African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
Perceptions and preferences of medical students regarding teaching methods in a Medical College, Mangalore India.
In the complex setting of a medical school it becomes essential to utilize an approach to teaching and learning that is best suited to the needs of the students. In developing countries like India, where there is an exponential increase of institutions catering to medical students, it becomes a challenge to teach to large number of students per class. Hence, research is needed to identify the needs of students in relation to their day to day learning activities. ⋯ The findings of the study suggest that a combination of traditional methods with other methods such as PBL, video lectures and mannequins could be an effective way of teaching theory and clinical skills.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
The prevalence of postoperative pain in the first 48 hours following day surgery at a tertiary hospital in Nairobi.
Day case surgery services are increasing all over the world. The prevalence of postoperative pain after day surgery is found to be high. Little is known about the prevalence of postoperative pain, in Kenya, after day case surgeries. ⋯ The overall prevalence of postoperative pain after day surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi was noted to be different from what has been reported in the literature. The prevalence of moderate and severe pain however, is less than reported in the literature.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
Epilepsy and its effects on children and families in rural Uganda.
This report aims to assess the impact of childhood epilepsy in an isolated rural area in Western Uganda, with little access to medical care, via its effect on children and families. Basic information on 440 affected children, clinically examined at 19 rural centres, was collated and data on seizure pattern and duration analysed, together with information on school attendance of older children. ⋯ The unexpected prevalence of apparent cognitive delay is discussed, together with strategies for prevention and management of epilepsy at community level.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of wound infiltration with bupivacaine on pulmonary function after elective lower abdominal operations.
Subcutaneous or intrafascial wound infiltration of local anaesthetic with systemic opioids has been shown to enhance patient comfort with improved analgesia and reduced opioid requirements. ⋯ Bupivacaine wound infiltration produced statistically significant elevations in pulmonary function tests results at all assessment periods.
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African health sciences · Sep 2013
Determinants of health related quality of life in a sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Nigeria using the St. George's respiratory questionnaire.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a multi-systemic and progressive disease. However the determinants of its impact on health related quality of life are not well-studied or understood in Nigeria. ⋯ Self-reported breathlessness and weight loss are independent predictors of low HRQL score in COPD.