African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Association of testosterone levels with socio-demographic characteristics in a sample of Ugandan men.
Testosterone, a male reproductive hormone, affects several physiological processes, such as sperm production, energy, strength, sexual behavior, sleep and the general well being of men. Normal levels of testosterone are necessary to effect these physiological processes. The objective of this study was to study the association between testosterone levels in a sample of Ugandan men with socio-demographic characteristics, and compare the testosterone levels of Ugandan men with that of men in other countries. ⋯ Testosterone levels were lower in association with several socio-demographic characteristics including being married, having dependents, and daily coital frequency. Further research is warranted into the relationship between testosterone levels and contributory sexual behavior that may be important in understanding the spread of HIV/AIDS, given its high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
A cross-sectional study on urogenital schistosomiasis in children; haematuria and proteinuria as diagnostic indicators in an endemic rural area of Nigeria.
Rapid and accurate diagnosis is necessary for the management of schistosomiasis in endemic areas. ⋯ Schistosomiasis is highly endemic in the study area and the use of microhaematuria and proteinuria for mapping the infected population prior treatment could be adopted.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Comparative StudyRural-urban disparities in maternal immunization knowledge and childhood health-seeking behavior in Nigeria: a mixed method study.
Immunization and appropriate health-seeking behavior are effective strategies to reduce child deaths. ⋯ Knowledge of VPDs was poor and multiple treatment sources were common among rural and urban women. Education is vital to improve immunization knowledge and health-seeking behavior in both areas.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Hypoxemia predicts death from severe falciparum malaria among children under 5 years of age in Nigeria: the need for pulse oximetry in case management.
Oxygen saturation is a good marker for disease severity in emergency care. However, studies have not considered its use in identifying individuals infected with Plasmodium falciparum at risk of deaths. ⋯ Hypoxaemia predicts deaths in Nigerian children with severe malaria, irrespective of other features. Efforts should always be made to measure oxygen saturation as part of the treatments for severe malaria in children.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Knowledge and perception of microbicides among healthcare providers in Calabar, Nigeria.
With the worldwide spread of HIV/AIDS, the absence of a known cure and the challenges associated with existing prevention methodologies, there is need for new prevention technologies. The successful uptake of healthcare products and services depend, to a large extent, on healthcare providers' knowledge, perception and attitude regarding them. ⋯ There are gaps in knowledge regarding microbicides among the health care providers. Capacity building would be successful since the majority are willing to act as community advocates.