Student's Journal of Health Research Africa

PREVALENCE OF PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS AND DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AMONGST ADULT HIV PATIENTS AT KISUGU HEALTH CENTRE III, MAKINDYE DIVISION, IN UGANDA

Jonah Buyi — 2023-03-30

Background:

Pulmonary aspergillosis is one of the respiratory conditions that are missed to be diagnosed and neglected in Uganda and it has been reported to be common worldwide, especially among people living with HIV. With azole resistance common to aspergillus fumigatus becoming a global concern; a species that causes invasive disease, epidemiological data are necessary to guide clinical practice. This study determined the prevalence of pulmonary aspergillosis and drug susceptibility testing amongst adult HIV patients at Kisugu Health Centre III

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out at Kisugu Health Centre III among 254 HIV clients. Early morning sputa were cultured on Sabroud Dextrose Agar at 30⁰C for 7 days using a high-volume culture technique. Microscopy using lactophenol cotton blue stain was carried out to identify the species. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done using the agar-based disc diffusion method, and data were analyzed as proportion.

Results:

There were 79.5%(N=202) female participants. Participants' mean age was 34.20±10.27 (range: 18-67) years. The prevalence of pulmonary aspergillosis was 42.5% (N=108) with the commonest species being aspergillus niger (28%, N=71), fumigatus (9%, N=23), terreus(4.7%, N=12), co-species infection at 1.2% (N=3). 98.6% of aspergillus niger isolates were sensitive to voriconazole,87.5% of aspergillus fumigatus isolates were sensitive to voriconazole and 100% of the aspergillus terreus isolates were sensitive to voriconazole. Major resistance in this study was seen in aspergillus fumigatus with 12.5% resistance to itraconazole, resistance was also noticed amongst 8.3% of aspergillus terreus isolates on amphotericin B.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of Pulmonary aspergillosis was high, and different species were isolated. Moreover, a varied antifungal susceptibility pattern was established

Recommendation:

Routine testing for pulmonary aspergillosis should be included in HIV clinics.

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATES IN RAW CHICKEN GIZZARDS FROM SELECTED RETAILERS IN KATABI SUB-COUNTY, WAKISO DISTRICT, UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Jackline Nakkungu — 2023-03-30

Introduction:

Compromised public health structures, poor disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxin production, poor educational program approaches, and local law enforcement in addition to other factors have led to food-borne illness as a great public health concern and these are commonly under-reported. This study examines raw chicken gizzards.

Methodology:

Across sectional study was done on the fresh raw chicken gizzards randomly selected from different supermarkets and fresh poultry product outlets which were then transported at 4˚C to the microbiology laboratory for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Results:

A total of 39 raw chicken gizzards randomly selected from different fresh chicken outlets were used in the study to test for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Findings showed that 10 samples were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The results show that out of the 10 samples found positive in the Coagulase slide test for staphylococcus aureus, 6/10 (60%) were resistant to Penicillin (P), 9/10 (90%) were resistant to vancomycin(Va), 9/10 (90%) were resistant to Ampicillin(Amp),4/10 (40%) were resistant to Cefoxitin(FOX) and 10/10 (100%) were resistant to Tetracycline(TE).

Conclusion and recommendation:

This study demonstrated that the Staphylococcus species have entered the food chain.

Recommendation

As the amounts were low, the pathogen is not likely to cause disease, especially if chicken gizzards are properly prepared before consumption.

ALCOHOL-INDUCED LIVER INJURY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY EVALUATING LIVER FUNCTION TESTS IN A SOUTH AFRICAN POPULATION.

Nontokomalo Mkhize — 2023-03-30

Background:

Alcohol consumption is a major public health issue that has been linked to liver injury, which can be detected by liver function tests. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in African populations.

Objectives:

This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in a South African population.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 150 patients who had undergone liver function tests between May 2021 and December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in South Africa were included in the study. The mean values, t-tests, and p-values of liver function tests (TP, TB, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and Albumin) of male and female patients were analyzed. The De Ritis ratio was also calculated to assess the degree of liver injury induced by alcohol.

Results:

The results showed statistically significant differences in the mean values of the liver function tests between male and female patients. The De Ritis ratio was greater than 2 in 31% of the patients, indicating liver injury induced by alcohol consumption.

Conclusions and Implications:

The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring of liver function tests in individuals who consume alcohol, particularly in African populations where limited research has been conducted on this topic. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of alcohol on liver function tests and to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced liver disease in African populations. The study provides insight into the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in South Africa and underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts to reduce the burden of alcohol-induced liver disease.

INSULIN RESISTANCE AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC ALTERATIONS IN NON-OBESE INDIAN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Rajeev Kumar — 2023-03-30

Background:

Heart disease risk has been associated with cardiac steatosis. The relationships between cardiac steatosis, aberrant electrocardiograms (ECG), and specific metabolic syndrome symptoms (MetS) were studied.

Method:

This prospective study was conducted from July 2021 to August 2022 at Patna Medical College & Hospital, Patna, and laboratory data and a 10-lead ECG were compared between 35 men without the MetS and 30 men with the MetS. Using 1.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy, the myocardial triglyceride (MTG) content was determined, and epicardial and pericardial fat was imaged using MR. SPSS 22.0 for Windows was used to conduct all statistical analyses. The Kolmogorove-Smirnov test was used to determine whether continuous variables were normal.

Results:

Compared to participants without the MetS, men with the condition exhibited higher levels of MTG in their epicardial and pericardial fat depots (p <0.002). Patients with MetS had greater heart rates (p <0.002), longer PR intervals (p <0.043), a shift of the frontal plane QRS axis to the left (p <0.002), and lower QRS voltage (p <0.002). There was an inverse relationship between the frontal plane QRS axis and the QRS voltage and MTG content, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), TGs, and fasting blood glucose. Measures of insulin resistance were associated adversely with the QRS voltage, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol correlated positively. The frontal plane QRS was determined by the MTG content and hypertriglyceridemia, while the QRS voltage was predicted by the WC and hyperglycemia.

