African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2018
Prevalence of hearing loss at primary health care clinics in South Africa.
Hearing loss prevalence data in South Africa is scarce, especially within primary health care settings. ⋯ Hearing loss prevalence was comparable at both primary health care clinics. Participants 40 years and older were at significantly higher risk for hearing loss. The current study is the first attempt to establish hearing loss prevalence for primary health care clinics in South Africa.
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African health sciences · Jun 2018
Neonatal mortality at the neonatal unit: the situation at a teaching hospital in Ghana.
The first 28 days of life- the neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for a child's survival. Globally, neonatal mortality has seen a downward trend in recent years. The main objective of this study was to determine the percentage of neonatal mortality and to provide information on factors associated with neonatal mortality at the neonatal unit of a tertiary health facility or teaching hospital. ⋯ The mortality at the neonatal in-patient unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana is very high. There is the need for continuous attention and interventions to help reduce the risk of mortality among neonates admitted to the facility.
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African health sciences · Jun 2018
Physical activity and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of correlates and levels.
Self-management strategies such as physical activity (PA) can address disability and optimize mental, physical, social and economic outcomes for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Understanding factors that influence PA behavior in PLWH is a first step in order to devise effective interventions. ⋯ The current review shows that participation in PA by PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa is associated with a range of complex factors which should be considered in the daily care of PLWH. This however might require repackaging of the current interventions for PLWH to allow a focus on PA.
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African health sciences · Jun 2018
How do Spondias mombin L (Anacardiaceae) leaves extract increase uterine smooth muscle contractions to facilitate child birth in parturient women?
Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) leaves were used in Togolese folk to treat dystocia, expel placenta and manage post-partum hemorrhage during child birth. ⋯ The pharmacological justification for the traditional use of S. mombin leaves to treat dystocia and expel placenta was that its hydro-ethanolic extract induced prostaglandins release, α2-adrenoceptors stimulation, calcium release from internal stores and lifted inhibitory effect of cholesterol on uterine contractions in order to increase uterine smooth muscle contractions.
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African health sciences · Mar 2018
Review Case ReportsTruncus arteriosus communis: report of three cases and review of literature.
Truncus arteriosus communis (TAC) is a congenital heart defect in which the physiologic arterial common trunk was not divided into aorta and pulmonary artery trunk. ⋯ Truncus arteriosus is a rare pathology caused by numerous etiologies from which many of them have genetic origin. This malformation can be diagnosed early during prenatal period. Postmortem fetopathological examination allows a better diagnosis approach and eventually a genetic counseling in recurrent cases such as case of consanguinity.