African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Social support as a correlate of depression among people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria.
Depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder among PLHIV, whilst social support is important in disease prevention, health promotion, therapeutic measure especially for PLHIV. ⋯ PLHIV have satisfactory social support, especially from family not residing in the same household and emotional social support from friends. Analyses identified knowledge gaps in the community regarding the social support received by PLHIV and their depression symptoms.
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The global pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is reported to be potentially severe in patients with morbid conditions. One common reported comorbidities is diabetes. We aimed in this study to precise the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a series of congolese diabetic patients affected by COVID-19 infection. ⋯ Congolese COVID-19 diabetic patients of male sex and older age exhibiting arterial hypertension and obesity are the most exposed to severe COVID-19 and increasead mortality rate.
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Association of eNOS (G894T, rs1799983) and KCNJ11 (E23K, rs5219) gene polymorphism with coronary artery disease in North Indian population.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11) could be the candidate genes for coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigated the relationship of the eNOS (rs1799983) and KCNJ11 (rs5219) polymorphisms with the presence and severity of CAD in the North Indian population. ⋯ These results illustrate the probability of associations between SNPs and CAD although specific genetic polymorphisms affecting ion channel function and expression have still to be clarified by further investigations involving larger cohorts.
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Disability management in a public-private health care facility in South Africa: an organisational perspective.
Job retention, long-term absenteeism and medical boarding pay-outs are significant concerns for employers within the public health care sector of South Africa. ⋯ Despite South Africa having many policies on recruitment and reasonable accommodations, there is a lack of implementation of these policies. An integrated disability management policy and programme encompassing health prevention, early return to work strategies, vocational rehabilitation and the implementation of reasonable accommodation is required to ensure that employees who have acquired disabilities or ill health are successful in the workplace.
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Perspectives of skilled birth attendants and pregnant women regarding episiotomy: a quantitative approach.
The World Health Organization recommended less than 10% episiotomy rate for Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) and hospitals in 1996. More than two decades afterwards, some health facilities are still grappling with meeting the set target. ⋯ The rate of episiotomy was higher than global recommended standards and primips are disproportionately affected. If organised by professional societies, more scientific conferences on limiting episiotomy might remedy this situation.