Conclusion:

Several alterations on the 10-lead ECG appear to be related to both the MetS and cardiac steatosis. In people with MetS, the frontal plane QRS axis is displaced to the left and the QRS voltage is reduced. In obese people with cardiometabolic risk factors, the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy may be understated by standard ECG criteria.

INCREASING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE, DIAGNOSE, AND INTERVENE IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER CASES IN AFRICA: EXAMPLES FROM SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES- A LONGITUDINAL CASE STUDY.

Nicola Wannenburg — 2023-03-30

Background:

As awareness surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Africa has increased, the high rate of non-verbal autism on the continent has come to the fore. Late diagnosis and access to viable interventions are continued concerns. Due to the greater focus on communicable diseases in healthcare curriculums, healthcare professionals frequently do not possess the required knowledge and experience to diagnose cases of neurodevelopmental disorders. Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter autistic individuals or their families because of being the first professionals whose advice is sought about worrisome symptoms, either by high-functioning individuals with autism or by a worried parent of a newborn or toddler.

Methods:

A narrative review of healthcare professionals’ knowledge of ASD in Africa provided context for the research and highlighted areas needing focus. A qualitative mixed-method case study was used to highlight symptoms and potential behaviors of autism that healthcare practitioners may face in practice.

Findings:

A lack of focus on neurodevelopmental disorders in healthcare curriculums has led to an inability to recognize, diagnose, and intervene in ASD cases across Africa, which places a greater burden on families, especially in low-resource settings. Nurses are central in both clinics and communities. Nurses’ ability to discern neurodevelopmental and autistic behavior from typical childhood development is crucial to timely diagnosis and intervention as well as accurate treatment of presenting communicable diseases or co-morbidities. Increasing health professionals’ awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder should aid in the reduction of undiagnosed and untreated cases.

Conclusions:

Healthcare professionals’ ability to diagnose developmental disorders at a younger age, may increase the chances of intervention and autonomy in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and support for families.

Recommendation:

In order to facilitate early diagnoses and intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders, greater emphasis needs to be placed on non-communicable diseases in health care curriculums.

PATIENT’S PERCEPTIONS OF ANTI-CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS AND ADHERENCE ON TREATMENT AT MBARARA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL.

Julius Okiria Okiror — 2023-03-30

Background:

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatment modalities for cancer. However, despite the benefits of indicated chemotherapy, the side effects and toxicities of the treatment frequently affect the patient’s quality of life (QOL) and hence adherence to the treatment. The aim of the study was to examine the patient’s perception of the anti-cancer chemotherapy side effects and adherence to treatment at MRRH

Methodology:

The study utilized a descriptive qualitative design. It involved 40-60 minute in-depth interviews with 10 participants who had undergone chemotherapy treatment to understand their perceptions and their adherence to treatment. Inductive thematic data analysis was used to generate themes and categories.

Results:

The following themes and categories emerged: Benefits [helpful, feeling good, believed getting better], and perceived severity [chemotherapy side effects, frustration, pain and fear of death].

Conclusion:

The perceived severity of the chemotherapy had a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Despite these side effects experienced by most of the participants, the benefits of chemotherapy and considerable support from staff influenced the participants to adhere to treatment.

Recommendations:

There is a need for health workers to continue providing the necessary information about the disease, the drugs, the course of treatment, and the prognosis to improve patient acceptance of the chemotherapy.

VESICO-UTERINE FISTULA FOLLOWING A CAESAREAN SECTION: A CASE STUDY.

Edson Willy Habimana — 2023-03-30

Background:

Vesico-uterine fistula refers to abnormal communication between the urinary bladder and the uterine cavity. It’s among the obstetric fistulas which occur as part of the complications of medico-surgical procedures such as post-caesarian sections, and post-irradiation as in cancer treatment among others. About two million women worldwide have genital fistula with an annual incidence of 50,000 to 100,000 cases. In sub-Saharan Africa. an estimated 33,000 new fistula cases occur each year.

Case presentation:

This case study was of a 34-year-old female who came into the hospital complaining of long-standing abdominal pains associated with constant vaginal watery discharge, menstrual irregularities, painful sexual intercourse, and on-and-off urinary incontinence. All these started after a caesarian section was done one year ago. Her past Obstetric history revealed that she had ever had two vaginal deliveries and 1 caesarian section a year ago.

Results:

On ultrasonography, it was revealed that there was a defect in the continuity of the anterior wall of the uterus making a connection between the endometrial cavity and the urinary bladder. This was in line with the definition of a vesicouterine fistula.

Conclusion:

The report concluded that vesicouterine fistula is one of the genital urinary fistulae that can occur following a caesarian section and with increasing trends directly proportional to an increase in the incidence of caesarian sections.

Recommended:

That every mother who has had a caesarian section should do a post-natal ultrasound at least within the first 6 months following the operation. This will help to identify potential genito-urinary fistulas earlier enough which can improve their overall management.

AN EVALUATION OF THE CLINIC RADIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SINGLE-VERSUS DOUBLE-BUNDLE ARTHROSCOPIC ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

Paresh Chandra Dey — 2023-03-30

Introduction:

The most common reconstructive procedure for the knee is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This research aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic ACL replacements using single- and double-bundles.

Method:

80 patients with isolated ACL injuries had surgery between July 2020 and July 2021, with groups for the single bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) reconstructions each consisting of 40 individuals. The GNRB arthrometer, the International Knee Documentation Committee, and the Lysholm scale were used to evaluate the results. The lateral pivot-shift test was used to evaluate rotational stability. To compare the repaired ACL graft orientation, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done. Using a paired t-test, preoperative values, and values were compared and P <0.04 was significant.

