South African Medical Journal (SAMJ)
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The South African Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines
Get PDFProstate cancer (PCa) is the most widespread solid organ malignancy in males and ranks as the fifth leading cause of death globally. Identifying and treating men with clinically significant disease while avoiding the over-diagnosis and over-treatment of indolent disease remains a significant challenge. Several professional associations have developed guidelines on screening and early diagnosis of asymptomatic men with prostate-specific antigen testing. With recent updates from several large randomised prospective trials, the South African Urological Association and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa have developed these evidence-based recommendations to guide clinicians on PCa screening and early diagnosis for South African men
Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex co-infection: A pragmatic approach to its diagnosis and management in South Africa
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The synergistic health syndemic of HIV and cancer of the cervix in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: Decrying the dearth of information
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South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 guidelines for the management of peripheral spondyloarthritis
Get PDFPeripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) includes psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated arthritis, reactive arthritis and undifferentiated peripheral SpA. These South African guidelines offer information on diagnosis, assessment and therapy of peripheral SpA. Emphasis is placed on a multidisciplinary team, and a treat-to-target strategy with escalation of therapy if the target of minimal or very low disease activity is achieved. Screening for and treatment of comorbidities are paramount
Determination of anti-COVID-19 IgG and IgM seroprevalence among pregnant women at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFBackground. COVID-19 has been a major public health concern globally, leading to a higher mortality rate, especially among immunosuppressed individuals, who include pregnant women, people with HIV and people living with other comorbidities. Pregnant women are considered to be a special population group owing to their specific susceptibility to some infectious diseases.
Objective. To determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic. Method. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that tested blood samples from pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic from March to July 2022 using the Orient Gene Biotech lateral flow immune-chromatographic assay according to manufacturer instructions. The assay detects IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Results. A total of 2 649 blood samples were tested; 2 039 (77.0%) samples tested positive for IgG, 7 (0.3%) tested positive for IgM, and 100 (3.7%) tested positive for both IgG and IgM. The study found a seroprevalence of 80.7% of IgG.
Conclusion. The study findings showed evidence of acute COVID-19 infection in our patient population despite the consensus that COVID-19 infection is dissipating
Insights into prostate cancer awareness and perceptions among men in Tshwane
Get PDFBackground. Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for 6.6% of deaths, while in South Africa (SA), PCa accounts for 13% of deaths in males, with over 4 000 SA men diagnosed with PCa annually. This may be attributed to the inadequate availability of screening, early detection and possibly other socioeconomic and lifestyle factors.
Objectives. To determine the factors associated with knowledge and perceptions of PCa among men in the Tshwane district.
Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2022 and June 2023 in a study population of men, ≥18 years, residing in Tshwane district located in Gauteng, South Africa.
Results. In this study, 91.7% of the subjects responded that they had heard about PCa, while 11% thought they might be at risk for having PCa. While 93.7% of the respondents reported that they had never tested for PCa, 98.3% said that if they were offered the opportunity to test voluntarily, they would agree to test for PCa. There was a significant association between age and knowledge of PCa (p≤0.001). There was also a significant association between perception of PCa and smoking (p=0.034), age (p=0.035) and level of education (p=0.04).
Conclusion. This study shows significant associations between age and level of education with knowledge, perception and awareness of PCa. Educational campaigns targeting diverse age and education groups are recommended, along with smoking cessation programmes, improved PCa screening access, tailored messaging, healthcare collaborations, and cultural sensitivity to enhance awareness and early detection
Perceptions and views of key implementers on the implementation of the health-promoting school programme in the City of Tshwane, South Africa
Get PDFBackground. The health-promoting school programme has been associated with numerous benefits for school communities where it is well implemented. In Tshwane, the implementation processes have not been evaluated.
Objective. A qualitative research approach based on grounded theory was used to investigate the experiences of 27 health-promoting school programme implementers across Tshwane.
Methods. Data were collected through a combination of methods, including semi-structured interviews with principals (n=6), educators (n=10) and school governing body members (n=4), one focus group discussion with health promoters (n=7), field notes from school observations and memos.
Results. Implementation fidelity was weak in the City of Tshwane, as a result of poor training of implementers, poor leadership and collaboration, weak accountability structures, and lack of resources and communication. A grounded theory was developed which showed that schools needed guidance and accountability to properly implement the programme. The theory offers a framework that could be used to improve implementation and evaluation outcomes.
Conclusion. Implementers were keen on improving the lives of learners – health-wise and academically. With proper guidance, support and accountability measures by government at district and provincial level, implementation of the programme is feasible in the City of Tshwane