African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2004
ReviewApplication of ICT in strengthening health information systems in developing countries in the wake of globalisation.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) revolution brought opportunities and challenges to developing countries in their efforts to strengthen the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS). In the wake of globalisation, developing countries have no choice but to take advantage of the opportunities and face the challenges. The last decades saw developing countries taking action to strengthen and modernise their HMIS using the existing ICT. ⋯ Concurrently, strategies to improve data quality and utilisation should be instituted to ensure that HMIS has positive impact on people's health. Potential strength from private sector and opportunities for sharing experiences among developing countries should be utilised. Short of this, advancement in ICT will continue to marginalise health workers in developing countries especially those living in remote areas.
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African health sciences · Aug 2004
Traumatic events and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder amongst Sudanese nationals, refugees and Ugandans in the West Nile.
To compare the incidence of traumatic events and its association with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in three population groups in northern Uganda and southern Sudan. ⋯ Symptoms of PTSD in war-affected Sudanese populations can be partly explained by traumatic event exposures. The high prevalence of violence and symptoms of PTSD in refugee populations highlight the need for better protection and security in refugee settlements. Humanitarian agencies must consider the provision of mental health services for populations affected by war and forced migration.
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African health sciences · Apr 2004
Gender issues in contraceptive use among educated women in Edo state, Nigeria.
While traditional contraception is widely used, in southern Nigerian modern contraception is a relatively recent phenomenon. Modern contraception is more wide spread among the educated and sexually active youth in Nigeria. Few studies have been done on contraception among educated women in Nigeria. ⋯ An important step in improving women's reproductive health is the involvement of men. Health programmes should conduct campaigns to educate men about reproductive health and the role they can assume in family planning.
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African health sciences · Apr 2004
Meta AnalysisMoyer's method of mixed dentition analysis: a meta-analysis.
Mixed dentition analysis forms an essential part of an orthodontic assessment. Moyer's method which is commonly used for this analysis is based on data derived from a Caucasian population. The applicability of tables derived from the data Moyer used to other ethnic groups has been doubted. However no meta-analyses have been done to statistically prove this. ⋯ Variation in the correlation coefficients of different populations using Moyer's method may fall either side. This implies that Moyer's method of prediction may have population variations. For one to be sure of the accuracy while using Moyer's method it may be safer to develop prediction tables for specific populations. Thus Moyer's method cannot universally be applied without question.