Result:

The average follow-up was 18.2 months for the DB group and 14.8 months for the SB group. The mean Lysholm score was 94.12±2.66 in the SB group and 93.12±3.30 in the DB group at the time of the final follow-up (P value = 0.201, statistically insignificant). All of the patients, in both groups, were in grade A or B. The mean differential anterior tibial translation in the SB group was 1.44 ± 0.5 mm and in the DB group, it was 1.16 ± 0.7 mm (P = 0.104, NS). In the DB group, all of the pivot shift tests were negative, whereas, in the SB group, three patients showed positive results. According to an MRI of surgically repaired knees, both groups' mean sagittal and mean coronal ACL graft-tibial angles were equivalent (P value > 0.04, NS).

Conclusion:

At an average of 15 months of follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between the single-bundle and double-bundle ACL repair groups in terms of knee stability, knee ratings, subjective assessments, or MRI examination of graft inclination angles.

PLEURAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: A CASE STUDY IN MPIGI DISTRICT, UGANDA.

Edson Willy Habimana — 2023-03-30

Background:

It is estimated that 10% of women of reproductive age have endometriosis where the incidence is noted to be as high as 49% in women with chronic pelvic pain. The most common form of endometriosis is abdominopelvic endometriosis, but there are rare cases where there is the presence of endometrial tissue in the thoracic cavity. Pleural endometriosis is a form of thoracic endometriosis in which the endometrial tissue is found on the pleural membrane.

Case presentation:

A 29-year-old female came into our hospital presenting with shortness of breath, the feeling of fluids splashing into the right chest, right-sided chest pains, mild non-productive cough. The signs and symptoms were always present monthly at the start of her menses.

Results:

The chest X-ray findings revealed a right-sided moderate pleural effusion. The cause of this pleural effusion remained idiopathic. However, since her history of presenting complaints was aligned with menstrual periods, a pleural tissue biopsy was done, which revealed endometrial tissue implanted on the pleural membrane.

Conclusion:

Pleural endometriosis is a rare but existing form of endometriosis with no specific risk factors or signs and symptoms. This explains why many have misdiagnosed it calling it pneumonia. Clinicians are recommended to take a detailed history from patients regardless of how unrelated some complaints may seem. “It seemed unrelated for a pleural effusion with a cough to become a gynecological issue”.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNDERNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE ATTENDING THE SICKLE CELL CLINIC IN MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, UGANDA. A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Rosta Asiimwe — 2023-03-30

Background:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the neglected non-communicable diseases, which significantly contributes to early childhood mortality. In Uganda, over 20,000 children are estimated to be sicklers. Undernutrition is common among children with SCD and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors in Uganda.

Objective:

To assess the extent of undernutrition and related factors among children aged 5-12 years with SCD attending the sickle cell clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), Uganda.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 270 children with SCD attending the sickle cell clinic at MNRH were recruited consecutively between May and June 2017. The nutritional status of the children was assessed by BMI-for-age (wasting) and height-for-age (stunting) z-scores calculated using STATA in accordance with WHO reference. Binary logistic regression was conducted using odds ratios with 95% CI to measure the strength of association among the predictors.

Results:

About 11.4% were wasted and 13.7% were stunted. Wasting was significantly associated with older age (10-12 years) (AOR=4.27, CI=2.20-8.29) and living in a female-headed household (AOR=0.39, CI=0.16-0.92). Stunting was significantly associated with older age (10-12 years) (AOR=2.90, CI=1.39-6.06).

Conclusion:

Wasting and stunting were prevalent among children with SCD attending MNRH. The factors associated with undernutrition were older age and living in a female-headed household.

Recommendations:

Interventions like skills-based nutrition education integrating older children and enhancement of women’s control of household resources by improving the social economic status of caretakers through business training and providing vocational skills can improve undernutrition in children with SCD.

OPTIMISING A PROCESSING PROTOCOL FOR A SAFE AND VITAMIN C RICH CONCOCTION USED BY UGANDANS TO ALLEVIATE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19.

Eddie Zziwa — 2023-03-30

Background:

When the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic on 12 March 2020, desperate Ugandans who could not afford exorbitant fees for treatment of COVID-19 resorted to using cannabis and other local herbs to treat the deadly disease. One of the popular concoctions used was a mixture of garlic, lemons, ginger, onion, and red pepper. The main objective was to optimize the processing protocol for a safe and vitamin C-rich concoction.

Methodology:

A centralized statistical screening design was applied to optimize the processing conditions. The processing conditions, including temperature and time, were optimized to maximize vitamin C retention while ensuring microbial safety.

Results:

The concoction that was prepared at the optimized conditions, 83 °C for 5 minutes, had a vitamin C retention of 69.51% and a microbial load of 0 CFU/ml. Confirmation runs were performed at 83 °C for 5 minutes and the observed responses coincided well with the predicted values given by the optimization technique.

Conclusion:

To best preserve the concoction’s vitamin C content and, at the same time ensure a safe microbial load, it should be prepared at 83 °C for 5 minutes.

Recommendation:

Further analysis is to be conducted on the optimization protocol for toxicity and effectiveness of the concoctions.

CHILD HEALTH AND SAFETY OF COMPLEMENTARY FOOD AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN ADYEL DIVISION, LIRA DISTRICT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Elizabeth Atim — 2023-03-30

Background

Safe complementary food is food that will not cause harm to infants and children when prepared and fed as recommended. Unfortunately, children are frequently suffering from diarrhoea which is not only preventable but is also largely attributed to complementary foods hence this study.

