Tanzania journal of health research
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Tanzan J Health Res · Oct 2013
Abdominal trauma experience over a two-year period at a tertiary hospital in north-western Tanzania: a prospective review of 396 cases.
Abdominal trauma continues to be a major cause of trauma admissions all over the world and contributes significantly to high morbidity and mortality. A descriptive prospective study was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre in north-western Tanzania to describe our experience on the management of abdominal trauma outlining the causes, injury characteristics and treatment outcome of these patients. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS programme. ⋯ Patients who had severe trauma (KTS II ≤ 6) and those with associated injuries stayed longer in the hospital (p < 0.001). Abdominal trauma resulting from RTAs is still rampant in our environment and remains a major source of morbidity and mortality. Preventive strategies should be focused on reduction of road traffic accidents, violent crimes and social conflicts.
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Tanzan J Health Res · Jan 2013
Effect of vertical oscillatory pressure on disability of patients with chronic mechanical low back pain using Roland Morris Disability questionnaire.
Prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among Africans is rising. Many adults in any given year experience low back pain at one time or the other, this should be of concern. It is then imperative to research into how to reduce the disability caused by LBP. ⋯ There were significant differences (P<.00 1) between the pre-test and post test measurements of PPI and RMDQ, respectively. The rate of improvement in males was significantly higher than that of females. The study concluded that VOP can be useful in ameliorating pain and disability of patients with low back pain.
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Tanzan J Health Res · Oct 2011
Pain management among adult patients with fractures of long bones at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage and is one of the leading complaints in emergency departments (EDs). Despite the important and the advantages of pain control, still patients do not receive appropriate attention. The objective of this study was to assess pain management among adult patients with fractures of long bones at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. ⋯ Of these, 28 (17.9%) patients received analgesia within 20 min, 42 (26.9%) after 30-60 min and 73 (46.8%) were not given analgesics at all. In conclusion pain at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute is under treated. It is important that this is addressed properly to minimize pains among patients attending hospitals for fracture management.
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Tanzan J Health Res · Oct 2010
Prevalence of HIV infection among trauma patients admitted to Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania and its influence on outcome.
HIV infection, a major health problem worldwide, has been reported to be prevalent in trauma patients, thus presents an occupational hazard to health care workers who care for these patients. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence of HIV among trauma patients in our setting and to compare the outcome of these patients who are HIV positive with those who are HIV negative. This was a descriptive cross sectional study involving trauma patients aged 11 years and above, admitted to the surgical wards of Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania over a six-month period from October 2008 to March 2009. ⋯ A substantial risk of exposure to HIV exists in health workers who care for these patients. Thus, all trauma health care workers in this region need to practice universal barrier precautions in order to reduce the risk of exposure to HIV infection. HIV positive patients with CD4+ count > or =200cells/microl have similar prognosis as HIV negative patients and therefore should be treated the same way.
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Tanzan J Health Res · Oct 2010
Motorcycle injuries as an emerging public health problem in Mwanza City, north-western Tanzania.
Motorcycle injuries constitute a major but neglected emerging public health problem in developing countries and are a common cause of road traffic injuries. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence, injury pattern and treatment outcome of motorcycle injuries among patients presenting to Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, between March 2009 and February 2010. Data was collected using a pre-tested, coded questionnaire. ⋯ Age of the patient, non-helmeted patients, major trauma (ISS > 16), admission systolic blood pressure <90mmHg, severe head injury (GCS <9), need for intensive care unit admission and need for ventilatory support significantly influenced mortality (P-value < 0.001). Motorcycle injuries constitute a major but neglected emerging public health problem in Mwanza City and continue to be one of the most common cause or agent of road traffic injuries. The morbidity and mortality can be mitigated by encouraging use of protective gear like helmets and encouraging enforcement of traffic laws.