African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2022
The effect of obesity on metabolic parameters: a cross sectional study in adult women.
In this study conducted in adult healthy women, it was aimed to determine the relationship between anthropometric measurements such as Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist/height ratio and blood parameters, which are used to define obesity. ⋯ It is understood that the increase in body fat tissue, especially in the abdominal region, in adult healthy women has negative effects on blood parameters and the risk of developing chronic diseases will decrease by preventing this situation.
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African health sciences · Dec 2022
Short-term forecasting of confirmed daily COVID-19 cases in the Southern African Development Community region.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in complex challenges worldwide, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region has not been spared. The region has become the epicentre for coronavirus in the African continent. Combining forecasting techniques can help capture other attributes of the series, thus providing crucial information to address the problem. ⋯ The findings present an insightful approach in monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in the SADC region. The spread of COVID-19 can best be predicted using combined forecasts models, particularly the MCQRNN approach.
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African health sciences · Dec 2022
Self-reported oral hygiene practice and utilization of dental services by dental technology students in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Dental technology students are Dental surgery technicians under training, trained to assist patients maintain good oral health. Hence, their oral hygiene is expected to be optimal. ⋯ The self-reported oral hygiene practice of the dental technology students is commendable, however, further education on the importance of scaling and polishing is advocated.
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African health sciences · Dec 2022
Observational StudyObstetric outcome of female genital mutilation in the Gambia - an observational study.
Background: A 2010 survey in The Gambia among women of reproductive age put the prevalence rate of FGM/C at 76.3%. FGM/C was banned in 2015, but there is no real effort at enforcement of the ban. This study aimed to provide national data on obstetric outcomes to support advocacy and health education. ⋯ Caesarean section and perineal tears were also increased. FGM/C was associated with increased risk for neonatal resuscitation and perinatal death. FGM/C is associated with poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes in the Gambia with degree of risk correlating with the severity of FGM/C.
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African health sciences · Dec 2022
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Mediterranean region over 18 months: bridging the health outcomes and sustainable development goals.
The COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, including across the Mediterranean basin. This region presents diversity in economy, culture, and societal affairs. We attempted to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the population and on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our aim being to aid in the development of COVID-19 national plans. ⋯ At prima face, high-income countries seem to have sustained worse morbidity and mortality outcomes, despite having had better UHC and a greater health workforce in the pre-COVID-19 era however, one must also consider that factors such as health-seeking behaviour and underdiagnosis may have influenced this. Cross-border infectivity was, however, evident. Pan-Mediterranean action must therefore be taken to ensure COVID-19 transmissibility and mortality are reduced across borders, while ensuring an equitable health outcome across populations.