Methodology

The study was carried out in 2015 in Adyel Division, Lira District among caregiver-child pairs. The children were between the ages of 6 – 23 months. Information collected was about the children’s diarrhoeal patterns, nutritional status, and complementary food safety.

Results

Analyses of food samples revealed that freshly cooked food was contaminated with fecal coliforms (4.88±1.87 log cfu/g), and the levels of fecal coliforms in stored food increased with prolonged storage period (5.49b±1.86 log cfu/g).

Drinking water too was contaminated with E.coli (2.86 logs cfu/ml). Water in storage containers had total coliform counts of up to 3.14 log cfu/ml. In over half of the households (56.7%), the microbial counts in household drinking water containers (4.48E+03cfu E.coli) were more than those found at the respective water sources (4.46E+02cfu E.coli). Water treatment accounted for 25% of the variation (p=0.005) in E.coli counts in drinking water that was found in water storage containers. About 32.5% of the frequency or recurrence of diarrhea episodes in two weeks among children was explained by the presence of fecal coliforms in freshly cooked complementary food (p=0.001). Overall, diarrheal infections (p=0.030), inappropriate child-feeding practices (p=0.048), and poor hand-washing (p=0.011) played a significant role in influencing child health.

Conclusion

The food safety in this study was compromised by poor complementary food handling practices.

Recommendation

There is a need to study specific food combinations under more controlled conditions to compare the effect of the different handling practices on the microbial load in the various foods.

FACTORS AFFECTING EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS IN GOMBE HOSPITAL, BUTAMBALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Gladys Uwizera — 2023-03-30

Background:
The study explored factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal mothers in Gombe Hospital, Butambala District. The objectives that guided the study were: to identify socio-economic factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding practices, challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, and mothers’ knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding.
Methodology:
This study was quantitative; 40 participants were selected using convenience sampling.
The study was carried out in Gombe Hospital's young child clinic in January 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results:
More than half of the mothers did not get help from staff on breastfeeding (72.5%), and 67.5% did not receive any help on positioning and attaching their babies to the breast. Some of the barriers found included the widely-held perception that infants needed water and formula to supplement, concern that breast milk alone does not satisfy the infant, inadequate infant feeding education and support by the health system, and the lack of community-based postnatal support and family influence.
Conclusion:
Midwives and health workers need to spend more time supporting and educating women about breastfeeding.
Recommendations:
There is a need for more training, follow-up, and research.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN OF UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE YEARS AT HERI MISSION HOSPITAL IN BUHIGWE DISTRICT – KIGOMA, TANZANIA

Mastura Ally — 2023-03-30

Background:

Sickle cell disease has become a common inherited hemoglobin disorder. Various reports have shown that a high mortality rate of children under five years of age was reported in the year 2022 in Tanzania. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) amongst children under five years of age and their family history at Heri Mission Hospital in Buhigwe District, Kigoma.

Methods:

A convenient cross-sectional study was carried out to enroll 204 children under the age of five years at Heri Mission Hospital. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variances using the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0.1.0 software (SPSS Inc., USA). The Chi-square test was utilized in comparing proportions and frequency of occurrence of Haemoglobin (Hb) in the variables at P < 0.05 as the significance of variance.

Results:

The prevalence of SCD among children under five years was 28.3% (103/364). Among the positively tested with SCD, the majority were female at 71.7% (65/91), whereas males were 28.3% (26/91). Family records of the children with SCD showed that the proportional of SCD was significantly higher among family members with SCD 73.1% (38/52) than none SCD (14/52) 26.9% (X2 = 7.513, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The findings in this research showed a high rate of SCD amongst children under five years, and the family history of the victims showed it’s inheritable.

Recommendation:

Health awareness and proper mitigation strategies need to be addressed on how to curb the SCD in Buhigwe District and Tanzania as a country.

PRACTICE OF WOMEN AGED 25-49 YEARS IN RELATION TO CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN ENTEBBE MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT, UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Denis Nsubuga — 2023-03-30

Background:

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among Ugandan women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, despite the evidence of methods for prevention, most of the women remain unscreened. In addition, current estimates indicate that 6,413 Ugandan women are diagnosed annually with 4301 deaths. The main purpose of this study was to investigate practice in relation to Cervical Cancer Screening among women aged between 25-49 years in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district.

Method:

This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed practices in relation to Cervical Cancer screening among women aged between 25-49 years in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District; Proportionate sampling was used to select 246 participants from each division for interviews. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the study participants. Collected data was cleaned, coded, and entered in MS Excel spreadsheet 2013 and it was then exported to EPI- INFO Version 7 statistical software for Windows for analysis. The study findings were then presented using tables, graphs, and charts

Results:

Only 17.07% of Women in Entebbe Municipality had screened for Cervical Cancer. 76.7% screened only once, 38.88% screened because of awareness that is created, and 30% screened during outreaches.

Conclusion:

Cervical cancer screening is still low among women in Entebbe Municipality thus leading to poor actual practice.

Recommendation:

There is a need to further educate women and the general public on the availability and need for Cervical Cancer screening.

AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY ON THE PERCEIVED SPIRITUAL CAUSES OF PSYCHOSIS IN CENTRAL UGANDA.

Elizabeth Atim — 2023-03-30

Background

The WHO defines health as the complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease. Unfortunately, many are increasingly suffering from mental illness especially following the recent COVID-19 pandemic characterized by psychosis among other symptoms. According to the DSM-5, psychosis is characterized by the following: “delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonia or abnormal motor behaviour, and negative symptoms” which greatly disrupt human life and relationships.

Although there are conventional ways of managing psychosis, people still seek spiritual modalities due to the perceived spiritual causes. This study, therefore, sought to identify and document the perceived spiritual causes of psychosis in Central Uganda from July to December 2022.

