African health sciences
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African health sciences · May 2021
The utility of a modified WHO TB screening tool among children at a Botswana child welfare clinic.
In high TB/HIV settings, the increased risk for TB amongst children exposed to HIV has been established through biomedical tests. Screening HIV exposed children for TB can improve early childhood TB detection and treatment. ⋯ Integrating HIV variables in the existing WHO screening tool for childhood TB can be useful in early detection and treatment of TB in HIV exposed children in resource limited settings.
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African health sciences · May 2021
Predictors of antiretroviral therapy interruptions and factors influencing return to care at the Nkolndongo Health District, Cameroon.
Antiretroviral therapy is a lifelong commitment that requires consistent intake of tablets to optimize health outcomes, attain and maintain viral suppression. ⋯ Structural barriers like exposed health facility, and dispensing ARVs in open spaces stigmatizes clients and increases odds of attrition. Attrition of patients on ART will be minimized through implementation of client centered approaches like multiplying proxy ART pick points, devolving stable clients to community ARV model.
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African health sciences · Mar 2021
Meta AnalysisThe efficacy of dapagliflozin for type 1 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
The efficacy of dapagliflozin for type 1 diabetes remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the treatment efficacy of dapagliflozin versus placebo in patients with type 1 diabetes. ⋯ Dapagliflozin treatment benefits to reduce HbA1c and FPG for type 1 diabetes.
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African health sciences · Mar 2021
Prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
In Uganda, 12% of previously treated TB cases and 1.6% of new cases have MDR-TB and require specialized treatment and care. Adherence is crucial for improving MDR-TB treatment outcomes. There is paucity of information on the extent to which these patients adhere to treatment and what the drivers of non-adherence are. ⋯ One in 10 MDR-TB patients treated at Mulago hospital is non-adherent to treatment. History of previous DRTB treatment was significantly associated with non-adherence in this study. MDR-TB program should strengthen adherence counselling, strengthen DST surveillance, and close monitoring for previously treated DR-TB patients.