Case ReportsTrazodone-induced parkinsonism in a middle-aged male: A case report.
Trazodone is an antidepressant agent approved for treating major depressive disorders and is also prescribed for insomnia due to its sedative effect. In a few cases, trazodone was associated with parkinsonism. Herein, we describe a case of parkinsonism after a brief exposure to a moderate dose of trazodone. ⋯ Our case showed reversibly induced parkinsonism after a short intake of a moderate dose of trazodone which was prescribed for insomnia. The patient had a complete recovery after trazodone withdrawal. Noteworthy, the symptoms recurred upon trazodone-rechallenge.