Methodology

An ethnographic study design was employed for this explorative qualitative study. The sample size was 15 which was obtained through saturation. Sampling was carried out using the snowball method and the respondents were traditional healers, Christians, and Muslims who practiced spiritual management of psychosis as well as their clients (patients and caregivers). In-depth Interviews and Key informant interviews as well as observations were used for data collection. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

The spiritual cause of Psychosis in the study area was found to be demons (evil spirits). These were either ancestral in nature or a result of witchcraft. Witchcraft was either sent or self-inflicted.

Conclusion

There is a spiritual world that can influence and inflict disease in the physical body including mental illness (psychosis).

Recommendation

Research needs to be done to establish whether the disease progress and manifestations are similar in one who has psychosis as a result of spiritual causes compared to one whose psychotic symptoms are a result of purely physical causes.

DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT MALANGALA HEALTH CENTER III, MITYANA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Scovia Nandegeya — 2023-03-30

Background

A study was carried out to identify the determinants of health-seeking behaviors among pregnant mothers attending Antenatal Care at Malangala Health Center III, Mityana District.

Methodology:

The study was a descriptive cross-sectional and it employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A sample size of 30 respondents was selected using a convenience sampling procedure. An interview guide was used to collect data.

Results:

20 (67%) did not receive adequate support and encouragement from their husband/partner to ensure access to health care services, 18 (60%) had never been health educated about home treatment for illnesses, 12 (40%) respondents resided 4 – 5 km away from Malangala Health Center III and 12 (40%) respondents spent between 5000 – 10,000shs on transport to the health facility. 20 (67%) reported that health workers had bad behavior towards patients as they were rude and not welcoming, 20 (67%) reported that health workers had negative attitudes during the provision of ANC services to mothers, 10 (33.3%) reported rude and unwelcoming health workers, as well as 8 (26.7%), reported inefficient and slow health staff.

12 (40%) respondents rated the quality of medical care received the last time they used the health care services as very good, 11 (36.7%) spent 30 minutes to 1 hour, 8 (26.7%) spent more than 4 hours, 18 (60%) reported that Malangala Health Center III is not accessible from their homes, 12 (40%) were sometimes able to get all the required services and medication.

Conclusion:

Respondents faced various socio-economic, health worker, and health facility determinants of health-seeking behaviors among pregnant mothers attending ANC services.

Recommendations:

Including improving efficiency and reducing waiting time, improving customer care, more support, and health education about ANC among others.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENT USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG YOUNG MARKET WOMEN WORKING AT ST. BALIKUDDEMBE MARKET IN KAMPALA, UGANDA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Molly Nambajjwe — 2023-03-30

Background:

Despite increased access to modern contraception among young women globally, little is known about modern contraceptive use among women working in the informal sector who are usually missed out on in most national surveys. We assessed the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among young market women in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 343 young women aged 15-24 years, working at St. Balikuddembe Market in Kampala, the Capital City of Uganda. Data were collected on socio-demographic and behavior characteristics including the current use of modern FP methods. We computed the proportion of young women who reported the current use of modern FP methods and determined the factors associated with the current use of modern FP methods using a modified Poisson regression model.

Results:

Of 343 young market women, 56% (192) were food handlers. Nearly half of the women (48.4, n=166) had at least one biological child. Forty-seven percent (160) of the women reported the current use of modern FP methods. Having 1-2 living children (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] =1.81, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.20, 2.72) or three or more living children (aPR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.33, 3.64), age 20-24 years (aPR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.46, 3.17), having secondary education (aPR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.05, 7.21), and having a positive attitude towards modern FP (aPR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.71) were positively associated with current use of modern FP methods.

Conclusion:

The use of modern contraception among young market women remains sub-optimal. Having at least one living child, older age, and secondary education were the factors associated with modern contraceptive use in this population.

Recommendation:

Our findings suggest a need for innovative, target-specific FP interventions with a focus on several biological children, level of education, and age, to improve the uptake of modern contraceptive services among young market women in this setting.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS FEMALE CONDOM USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS ATTENDING NAGURU TEENAGE INFORMATION AND HEALTH CENTRE, KAMPALA DISTRICT.

Sharon Nakirijja — 2023-03-30

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of female condom use among adolescents and young adults attending Naguru Teenage Information and Health Centre, Kampala district in July 2021.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was used among 384 participants. The inclusion criteria considered adolescents and young adults.

Results:

Analyses revealed that less than a quarter of the participants (24.7%) had ever used a female condom. Indeed, this is confirmed by the interval of use which was reported to be common “sometimes” (83.1%). Regarding knowledge of condom use among the participants surveyed; more-than half (86.2%) had ever heard of female condoms. The commonest sources of information on female condom use included parents, health facilities, and media outlets. Most participants didn’t know how to fit a female condom (64.1%) and most reported that they didn’t know how to introduce a female condom by self. Most participants (51.3%) strongly disagreed that female condom use reduces sexual pleasure.

Conclusion:

Estimates from reports from this survey reflect that few adolescents and young adults use female condoms. More efforts are required to promote the use of female condoms among these age groups. The provision of information and open discussion about female contraception could influence their knowledge, attitude, and female condom use.

Recommendations:

For the service providers, adolescents, and young adults: the provision of information and open discussion about female contraception could influence their knowledge, attitude, and female condom use. Culture, religion, and approval of the female condom approach are still strong in the national context; this is reflected in the reports from the surveyed participants in this study thus interfering with the decision to use female condoms. The inclusion of partners and religious leaders in reproductive strategies hence constitutes a positive turning point in promoting female condom knowledge, attitude, and practice.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE PREVALENCE OF MALARIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN BURUNDI. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF PRINCE LOUIS GWAGASORE CLINIC AND KAMENGE MILITARY HOSPITAL.

