African health sciences
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African health sciences · Aug 2009
The prevalence and severity of mental illnesses handled by traditional healers in two districts in Uganda.
Little is known about the prevalence and severity of DSM-IV mental disorders treated by traditional healers in Uganda. ⋯ These findings suggest that a considerable number of patients with DSM-IV diagnosable mental disorders attend traditional healing shrines; the majority had moderate to severe symptoms. Mental health professionals therefore need to come up with ways to co-operate with traditional healers, e.g. as officially designated Traditional Mental Attendants (TMA), for the benefit of their patients.
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African health sciences · Aug 2009
Adaptation of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support in a Ugandan setting.
The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was developed in the USA. The adequacy of its use in Uganda to guarantee its reliability and validity has not been ascertained. ⋯ The adapted MSPSS can reliably be used in Uganda.
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African health sciences · Jun 2009
Severe road traffic injuries in Kenya, quality of care and access.
Road traffic injuries (RTI) are on increase in developing countries. Health care facilities are poorly equipped to provide the needed services. ⋯ Most RTI casualties were young and from poor backgrounds. Training of motorists and general public in first aid should be considered in RTI control initiatives. Availability of basic trauma care medical supplies in public health facilities was highly deficient.
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African health sciences · Jun 2009
Cytokine profiles and antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in individuals living in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria.
The ability of the host immune system to efficiently clear Plasmodium falciparum parasites during a malaria infection depends on the type of immune response mounted by the host. ⋯ Taken together, malaria infection is on a delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The higher levels of IFN-gamma seen in the symptomatic children (<6 months) may be instrumental in immune-protection against malaria by limiting parasite replication. The observed variations in immunoglobulin subclass levels were age-dependent and exposure-related.
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African health sciences · Jun 2009
Hepatitis B infection is highly endemic in Uganda: findings from a national serosurvey.
Infant immunization against hepatitis B began in Uganda in 2002. ⋯ Hepatitis B virus infection is highly endemic in Uganda, with transmission occurring in childhood and adulthood. More than 1.4 million adults are chronically infected and some communities disproportionately affected. The hepatitis B infant immunization programme should be sustained and catch-up vaccination considered for older children.