African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2020
Condom use: a less travelled route among minibus taxi drivers and their taxi queens in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Despite significant gains in the HIV epidemic in South Africa, with reduction in mortality and elimination of vertical transmission, national HIV prevalence remains high, with women rather than men continuing to bear higher burden of the disease. Population subgroups, through ignorance, disbelief or recklessness, continue to engage in risky sexual behaviour. A substantial proportion of minibus taxi drivers engage in risky sex, seldom seeing themselves at risk for STIs or HIV/AIDS. These taxi drivers have been linked with so-called taxi queens, with whom they engage in transactional and intergenerational relationships. ⋯ Our study concludes by recommending a nested public health response that takes cognizance of factors that promote sustainable condom use strategies among this population subgroup.
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African health sciences · Jun 2020
Consumption of psychotropic medicines at a referral hospital in Namibia: findings and implications.
In Namibia, the burden of mental illnesses is estimated at 25.6% and is expected to double by 2025. Few studies in sub-Saharan Africa estimate the consumption rates of psychotropic medicines as a proxy of irrational use. ⋯ The consumption of new psychotropics contributes to higher costs. There is need for cost-effectiveness analysis of new versus conventional psychotropics to optimize treatment, outcomes and costs.
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African health sciences · Jun 2020
Prevalence and predictors of receipt of weight loss advice among a nationally representative sample of overweight and obese Kenyans.
As Kenya continues to experience rapid development and urbanization, growing evidence shows an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and overweight and obese citizens. ⋯ This study found low levels of report of physician or health care provider advice for weight loss among overweight individuals. Advice was primarily reported by obese patients. Weight loss advice differed significantly based on educational attainment, geographical location, and gender thus calling for targeted interventions to increase equitable NCD prevention services from physicians.
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African health sciences · Jun 2020
Nutrition knowledge and care practices of home-based caregivers in Vhembe District, South Africa.
Home-based care is provided to clients in their homes to promote and maintain good health, hygiene and nutrition. ⋯ Nutrition knowledge and care practices of HBC in Vhembe District were found to be inadequate. The nutrition content in the training package should be improved.
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African health sciences · Jun 2020
Lack of association between genetic variants in the 19q13.32 region and CHD risk in the Algerian population: a population-based nested case-control study.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality over the world; intermediate traits associated with CHD commonly studied can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. ⋯ Although the studied genetic variants were not associated with the risk of CHD, the 19q13.32 locus was associated with some of the cardiometabolic disorders in Algerian subjects.