Jean Berchmans NIYONZIMA — 2023-03-30

Background:

Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical countries with significant risk for the pregnant woman and her fetus. It has been reported that in sub-Saharan Africa malaria can cause as many as 10,000 cases of malaria-related deaths in pregnancy per year, usually due to severe maternal anemia. Besides, each year, malaria in pregnancy is responsible for 20% of stillbirths and 11% of all newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors contributing to the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Burundi country.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design to collect information from three hundred and twenty-six pregnant women from the two hospitals enrolled in the study sample using the systematic sampling technique following obtaining consent to participate and data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using the computer-assisted software statistical; package for social sciences (SPSS)version 20 to generate frequency distribution of responses.

Results:

Climate change, stagnant water around the house, visits of community health workers, sources of information, health care staff, mosquito net provided, education (nonformal, primary), and employment status (agriculture, civil servant) were the factors contributing the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Burundi.

Conclusion:

A significant relationship existed between factors contributing to the prevalence of malaria and pregnant women in Burundi, Bujumbura District. This implied that on all these objectives, more efforts are needed to improve the welfare of pregnancy and decrease the prevalence to ensure the protection of the mother and the healthy child.

Recommendation:

The Ministry of public health could strengthen the IEC to improve the health of pregnant women by using correctly mosquito nets from the first antenatal consultation.

THE MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL GIRLS OF LIRA SUB-COUNTY LIRA CITY WEST. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Margret Nakaweesi — 2023-03-30

Background:

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a public health concern globally, and menstruating girls in school environments face several challenges which include a lack of adequate, clean, safe, private toilets with water and disposal mechanisms for used menstrual materials, a lack of information, guidance, and support on their changing bodies and insufficient materials for managing monthly menstrual flow. Despite the initiative of several organizations to create awareness and highlight the importance of good MHM, the actual proposed actions to address MHM are still largely underdeveloped

Aim:

This study aimed at assessing the MHM practices among secondary school girls in the Lira Sub-County Lira City West division.

Method:

A cross-sectional study employing quantitative techniques was done. Data was collected from 312 participants by the use of semi-structured questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 23.

Result:

Poor menstrual hygiene management practice was 61.5%, and the age of respondents (P-value 0.000), mother’s education level (P-value 0.011), and father’s occupation (P-value 0.011), were significantly associated with MHM practices with a P value <0.05.

Conclusion:

Almost two-thirds (61.5%) of the students had poor MHM practices. Although there are some cases of sanitary pad usage, still MHM practices are unhygienic indicating that water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in the schools need urgent solutions.

INFORMATION QUALITY, COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS, TECHNOLOGY QUALITY IN INFLUENCING INTENSION AND ACTUAL USE OF ICT FOR TRACKING ADMINISTRATION OF MALARIA DRUGS IN HEALTH UNITS IN UGANDAN. A DESCRIPTIVE AND CORRELATIONAL STUDY.

E. James Kiggundu Ssegawa — 2023-03-30

Background:

The purpose of this study is to examine how Information Quality, Communication effectiveness, and Technology quality influence the intention and actual use of ICT in tracking the administration of malaria drugs in health units in Uganda.

Methods: Descriptive statistics was engaged to determine the degree and or / extent of occurrence of information quality, communication effectiveness, and technology quality A co-relational research design was used to determine the relationships between them. Analysis of the magnitude of relationship and levels of significance among the variables, Pearson’s cross-product bivariate deviation, and covariance was engaged and regression was used to determine how such variables would influence the intention and actual use of ICT in tracking the administration of malaria drugs in health units.

Scope:

A survey was conducted on 465 health units in the Masaka, Rakai, Kalungu, and Kampala districts in the central region of Uganda.

Findings:

Information quality measured in the dimensions of Intrinsic Information Quality (IIQ) (mean = 3.46), Contextual Information Quality (CIQ) (mean = 3.71), Representative Information Quality (RIQ) (mean = 3.77 was rated satisfactory for public and private health units/hospitals; Communication Effectiveness was satisfactory (mean = 3.52) but rated low because of using written documentation during the administration of malaria drugs in health units. Quality of Technology employed during the administration of malaria drugs in health units had a fair performance (mean = 3.12), not very effective because perceptions and attitude towards the ICTs systems by medical staff was very not positive (mean = 2.29), knowledge of the use of ICT systems, (mean = 3.26) and skills (mean = 3.15) were average.

QUALITATIVE EVALUATION OF AFLATOXINS IN SELECTED CURRY POWDERS ON UGANDAN MARKET IN NAKIWOGO - ENTEBBE, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Joseph Gaizi — 2023-03-30

Background.

Mycotoxins are biologically active secondary metabolites produced by fungal species in the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium and grow in a variety of foods including cereals, grains, nuts, oil seeds, fruits, vegetables, cocoa and coffee beans, wine, herbs, and spices. Several mycotoxin classes exist but aflatoxins are of great medical importance. Aflatoxins are produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius. Aflatoxins exhibit teratogenic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, immunosuppression and growth retardation properties in humans and animals. Although aflatoxins occur in various groups, aflatoxin B, is acutely poisonous. Aflatoxin occurrence in various food matrices has been reported across the globe with tropical countries bearing the most burden. In our setting, there is paucity information on aflatoxin status of food spices. In this study, 36 samples of curry powders from 16 brands in sacks and packed forms were prepared and screened for aflatoxins.

Methods.

The aflatoxins were extracted using 70% methanol and Chloroform for concentration. Aflatoxins were screened using thin layer chromatography and examined under Ultraviolet (UV) light at a wavelength of 366nm.

Results.

Results of this study indicated that 34 samples were contaminated with aflatoxin G (94.4%), followed by 6 aflatoxin B samples (16.7%). Additionally, 5 samples had both types of aflatoxins studied (13.9%).

