African health sciences
-
The issue of HIV and AIDS and people living with HIV and AIDS is very sensitive which needs great attention. The population of infected individuals seems not to seek help and health services due to their illness. The barriers which prevent this population experience the meaning of social construction of their illness. ⋯ The study concluded that facing the challenges of working with HIV and AIDS -individuals; consider the participatory research approach because it can reach out to individuals, groups and organizations. It was recommended that the ultimate goals of AIDS treatment and research activism are to accelerate scientific research knowledge that contributes towards cure, and to win an early widespread access to treatment for everyone infected with HIV. Developing a well-designed research can help PLWHA learn how to ask themselves different questions and ask if the medical and research establishments will address their concerns.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2021
Female adolescents and the future of female genital mutilation/cutting: a report from an endemic area.
Despite collaborative efforts aimed at its eradication, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) continues in endemic areas. ⋯ FGM/C remains prevalent with potential support for its continuation among female adolescents despite reported adverse post-mutilation experiences. The multi-pronged approach to eradicate FGM/C should prioritize re-orientation for adolescent girls, rehabilitation of mutilated girls and girl child formal education.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2021
Exclusive breastfeeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Woldia Town, Northwest Ethiopia.
Inappropriate practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is still a major problem worldwide. ⋯ The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding practice was relatively lower than the National prevalence. Some demographic variable and traditional beliefs were significantly associated with exclusive breast feeding. Designing model policies that empower the role of women and eradicating bad traditional beliefs in the community is fundamental step.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2021
Phytochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant activity of Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H herbal medicines as demonstrated in THP-1 and Jurkat leukaemia cell lines.
Three decoctions, namely Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H are used by traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to treat and manage leukaemia and related conditions. ⋯ Extracts of the three decoctions possess both antioxidant and prooxidant properties through high scavenging activity and increased in lipid peroxidation.
-
African health sciences · Dec 2021
Anti-bacterial activity of Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. on Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacterium.
Dental caries remains a global oral health challenge with the prevalence reported as high as 66.7% in adults. Despite the use of modern medicines, the prevalence of dental caries remains high. This has led to extensive screening of natural products particularly from plants such as Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. for anti-cariogenic activity. ⋯ Both C. olitorius L. and A. caulirhiza Del. as used in oral health practices have been found to have antibacterial activity against the cariogenic S. mutans. Further studies should be conducted to isolate bioactive compounds against S. mutans.