African health sciences
-
African health sciences · Dec 2020
VMMC clients' perception of increased risk of HIV infection, circumcision preferred choice of method, providers' socio-demographics and mode of service delivery.
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a scientifically proven HIV prevention intervention. Uganda, like many countries has been implementing VMMC for over 10 years but uptake is still low especially in northern Uganda. To attain 80% needed for public health impact, scale-up was recommended with many innovations implemented with sub-optimal results. This study therefore wanted to find out some of the correlates of VMMC uptake in Gulu district, northern Uganda. ⋯ People in Northern Uganda perceived themselves to be at an increased risk of HIV infection. They preferred devices to conventional surgery, mobile services to static services but had varying views about the socio-demographics of the service providers.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2020
Pediatric self-medication use in Rwanda - a cross sectional study.
Self-medication, a worldwide practice, has both benefits and risks. Many countries have regulated non-prescription medications available for use in self-medication. However, in countries such as Rwanda, where prescriptions are not required to purchase medications, prescription, non-prescription and traditional medications have been used for self-medication. ⋯ Self-medication is common in Rwanda. Parents/caregivers are involved in this practice regardless of their socio-demographic background.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2020
A multilevel analysis of the determinants of handwashing behavior among households in Eswatini: a secondary analysis of the 2014 multiple indicator cluster survey.
Handwashing with soap has received considerable attention due to its importance in the prevention and interruption of the transmission of diseases. Regardless of the positive effects of handwashing with soap, developing countries still have a low rate of handwashing. ⋯ Households headed by young adults, with pit latrine or no toilet facility at all and lived in the Hhohho and Manzini regions and with low access to mass media, should be targeted for interventions aimed at improving handwashing practices.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2020
Observational StudyClinical and microbiological profile of adult inpatients with community acquired pneumonia in Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria.
The optimal management of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) depends on the clinical and microbiological profile in the locality. ⋯ CAP constitutes a significant disease burden in Ilorin, Nigeria. Typical bacteria accounted for over half of the pathogens isolated from the patients with gram negative agents predominating. This highlights a possible shift in the microbiological profile which could guide empirical treatment.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2020
Trace metal toxicity in some food items in three major markets in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria and associated health implications.
Many of the markets in Nigeria are open, where foodstuffs are laid bare on flat trays and open baskets, directly exposing them to environmental contaminants. This study aimed at determining whether some food items on sale around an industrialized area of Ogun State are contaminated with trace metals. ⋯ Some of the food items consumed in this area are not entirely safe from metal toxicity and this may have serious health consequences.