Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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A retrospective histopathological analysis with clinicoradiological correlation of gallbladder diseases in a tertiary care centre in Bihar- A retrospective study.
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Diseases of the gall bladder are a common health issue affecting the population worldwide. The spectrum of the disease ranges from inflammatory lesions to dysplasia and further extends to carcinomas. Histopathological examination is the gold standard diagnostic modality. The diagnostic process is amplified when histopathological findings are correlated with clinicoradiological features.
Aims and objectives: The study aims to highlight the histopathological spectrum of gall bladder lesions and it’s clinicoradiological correlation, thereby advancing the understanding of gall bladder pathology and its management.
Materials and methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Pathology department at IGIMS, Patna. Cases were selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria from 3100 cholecystectomy samples received from January 2021 to December 2024. Details were collected from histopathology request forms and hospital records. Gross and microscopic features were analysed, and the parameters were calculated.
Results
The mean age of the patient was 42minus 4.76 years, with the majority in the age group of 41 to 50 years, having a female predominance. A significant association was observed between increased gall bladder wall thickness and adenocarcinoma. Cholecystectomy performed in patients less than 10 years of age had a direct relationship with choledochal cyst. Radiological and histopathological diagnosis corroborated in 89% percent of cases.
Conclusion
Most gall bladder lesions have an inflammatory origin, with a female preponderance. Cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice. Increasing incidence of malignancy emphasizes the importance of thorough histopathological examination in confirming the preoperative diagnosis and simultaneously sampling any suspicious areas to rule out an incidental finding of malignancy.
Recommendations
Routine histopathological examination of all cholecystectomy specimens is recommended to detect incidental malignancies. Prospective studies and improved radiological protocols are needed to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes
Navigating policy and perception: A cross-sectional study on government policies impacting river conservation and community awareness in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Get PDFBackgroundRiver ecosystems in South Africa are facing increasing pressures from pollution, overuse, illegal activities, and climate-related stressors. Although a strong policy framework exists to protect aquatic biodiversity and promote sustainable water management, effective implementation depends on public awareness, local participation, and community ownership of conservation efforts. This study aimed to assess the level of public awareness, understanding, and local engagement with river conservation policies among riverine communities in KwaZulu-Natal, and to identify barriers to effective community participation in river management.
MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted across five riverine communities (uMngeni, uMlazi, uMsunduzi, Thukela, and uMkhomazi Rivers). A total of 120 participants were engaged: 80 community members, 20 government officials, and 20 representatives from NGOs and civil society groups. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis.
ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 38.4 years (range: 19–68); 56% were female and 44% male. Among officials and NGO representatives, 87% exhibited high awareness of environmental policies, compared to only 43% of community members. Only 27% of community members had received formal communication about conservation laws. Higher awareness and compliance were linked to participation in local conservation initiatives. Barriers to engagement included a lack of environmental education, mistrust of authorities, poor institutional coordination, and socio-economic pressures.
ConclusionA significant gap exists between national river conservation policies and community-level understanding and participation. Bridging this gap requires targeted education, improved outreach, and stronger collaboration across stakeholders.
RecommendationsImplementing localised environmental education campaigns, fostering partnerships with traditional leaders, using mobile outreach platforms, and integrating conservation education into school curricula are essential to promote sustainable river stewardship at the community level
Comparative outcomes of holmium laser En bloc resection in superficial bladder tumors: Focus on operative time, catheterization, and hospital stay- A cross-sectional study.
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In 2016, bladder cancer accounted for 186,000 fatalities and 437,000 new cases, making it the tenth most frequent cancer worldwide. The incidence of bladder urothelial carcinoma varies greatly by geography, with Eastern Europe and Asian nations having the lowest rates and Western Europe and North America having the greatest frequency.
Objectives- The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of holmium laser En Bloc resection for superficial bladder cancers.
Materials and methods
It was a cross-sectional, observational study. The study was carried out in the Department of Urology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India. The study was conducted for one and a half years, that is, from December 2021 to Jun 2023. In all, 24 patients were enrolled. Patients over the age of 18 with superficial bladder cancer who intend to have their bladder tumors removed by transurethral resection (TURBT) at the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Puducherry within six months of receiving approval from the institutional ethics committee are included in this study.
Results
Nine patients (37.5%) had tumors in the right lateral bladder wall, while six patients (25%) had tumors in the posterior wall. Patients with multiple lesions used a larger median number of analgesic vials after surgery (2.00; IQR: 2.00–3.00) than patients with single lesions (1.00; IQR: 1.00–2.00). With a p-value of 0.017, this difference was statistically significant.
Conclusion
For the treatment of superficial bladder cancers, holmium laser en bloc excision is a secure and efficient method. In patients with single lesions, the method was linked to significantly lower analgesic requirements, shorter catheterization and hospital stays, and acceptable operative timeframes.
