African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
The practice of using repurposed medications as chemoprophylaxis for COVID-19 by healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that has been reported in virtually every country. Healthcare workers (HCW) are more at risk of COVID-19 than the general population making them a priority group for vaccination. Before the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, some HCW were using some repurposed, unapproved drugs to possibly prevent the disease. This study evaluated the frequency and pattern of drug use for COVID-19 prevention. ⋯ Several HCW in Nigeria take drugs to possibly prevent COVID-19. These medications may not offer significant protection against COVID-19. There is an urgent need to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in HCW in Nigeria.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Biological parameters determining the effectiveness of monitoring of HIV / AIDS infected patients in Morocco.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the world's most serious health challenges. The development of therapeutic regimens has significantly increased survival and reduced HIV-associated morbidities in HIV-infected individuals. However, some people living with HIV may not respond as expected, resulting in treatment failure. The objective of this study is to identify and characterize, by immunological (T-cell CD4) and virological (viral load) parameters, HIV infected patients with therapeutic failure in Morocco. ⋯ In our study, we showed a therapeutic failure rate of 18.2% in HIV-infected patients under treatment in Marrakech region. These failures were mainly related to poor adherence and low CD4+ rates at the initiation of treatment. We concluded that immunological monitoring alone is insufficient to predict virological suppression and therapeutic success. Consequently, we recommend the HIV plasma viral load test be accessible as a routine exam.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Associations of blood glucose, helper T cells and cytokine levels with degree of periodontal lesion in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients accompanied by chronic periodontitis.
To explore the associations of blood glucose with degree of periodontal lesions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by chronic periodontitis (CP). ⋯ High levels of FPG, HbA1c, IFN-γ and IL-17 are independent risk factors for T2DM accompanied by CP.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Women's experience of unexpected caesarean section birth in Kitui County, Kenya.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 72% of all Caesarean section (CS) births are unplanned compared to 27% of unplanned CS births done in developed countries. Various researches have been conducted on lived experiences following unexpected CS birth but none in Kitui County, Kenya. ⋯ Disruption, dissatisfaction with the birth process, and unmet expectations were negative experiences. Healthcare workers should be sensitive when informing mothers of unplanned CS. More research to look for coping strategies to reduce negative birthing experiences.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Willingness of college students aged 10 to 24 years to get vaccinated against COVID-19 disease: a cross-sectional study in South-East Nigeria.
Willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is a topical issue that may change the course and distribution of the pandemic in the country. ⋯ A small fraction of college adolescents were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Male gender, knowledge of vaccine and possibility of transmitting infection are predictors of willingness to receive the vaccination.