African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2022
Subclinical hypothyroidism among infertile women at a tertiary hospital in South-West Nigeria.
Overt thyroid dysfunction is an accepted cause of female infertility. Its milder form, subclinical hypothyroidism have also been implicated as a contributing factor to disturbed reproductive function. ⋯ Subclinical hypothyroidism was found to be higher among infertile women but this finding was not statistically significant, therefore, the routine screening for SCH among infertile women might be unnecessary.
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African health sciences · Jun 2022
Testers' compliance to the quality standards of HIV rapid testing services in Primary Health Care Facilities in Makete District, Tanzania.
HIV rapid testing services is one among key interventions in the controlling of HIV/AIDS. Despite availability of quality standards, the quality of HIV rapid testing services remains questionable since non-laboratory testers are allowed to conduct testing while they are not specialized in providing testing services. ⋯ The quality of HIV rapid testing services provided by non-laboratory testers is below the established quality standards for HIV rapid testing services.
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Traditional bonesetters are the main providers of fracture treatment and trauma care in much of Africa. However, there is a paucity of literature on bonesetters in Chad. ⋯ As in much of Africa, bonesetters perform a major role in providing trauma care in Chad. Our research identifies an opportunity to maximize trauma care in Chad through dialogue, training, and collaboration between bonesetters and physicians.
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African health sciences · Jun 2022
Predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practice among nursing mothers attending a health care facility in a peri-urban setting in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The Nigerian government initiated various national infant and young child feeding programmes (1992-2005) to improve juveniles well-being. Despite these efforts, under-five children feeding related diseases and mortality still escalate. Investigating the drivers of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is exigent in tackling this menace. ⋯ Age of index child, marriage type, maternal education, marital status and nature of delivery independently predicted EBF practice.
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African health sciences · Jun 2022
Prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain among users of a primary health care clinic serving semi-urban and rural settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal conditions and a common work-related health problem. In South Africa, people from lower socio-economic strata are involved in physical labour and also have unequal access to health services. There is minimal data on the prevalence of LBP in these communities. This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of LBP among public sector health care users in a semi-urban/rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ⋯ In this setting, where the prevalence of LBP was high, specialized treatments for LBP were not available at the primary health care facility. Incorporation of such treatments will be useful, for people in lower socio-economic strata, to overcome the burden of LBP.