Recommendations
Further research, including larger-scale studies, is necessary to validate these observations and enhance the understanding of TURBT procedures' efficacy and safety
Prognostic significance of admission inflammatory biomarkers (CRP/albumin and ferritin) in predicting mortality and hospital stay in acute pancreatitis- A cross-sectional study.
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Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition that can range from mild to life-threatening, commonly presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated serum lipase or amylase. Effective management requires a comprehensive assessment, with disease severity playing a crucial role in prognosis.
Objectives- This study aimed to evaluate the significance of serum ferritin and the CRP/albumin ratio in predicting the severity of AP.
Materials and methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, from January 2022 to December 2022, enrolling 115 patients with acute pancreatitis. Serum levels of CRP, albumin, and ferritin were measured at admission and after 48 hours to assess their association with disease severity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 with appropriate statistical methods.
Results
The mean age of participants was 45 ± 12 years, with 61% males and 39% females. The average body mass index (BMI) was 24.5 ± 3.2. The mean serum ferritin level was 350 ± 100 ng/mL, and the average CRP level was 80 ± 25 mg/L.
Conclusion
The study highlights that serum ferritin and the CRP/albumin ratio are useful biomarkers for assessing AP severity, showing strong correlations with disease severity and adverse outcomes.
Recommendation
Routine monitoring of serum ferritin and the CRP/albumin ratio is recommended for early risk assessment in patients with acute pancreatitis
ATTITUDES TOWARDS WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NABARI PAYAM SOUTH SUDAN. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Countries need to have waste management policies that streamline the behaviors of residents on how best to practice and manage waste generated by different sources. The study aims to assess the attitude toward waste management in Nabari Payam South Sudan.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey, descriptive and explanatory design where quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted. A questionnaire and Focus group discussion were adopted and interviews for Key Informants. Data was analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and thematic methods for quantitative and qualitative data.
Results
156 (46.7%) and 58 (17.4%) of the respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed that their Payam residents had done enough for waste management, the mean score was 2.37, and the standard deviation 1.01. For proper management of waste by the local authority, findings showed that 257 (76.9%) and 64 (19.2%) of the respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed, the mean was 1.91, and the standard deviation was 0.68. Regarding safety when handling waste, it was found that 246 (73.7%) of the respondents and 40 (12.0%) disagreed and strongly disagreed attracted a mean score of 2.51 and a standard deviation of 0.85.
Conclusion
Residents in Nabari Payam had a negative attitude towards waste management and there was dissatisfaction with provisions of waste material that were lacking and inadequate in the Payam.
Recommendations
Regular monitoring and evaluation of waste management activities at the Payam residents need to be geared up to have total adherence to introduced guidelines for waste management
IN VITRO STUDIES ON PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA L. FRUIT PULP AND LAWSONIA INERMIS L. LEAVES EXTRACTS.
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Plant materials are widely used for their healing power, and many studies have shown that compounds isolated from plants exhibit variable biological properties. The present work was aimed to determine the preliminary phytochemical contents, evaluate the antioxidant capacities, and investigate the antibacterial activities of Adansonia digitata L (Bombacaceae) fruit pulp and Lawsonia inermis L (Lythraceae) leaves extracts.
Methods
Plant materials were first extracted (separately) by methanolic maceration, then the obtained extracts were utilized for preliminary phytochemical screening tests, in vitro DPPH antioxidant assay, and to determine their antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the plate hole diffusion assay.
Results
The preliminary phytochemical screening for L. inermis leaf extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins, while A. Digitata fruit pulp extract gave positive results for tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, and flavonoids. Both plant materials exhibited concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity with relatively similar capacities, which is equivalent to the standard (quercetin) at all concentrations (5, 10, 50, 125, and 250 µg/ml). The recorded growth inhibition for A. digitata was 19mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, 18mm for Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis, 15mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 14mm against Escherichia coli. For L. inermis, the inhibition zone was 25mm against Staphylococcus aureus, 20mm for Escherichia coli, 19mm for Proteus mirabilis, 16mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 13mm against Klebsiella pneumonia.
Conclusion
The obtained findings could justify the pharmacological properties and may provide the rationale for some ethnomedicinal uses of these plant products.
Recommendation
Further investigations should be performed as they could enhance the medicinal importance and evaluate the traditional values of these plants
KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS RELATED TO DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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This study assessed diabetes mellitus (DM) knowledge among undergraduate students at a South African University of Technology. Using a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, the aim was to compare diabetes knowledge between students in health-related and non-health-related fields, evaluate their attitudes toward diabetes education, and assess self-perceived knowledge. With the rising global prevalence of diabetes, particularly among younger populations, this research explores awareness and education gaps regarding diabetes among university students.
Methods
The study involved 206 students aged 18-25 from health-related and non-health-related faculties. A pre-validated questionnaire, consisting of multiple-choice, true/false, and open-ended questions, covered diabetes risk factors, symptoms, complications, prevention, and management. Convenience sampling was used, and data was collected through paper-based and electronic surveys. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while thematic analysis was applied to open-ended responses. Spearman’s correlation assessed the relationship between diabetes knowledge and the field of study.
