Malawi medical journal : the journal of Medical Association of Malawi
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The prevalence of hypertension and attendant cardiovascular disease burden is increasing globally. Auditing antihypertensive prescriptions and assessing patients with hypertension for blood pressure (BP) control are important steps on the path to reducing hypertension-related morbidity, mortality, and health expenditure. This study assessed the prescription pattern of antihypertensive medications and BP control among hypertensive outpatients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria. ⋯ The pattern of prescribed antihypertensive medications complied with recommended guidelines. Blood pressure control amongst hypertensive patients was unsatisfactory. More efforts should be geared towards better BP control.
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Observational Study
Identifying patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in Nigeria: A multicentre observational study.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with significant health consequences. A significant proportion of hospitalized patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnoea were never identified and referred for polysomnography for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with high risk for obstructive sleep apnoea and use it to identify patients at risk for the condition in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. ⋯ This study shows that patients with systemic hypertension, obesity, excessive daytime sleepiness, history of smoking, snoring in a first-degree relative and use of sedatives are at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea. None of the patients at high risk had a previous diagnosis of sleep apnoea by a physician, highlighting the diagnostic challenges of this condition. The results of this study will assist health care professionals in early identification of individuals at risk of obstructive sleep apnoea and subsequent referral for a sleep study.
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The diagnosis of a child with a life-long disability, such as cerebral palsy (CP), can be catastrophic to parents. It is often accompanied by feelings of despair, anxiety, hopelessness, and the fear of the unknown. Knowledge about CP is thus essential for caregiver adjustment and preparation for the caregiving role. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence regarding the best method for educating caregivers. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on caregivers' knowledge about cerebral palsy. ⋯ Our findings suggest that educational workshops may lead to improved CP knowledge among caregivers. This may better equip parents and guardians to meet the extra caregiving demands associated with CP, leading to improved health outcomes for children with CP and their caregivers.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effect of human rotavirus vaccine on severe diarrhea in African infants.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis among young children worldwide. Data are needed to assess the efficacy of the rotavirus vaccine in African children. ⋯ Human rotavirus vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis among African infants during the first year of life. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00241644.).
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Four artemisinin-based treatments in African pregnant women with malaria.
Information regarding the safety and efficacy of artemisinin combination treatments for malaria in pregnant women is limited, particularly among women who live in sub-Saharan Africa. ⋯ Artemether-lumefantrine was associated with the fewest adverse effects and with acceptable cure rates but provided the shortest posttreatment prophylaxis, whereas dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine had the best efficacy and an acceptable safety profile. (Funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00852423.).