Conclusion.

This study reports aflatoxin contamination in the commonly sold curry powders that are used in our homes in Uganda.

Recommendations:

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards needs to start periodic aflatoxin screening and quantification in the curry powders and other spices used in the production of curry powders to establish if the contamination is above the acceptable quantities.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY COMPARING TUBELESS MINI-PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY TO RETROGRADE INTRARENAL SURGERY FOR ≤2 CM RENAL STONES.

Devendra Pal Singh Tomar — 2023-03-30

Objective:

The present study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of tubeless mini-PCNL and RIRS in the management of renal stones of ⩽2 cm size.

Patients and methods:

This was a prospective study in 80 patients with renal stones of ⩽2 cm and were divided into two equal groups of patients choice: Group 1 were managed by tubeless mini-PCNL and Group 2 by RIRS using flexible ureteroscopy and laser. Intraoperative events like duration of surgery, stone clearance and complications were noted. Postoperative parameters taken into account were pain score, parenteral analgesic requirements, bleeding, need for blood transfusion, fever, hospital stay, cost of the procedure and number of days taken to return to normal work.

Results:

Both groups were comparable for preoperative parameters. Mean duration of surgery in group 1 and group 2 was 68.88 ± 7.20 minutes and 92.25 ± 14.62 minutes respectively (p<0.00001). The mean haemoglobin fall in group 1 and group 2 was 0.47±0.24 g/dl and in group 2 was 0.28±0.18 g/dl respectively (p=0.00013). In group 2, residual stones were present in 4 patients (on follow-up at 3 weeks), while in group 1 there was no residual stones. The cost of the treatment was more in the RIRS group with statistically significant difference (p<0.005).

Conclusion:

In a urological setup where LASER and flexible ureteroscope are not available, tubeless mini PCNL is a safe, efficacious and cost-effective option for the management of smaller (⩽ 2 cm) stones compared to RIRS procedure.

Recommendations:

Mini PCNL and RIRS are safe and feasible surgical options to manage ⩽ 2 cm renal stones. We recommend tubeless mini PCNL in a setup where LASER and flexible ureteroscope are not available.

CADEXOMER VERSUS POVIDONE IODINE DRESSING IN CHRONIC LEG ULCERS- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Ayush Raj — 2023-03-30

Background:

In the present scenario the entire healthcare system has been overburdened with chronic wounds be it monetary wise or manpower requirements like nurses, doctors, etc. A chronic wound is being treated by many topical drugs which are prevailing in the market. So we considered this study i.e. “the effect of cadexomer and providone iodine on chronic leg ulcers”.

Objective:

The main and primary objective of this study was to compare the outcome of both, Cadexomer and povidone-iodine, about their effect on the treatment of leg ulcers.

Methods:

With 30 patients in each group, 30 patients with chronic wounds participated in this prospective study. As part of the statistical analysis, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient and the Student's Paired T-Test are used.

Results:

Patients who received cadexomer iodine ointment had a significantly (p<0.05) greater rate of wound healing, as well as a significantly lower level of bacterial overload and promotion of the creation of granulation tissue.

Conclusion:

The effect of cadexomer as a vector in combination with providone iodine ointment resulted in a higher rate of biofilm, slough, and debris reduction and a better rate of granulation tissue formation promotion, both of which increased the rate at which a wound heals and lowered the cost of managing chronic wounds.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the efficacy of the ointments (cadexomer and providone iodine) be researched for proper healing of ulcers and wounds in diabetic leg ulcers because a significant number of diabetic patients experience leg ulcers because, in this study, it was discovered that over 60 people suffered with the risk of leg ulcers.

EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE (EQA) A PIVOT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE.

Winnie Nakiboneka — 2023-03-30

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS FALSE TEETH EXTRACTION AMONG THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ATANGA SUB-COUNTY, PADER DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Howard Ocen — 2023-03-30

Background.

The Global Burden of Disease Study (2017) estimated that oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide, with untreated dental caries being among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases (WHO, 2017). The main objective of this study was to determine the factors affecting the utilization of oral and dental services at Katate Health Centre IV, Kanungu district.

Methodology.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 61 randomly sampled respondents from whom data was collected using a questionnaire and then analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results.

Affecting Utilization of Oral and Dental services include traditional beliefs (4.6%), traditional healers being part of dental care (67%), use of native herbs (63.9%), lack of awareness (80%), myths and misconceptions (21.3%) and some believe that dental caries and tooth extractions do not require medical interventions (9.8%), high costs of dental service (71%), unemployment (19.7%), lack of insurance (75%), low levels of education (77%), and low family income (50.8%). Poor transport systems (55.7%), long distances (47.4%), poor relationship with the health workers (23%), long waiting times and delays (19.7%), lack of confidentiality (29.5%), inconveniences at oral and dental care clinics (32.8%).

Conclusion.

There were many factors identified from this study that affected the uptake of oral dental services. Individual factors were traditional beliefs and traditional healers, myths, and misconceptions. Socioeconomic factors were unemployment, low education levels, low family income, and high costs. Health system-related factors were long waiting times, lack of confidentiality, and poor relationship with health workers.

Recommendation.

There is a need for the administration of Katate Health Centre IV in Kanungu district in conjunction with the Ministry of Health to ensure that dental services including dental equipment, sundries, drugs, and medical dental practitioner available for clients at every level of health care.

FACTORS AFFECTING UTILIZATION OF ORAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING DENTAL CLINIC AT KATATE HEALTH CENTER IV, KANUNGU DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Syrus Arineitwe — 2023-03-30

Background.

Methodology.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 61 randomly sampled respondents from whom data was collected using a questionnaire and then analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results.

