African health sciences
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Although not a life threatening condition, UI is a common problem in women that produces embarrassing and debilitating symptoms, severely affects the quality of life and represents a significant public health problem. The bladder and urethra in women constitute a functional unit that is controlled by a complex interplay between the central and peripheral cholinergic and noradrenergic nervous systems and local regulatory factors. A substantial part of urethral tone in women is also mediated through the effect of estrogen on urethral mucosal function. Theoretically, detrusor instability can be improved by agents that decrease detrusor contractility and genuine stress incontinence by agents that increase outlet resistance. ⋯ The strength of evidence for the use of such agents, however, varies from data obtained from pharmacological and physiological experiments to those derived from clinical studies. Hence, the use of some of the currently prescribed drugs for treatment of female UI is founded more on tradition than on evidence based on results from controlled clinical trials. There is also an urgent medical need for a new smooth muscle agent for treating UI in women because current drug therapy of UI is either inadequate or ineffective. Therefore, further clinical experience with drugs that selectively modulate the electrophysiological properties and the intracellular pathways of the smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract in women as therapeutic agents for UI is awaited with interest.
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African health sciences · Mar 2005
Clinical presentation and management of alleged sexually assaulted females at Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
To determine the presentation and treatment offered to sexually assaulted females attending emergency gynaecological ward in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. ⋯ Sexual assault is common in Uganda and is one of the most dehumanizing human crimes against women. It is associated with adverse medical and social problems. There is urgent need to sensitize the community about reporting early for medical treatment after sexual assault.
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African health sciences · Mar 2005
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity and hepatitis B surface antigenemia (HBSAG) among blood donors in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B virus are blood borne pathogens that can be transmitted through blood transfusion and could pose a huge problem in areas where mechanisms of ensuring blood safety are suspect. This study became necessary in a population where most of the blood for transfusion is from commercial blood donors. ⋯ High prevalence of HIV antibodies and Hepatitis B surface antigen was found among commercial blood donors. Appropriate and compulsory screening of blood donors using sensitive methods, must be ensured to prevent post transfusion hepatitis and HIV.
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African health sciences · Mar 2005
Reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy by propranolol in hypertensive rats.
Hypertension contributes significantly to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with increased incidence of sudden cardiac death. Recognition and management of hypertension is, therefore, imperative. ⋯ Propranolol reverses left ventricular hypertrophy besides lowering elevated systolic blood pressure in rats.
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African health sciences · Dec 2004
ReviewApplication of ICT in strengthening health information systems in developing countries in the wake of globalisation.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) revolution brought opportunities and challenges to developing countries in their efforts to strengthen the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS). In the wake of globalisation, developing countries have no choice but to take advantage of the opportunities and face the challenges. The last decades saw developing countries taking action to strengthen and modernise their HMIS using the existing ICT. ⋯ Concurrently, strategies to improve data quality and utilisation should be instituted to ensure that HMIS has positive impact on people's health. Potential strength from private sector and opportunities for sharing experiences among developing countries should be utilised. Short of this, advancement in ICT will continue to marginalise health workers in developing countries especially those living in remote areas.