African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2022
ReviewIntravenous cannulation and administration of contrast media by radiographers: a literature review to guide the training and practice in Zambia.
There has been a demand for radiographers in Zambia to perform intravenous (IV) cannulation and administration of contrast media, a role which, traditionally, was radiologists'. This demand is due to a shortage of radiologists and an increase in demand for imaging examinations. This review aimed at synthesising relevant literature related to IV cannulation and administration of contrast media by radiographers to guide the training and practice in Zambia. ⋯ The themes identified in this review could provide a template of where to base the establishment of the training programme and local guidelines. Before extending the role of radiographers, the scope of practice should be extended, and accredited training programme and local guidelines should be put in place.
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African health sciences · Jun 2022
Barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in Nigeria: a systematic review.
Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria. The Visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy "see and treat" screening approach is a feasible and effective method that can be implemented in low resource settings like Nigeria; however, screening utilization is still low. ⋯ Lack of adequate information about cervical cancer is a significant hindrance to screening; this factor is strongly associated with the numerous misconceptions and negative perceptions. The study highlights the need for further assessment of the sociodemographic determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake in Nigeria. Preventive strategies should be targeted at improving the dissemination of valid information, reducing the knowledge gap among women, and addressing the financial and health service factors.
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African health sciences · Mar 2022
ReviewCondom use and risk factors of inconsistent or low use of the condoms during heterosexual anal intercourse in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review.
Anal intercourse (AI) has been reported to be the riskiest among other sexual intercourses in spreading human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the risk could be minimized by the use of condoms. Whilst AI is believed to be practised mainly by men who have sex with men, AI has also been reported to occur in heterosexual relationships. However, data on condom use during heterosexual AI are inadequate in sub-Saharan Africa. ⋯ Evidence from this study suggests condom use during heterosexual AI could be fairly low especially among groups such as FSWs, MSMW and some women in the general population. Risk factors for using condoms inconsistently or using condoms less during heterosexual AI are not clear. Heterosexual anal intercourse and condom use during the AI practice is generally an under-studied subject in Sub-Saharan Africa. Future studies need to explore on heterosexual AI and condom use practices during AI comprehensively so that there can be concrete evidence on the subject which will inform targeted interventions aimed at reducing HIV among heterosexual populations in SSA.
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African health sciences · Mar 2022
ReviewCondom use and risk factors of inconsistent or low use of the condoms during heterosexual anal intercourse in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review.
Anal intercourse (AI) has been reported to be the riskiest among other sexual intercourses in spreading human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the risk could be minimized by the use of condoms. Whilst AI is believed to be practised mainly by men who have sex with men, AI has also been reported to occur in heterosexual relationships. However, data on condom use during heterosexual AI are inadequate in sub-Saharan Africa. ⋯ Evidence from this study suggests condom use during heterosexual AI could be fairly low especially among groups such as FSWs, MSMW and some women in the general population. Risk factors for using condoms inconsistently or using condoms less during heterosexual AI are not clear. Heterosexual anal intercourse and condom use during the AI practice is generally an under-studied subject in Sub-Saharan Africa. Future studies need to explore on heterosexual AI and condom use practices during AI comprehensively so that there can be concrete evidence on the subject which will inform targeted interventions aimed at reducing HIV among heterosexual populations in SSA.
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African health sciences · Mar 2022
Effects of hypohydration and fluid balance in athletes' cognitive performance: a systematic review.
The effects of progressive body fluid loss on athletic and cognitive performance are known to result from exposure to environmental heat stress, morphologic factors, and limited fluid replenishment. Athletes need to restore lost body water. However, athletes may fail to maintain euhydration during exercise. This systematic review investigated hypohydration and fluid balance effects on an athlete's cognitive function. ⋯ Findings show that hypohydration impairs cognitive performance and mood at higher levels of 3-5% body mass loss. However, sport-specific cognitive protocols of accessing hypohydration and fluid balance in individual and team sports remain equivocal.