The study identified individual factors affecting the utilization of oral and dental services which were; traditional beliefs (4.6%), traditional healers being part of dental care (67%), use of native herbs (63.9%), lack of awareness (80%), myths and misconceptions (21.3%) and some believe that dental caries and tooth extractions do not require medical interventions (9.8%).

More still, the study revealed different socio-economic factors which included; high costs of dental service (71%), unemployment (19.7%), lack of insurance (75%), low levels of education (77%), and low family income (50.8%). Health system-related factors were; poor transport systems (55.7%), long distances (47.4%), poor relationship with the health workers (23%), long waiting times and delays (19.7%), lack of confidentiality (29.5%), inconveniences at oral and dental care clinics (32.8%).

Conclusion.

Factors affecting Utilization of Oral and Dental Services include Traditional beliefs and traditional healers, myths, and misconceptions, Unemployment, low education levels, low family income, and high costs. Long waiting times, lack of confidentiality, and poor relationship with health workers.

Recommendation.

INTRAPERSONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN FISHING COMMUNITIES OF ENTEBBE MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Emily Keneema — 2023-03-30

Background

The chances of developing cervical cancer in Uganda continue to rise especially in the fishing communities due to the relatively higher prevalence of inter-related personal risk factors. This study aimed to examine the Intrapersonal Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Fishing Communities of Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted among women in the fishing communities of Entebbe-Municipality Wakiso district in Central Uganda and utilized quantitative methods of data collection. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with multiple-response questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed at 5% level significance.

Results

Of the 293 respondents that were interviewed, only 23.2% of women had ever been screened for cervical cancer. More than three-quarters of them knew that cervical cancer is not curable 234(79.9%). 150(51.2%) women mentioned that the age at the start of screening for cervical cancer in Uganda is 18 years and had 46% less prevalence of cervical cancer screening (cPR = 0.54 [0.33 - 0.90], p = 0.020). Among the perception attributes Cervical cancer screening prevalence was twice as high among women who agreed that cervical cancer is a curse from God (cPR = 2.43 [CI = 1.49 - 3.97], P = 0.000) compared to those who disagreed.

Conclusion

The intrapersonal factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women in the fishing communities of Entebbe municipality were mainly; marital status, employment status, knowledge of age at the start of the screening, and perceptions of the relevance of screening.

Recommendation

Communication and education should focus on awareness creation about the fact that even in a marriage where not much risky sexual behavior may be present, the risk of HPV infection remains apparent, for instance from sexually transmitted infections within the couple.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO SATIRICAL DEPICTIONS OF MATERIALISM IN JOHN RUGANDA’S PLAYS; THE BURDENS (1972), BLACK MAMBA (1973),THE FLOODS (1980) AND SHREDS OF TENDERNESS (2001).

Paul Mulumbi — 2023-03-30

Background:

This paper investigates satirical depictions of materialism in John Ruganda’s plays; The Burdens (1972), Black Mamba (1973), The Floods (1980), and Shreds of Tenderness (2001). Although materialism as a theme and satire as a technique is dominant in John Ruganda’s plays, no detailed study has been conducted on these two aspects. The study is based on the Russian Formalism Theory whose basic principles are defamiliarisation, form, and literariness. During the study, various critical works on Ruganda’s plays have been reviewed and these observe that Ruganda has a particular interest in social issues which he successfully addresses using different types of satire more humorously and sarcastically.

Methodology:

The study used a descriptive research design where a qualitative approach to data collection was used. It was library-based and information was collected by reading closely and analyzing the four selected texts.

Results:

The study revealed that Ruganda employs Horatian, Juvenalian, and Menipean satires in his plays as he addresses the social, economic, and political problems of society.

Conclusion:

The conclusion is that what unifies each type of satire is a tendency to use irony, sarcasm, humor, and ridicule to allow a writer to achieve their goals.

Recommendations:

Were that let there be an investigation into the influence of materialism and its impact on society, analyze the depictions of gender stereotypes, and also to carry out a stylistic study of Ruganda’s four selected plays.

DONOR DEFERRAL AND COMMON CAUSES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG PROSPECTIVE BLOOD DONORS AT THE LIMBE REGIONAL HOSPITAL BLOOD BANK, CAMEROON.

Louis Deng Chia — 2023-03-30

Background

The scarcity of blood donors has always been a major concern for blood banks globally. Lack of eligibility by potential blood donors to donate blood called blood donor deferral is associated with the unsustainable and inadequate amount of blood collected by blood banks worldwide. However, there is limited information on blood donor deferral rates and causes reported from the Limbe Regional Hospital blood bank. This study was aimed at determining the blood donor deferral rate and associated causes at Limbe Regional hospital's blood bank center.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out that lasted from January 2021 to July 2021 at Limbe Regional Hospital's blood bank. Blood donors’ data were collected using structured questionnaires, and donors were screened following the National Policy for blood donor selection criteria in Cameroon. Data were entered into Excel version 2013 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. The level of significance alpha of 5% at a 95% confidence interval was considered.

Results

The blood donor deferral rate was 13.6% and no association was observed between type of donor and donor acceptance status as well as between type of donor and deferral status (P value>0.05). Hepatitis B surface antigen positive (66.7%), hypertension (22.2%), and diabetic (11.1%) were the causes of permanent deferrals whereas low haemoglobin concentration (71.4%), low weight (14.3%) and donation interval less than the specified periods (14.3%) were the causes of temporal deferrals.

Conclusion

The blood donor deferral rate is high at the Limbe Regional hospital blood bank and donor deferral is not dependent on the type of donor also donor type does not influence the deferral status. HBsAg positive was the leading cause of permanent deferrals and low haemoglobin concentration was the leading cause of temporal deferrals. Communities should be educated on the criteria for blood donor selection.