African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Zambian Health Worker Retention Scheme (ZHWRS) for rural areas.
Zambian Health Workers Retention Scheme (ZHWRS) commenced in 2003. The schemes' original aim was to retain and recruit Zambian doctors in rural and remote districts. The aim of the ZHWRS subsequently expanded to also include other health workers, in either rural or urban areas. The scheme was formulated to address, in part, the drastic shortage of health workers. ⋯ The ZHWRS has not fully met either its original or revised aims. The drastic shortage of health workers in Zambia continues.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
The prevalence of postoperative pain in the first 48 hours following day surgery at a tertiary hospital in Nairobi.
Day case surgery services are increasing all over the world. The prevalence of postoperative pain after day surgery is found to be high. Little is known about the prevalence of postoperative pain, in Kenya, after day case surgeries. ⋯ The overall prevalence of postoperative pain after day surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi was noted to be different from what has been reported in the literature. The prevalence of moderate and severe pain however, is less than reported in the literature.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
Underlying congenital heart disease in Nigerian children with pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a common cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally. Some congenital heart disease (CHD) may predispose their sufferer to bronchopneumonia. ⋯ The children with CHD were more likely to have heart failure and murmur compared to those without CHD. Prevalence of CHD in children with pneumonia in this study is high, evaluation of children with pneumonia for CHD is therefore recommended.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
Determinants of health related quality of life in a sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Nigeria using the St. George's respiratory questionnaire.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a multi-systemic and progressive disease. However the determinants of its impact on health related quality of life are not well-studied or understood in Nigeria. ⋯ Self-reported breathlessness and weight loss are independent predictors of low HRQL score in COPD.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
Patients' knowledge and perceived reactions to medical errors in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria.
Human errors in healthcare delivery pose serious threats to patients undergoing treatment. While clinical concern is growing in response, there is need to report social and behavioural context of the problem in Nigeria. ⋯ Voluntary disclosure and teamwork is very important in dealing with medical error. The role of medical social workers could be important in the discourse and disclosure of medical error.