Results
Of the participants, 89.2% were aware of diabetes. However, significant knowledge differences were observed between students in health-related and non-health-related fields. Health-related students demonstrated a more accurate understanding of diabetes types, diagnostic methods, and risk factors. In contrast, non-health students showed lower knowledge, with many unable to differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate negative relationship (r = -0.352, p < 0.01) between diabetes knowledge and field of study, indicating that non-health students possessed less knowledge. Furthermore, 32.9% of students rated their knowledge as unsatisfactory.
Conclusion
This study highlights a significant knowledge gap between health-related and non-health-related students. Health-related students showed a more comprehensive understanding, suggesting the need for broader diabetes education for all students across disciplines.
Recommendations
Diabetes education should be incorporated into university curricula, particularly for non-health students, and public health campaigns should be used to raise awareness
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF CANNABIS SATIVA L. AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Get PDFMedical Cannabis sativa inflorescence has gained popularity in recent years due to the therapeutic pharmacological characteristics of its components. Cannabis sativa L.-based drugs are effective in treating a variety of illnesses, including constipation, certain types of pain, epilepsy, and anxiety, among others. The therapeutic potential of medicinal Cannabis sativa has been established in different medical illnesses, such as sleep disorders, nausea, anorexia, emesis, pain, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and cancer. Cannabis inflorescences contain a high concentration of secondary metabolites, primarily cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabis phytochemical components known as cannabidiol and 9-tetrahydrocannabinol have significant medicinal importance due to their effects on the central nervous system. Tetrahydrocannabinol is a pharmacological compound used to control and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, as well as to promote appetite. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the principal psychoactive constituent of Cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids identified in the plant.
The study aims to assess the medicinal benefit of Cannabis sativa and its impact on socioeconomic development. C. sativa has a wide-ranging impact on socioeconomic development, which has resulted in major economic gains in regions where it has been authorized. Projections indicate that the legal Cannabis market has generated significant tax income, which may be reinvested in community activities. Most clinical trials focused on the Western World, thus leaving a lack of data on how Cannabis sativa affects diverse African communities from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Future research must investigate the impact of cannabis production on poverty reduction and income inequality, as well as how benefits are distributed
FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILIZATION OF INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AT ENTEBBE REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Get PDFBackground.
Intrauterine devices are one of the long-acting, safe and effective methods of contraception in women of reproductive age across the world with a safety percentage of 89 %. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing utilization of intrauterine contraceptive device contraception among women of reproductive age at Entebbe regional referral hospital, Entebbe municipality Wakiso district.
Methods.
A descriptive-cross sectional design. Quantitative methods of data collection were employed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample size of 30 respondents. Data was collected using a simple random sampling method.
Result.
Most 13(43.3%) of the respondents were between 26 and 30 years of age, 11(36.7%) had a primary level of education, 12(40%) had two children, 24(80%) had only one sexual partner and 18(60%) had a low family level of income. Concerning health facility-related factors; more than half 17(56.7%) take four hours and more waiting for family planning services, 16(53.3%) mentioned that health care providers do not recommend the use of intrauterine devices, 18(60%) do not receive health education about the use of intrauterine devices at the facility.
Conclusion.
The Individual factors were; age, level of education, number of children, weight, number of sexual partners, and family level of income. The health facility-related factors were; waiting time, health care providers’ recommendations, health education, availability of health facilities in community and availability of intra uterine devices.
Recommendations.
Healthcare workers should implement strategies to minimize waiting times for contraceptive services, including intra-uterine device insertion, and strengthen health education programs within the hospital to raise awareness about the benefits and availability of intra-uterine device
SHORT WAVELENGTH AUTOMATED PERIMETRY CAN DETECT VISUAL FIELD CHANGES IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITHOUT RETINOPATHY: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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The purpose of the research was to assess the efficacy of SAP and SWAP-blue on yellow in detecting several changes taking place in the retinal sensitivity of the visual field in diabetic patients either with retinopathy or without retinopathy.
Materials and methods
This study was carried out at IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. The study was conducted for six months. Participants in the research who do not provide consent are not allowed to participate. Overall, 120 participants were included in the study.
Results
The Average age of participants in group 1 was 51.2±6.8, while that of group 2 was 53.7±7.4. A statistically significant difference in the duration of diabetes was seen between groups 1 and 2, with a p-value of less than 0.0001. SAP and SWAP were shown to be statistically significantly correlated in groups 1 and 2, with mean deviation p-values of 0.001 and <0.0001, respectively.
Conclusion
It has been found that compared to people with clinical retinopathy, diabetic patients without overt retinopathy are more likely to have aberrant findings picked up by the SWAP approach.
Recommendation
We recommend SWAP because SITA SWAP will prove to be useful for the early detection of glaucomatous conversion