African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Lipodystrophy syndrome among HIV infected children on highly active antiretroviral therapy in northern India.
It is estimated that about 2.5 million people are living with HIV infection in India. Although antiretroviral drugs have been able to reduce the mortality, these drugs have serious side effects one of which is lipodystrophy syndrome. Most of the drugs used in HAART viz, protease inhibitors, stavudine and nevirapine are associated with lipodystrophy. Hence we conducted this study to assess the prevalence of lipodystrophy in HIV infected children on HAART and its associated risk factors. ⋯ We observed that lipodystrophy is a common finding in HIV patients treated with HAART for long duration.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Modeling the probability of giving birth at health institutions among pregnant women attending antenatal care in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.
Although ante natal care and institutional delivery is effective means for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, the probability of giving birth at health institutions among ante natal care attendants has not been modeled in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to model predictors of giving birth at health institutions among expectant mothers following antenatal care. ⋯ The present study showed that logistic regression model has predicted the probability of giving birth at health institutions and identified significant predictors which health care providers should take into account in promotion of institutional delivery.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Community based study on married couples' family planning knowledge, attitude and practice in rural and urban Gambia.
Family planning services have been free of charge and available in all the health facilities in the Gambia since 1975 yet contraceptive prevalence is only 17.5% and even 6% in some areas. Since the last census in 2003, there existed no available data on married couples' contraception status. ⋯ These findings offer a descriptive answer to "what are married couples' family planning knowledge, attitude and practice in Gambia", as well as suggesting broader health intervention programs in health education and promotion.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Utilization of health care services in rural and urban areas: a determinant factor in planning and managing health care delivery systems.
Disparities in use of healthcare services between rural and urban areas have been empirically attributed to several factors. This study explores the existence of this disparity and its implication for planning and managing healthcare delivery systems. ⋯ Planning of different categories of health care facilities in different locations should be based on utilization rates while proper management of established facilities should aim to improve health seeking behavior of people.
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Unsafe abortion refers to a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy performed either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards, or both. ⋯ Concerted and dedicated efforts of government in collaboration with the private sector, community members and non-governmental organizations are needed to ensure that women have a better access to contraceptives, abortion services, and post-abortion care that are safe, affordable, and free from stigma.