South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Observational Study
HIV self-screening distribution preferences and experiences among men who have sex with men in Mpumalanga Province: Informing policy for South Africa.
Current research suggests that HIV self-screening (HIVSS) is a feasible and acceptable approach to increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, few data are available to shape policy around dissemination and implementation. Gaps in knowledge include preferences for distribution of HIVSS kits, potential social harms and benefits of their use, and how much test users would be willing to pay for the kits. ⋯ We observed no social harms, and there were multiple social benefits. Consequently, we recommend immediate free or low-cost distribution of HIVSS kits to MSM through community-based initiatives. Future research should continue to assess optimised linkage to care.
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Observational Study
The incidence of melanoma in South Africa: An exploratory analysis of National Cancer Registry data from 2005 to 2013 with a specific focus on melanoma in black Africans.
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with poor survival when diagnosed late. There are important differences in clinical and histological features of melanoma and disease outcomes in people with darker skin types. ⋯ This study provides up-to-date NCR incidence and demographic data on melanoma and highlights the neglected research gaps in relation to melanoma in black Africans to provide evidence needed to address health disparities in overlooked population groups.
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Comorbidities occurring concurrently in breast cancer patients can be burdensome, as they may negatively influence time and stage of presentation. ⋯ A large proportion of women experience several comorbidities, highlighting the need to address the chronic non-communicable disease epidemic in SA and to co-ordinate multidisciplinary primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level care in the country's complex healthcare system for better outcome.
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The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) No. 4 of 2013 is the first comprehensive data-protection regulation to be passed in South Africa (SA). Its objectives include giving effect to the constitutional right to privacy by regulating the way in which personal information must be processed, balancing the right to privacy against other rights, and establishing an Information Regulator to ensure that the rights protected by POPIA are respected. ⋯ In particular, the provisions regarding data minimisation, requirements pertaining to the transfer of data abroad, consent provisions and identification of the 'responsible person' will impact the operation of biobanks in SA. With POPIA soon to come into force, it is now time to consider its implications for biobanks in SA.
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Recent research on the standard of care and related quality of life of the spinal cord-afflicted community in South Africa (SA) has revealed significant gaps in practice, and challenges regarding levels of care and access to services and supplies specifically related to the neurogenic bladder.