Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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Histoanatomical changes in pulmonary interstitium in chronic air pollutant exposure- A cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackground
Abnormal collagen deposition, interstitial proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and occasionally lung fibrosis are characteristics of a variety of disorders together referred to as interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Objectives- The study's objective is to analyze the histoanatomical changes in the pulmonary interstitium of IPF patients and determine if these changes are related to long-term exposure to occupational and environmental air pollution.
Materials and methods
It was a prospective, observational study. The study was carried out at the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), Patna, Bihar, India. The study was conducted for 12 months. In all, 150 patients were enrolled in the study. Participants had to be at least 40 years old, have been diagnosed with IPF, have had histopathological confirmation of the disease through autopsy, transbronchial lung biopsy, or surgical lung biopsy, have enough lung tissue samples available for microscopic examination, and have given their informed consent for participation and the use of clinical data and tissue specimens for research.
Results
Patients who received a lung transplant did so at an average age of 58.1 ± 7.5 years, whereas the average age at death was 71.4 ± 7.9 years. Out of the 150 patients, 25 (16.7%) had exposure to organic dust. The most frequent cause of these, involving 15 patients (10.0%), was farming-related activities. Four patients (2.7%), two (1.3%), and two (1.3%) were found to have been exposed to wood dust, flour dust, and cotton dust, respectively.
Conclusion
The findings of this study demonstrate that a considerable percentage of individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have previously been exposed to organic or inorganic air pollution at work.
Recommendations
As this was a short-term study, further research is needed with a longitudinal study design and a larger sample to achieve more definitive results
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers towards childhood Immunizations at Young Child Clinics of Mildmay Uganda Hospital, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackground.
Globally, it is estimated that around 22.6 million infants were partially protected by immunization services. In Uganda, only 52 percent of children aged 12-23 months were fully vaccinated. This assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on immunization among mothers attending the young child clinic at Mildmay Uganda hospital.
Methods.
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, using quantitative data collection methods. Over five days, 30 mothers were selected through simple random sampling. Data were gathered using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire and analyzed manually, with results entered into Microsoft Excel (2013) and presented using tables, pie charts, and graphs.
Results.
Most of the participants were aged 25-29(40%) and had secondary education (50%), and 100,000-300,000 Ugandan shillings monthly (47%). All mothers were aware of childhood immunization,70% citing disease prevention as its purpose, and all knew the first dose is given at birth. However, 53% were unaware of the required routine visits. Most received information through radio or TV (60%), while 80% believe in the benefits of vaccination,60% felt unsafe vaccinating their children, and 70% opposed compulsory vaccination. Additionally, 53% didn’t advise others to vaccinate. Regarding practices, many missed vaccine schedules (63%), skipped vaccines (67%) or didn’t complete them (53%), and 87% used pain relievers post-vaccination
Conclusion.
Mothers had general awareness of childhood immunization, but gaps in knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practices hindered full adherence to vaccination schedules.
Recommendation.
There is a need for targeted health education and community outreach to improve mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward childhood immunization
Determinants of electronic documentation of patient data among nurses at Dr. Batta General Military Hospital, Entebbe, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackgroundThe integration of Electronic Health Records into healthcare systems is vital for improving documentation accuracy, care coordination, and patient safety. However, the adoption of electronic documentation by nurses in Uganda remains low. This study aimed to assess the individual and health facility-related determinants influencing the use of electronic documentation among nurses at Dr. Batta General Military Hospital, Entebbe.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using structured self-administered questionnaires with a sample of 30 nurses selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables, bar graphs, and pie charts.
Results
The majority of respondents were aged 26–31 years (40.0%) and predominantly female (66.7%). Most nurses (83.3%) correctly understood the meaning of electronic documentation, and 60% had received prior training. However, key individual barriers included lack of skills or confidence (50.0%), fear of making mistakes (33.3%), and system complexity (33.3%) as the main reasons for non-use. On the health facility side, 56.7% of respondents reported insufficient electronic equipment, 63.3% indicated the absence of clear documentation guidelines, and 56.7% stated they lacked adequate support and supervision.
Conclusion
Electronic documentation among nurses is hindered by limited digital competence, resistance to change, inadequate refresher training, and negative perceptions. Institutional barriers such as poor infrastructure, weak leadership, and a lack of clear policies further exacerbate the challenge. Without addressing these barriers, the hospital risks continued inefficiencies in patient data management and care delivery.
Recommendations
The Ministry of Health should invest in targeted ICT and EHR training programs to boost nurses’ skills and confidence. Dr. Batta General Military Hospital must strengthen its technological infrastructure and provide consistent technical support. Hospital administration should simplify EHR systems and establish clear documentation policies to improve usability and compliance.
Comparative study of ultrasound-guided in-plane and anatomical landmark cannulation of infraclavicular subclavian vein in intensive care unit – a prospective randomized control trial.
Get PDFBackground: Subclavian vein cannulation is a critical procedure in the intensive care unit (ICU) for administering medications, fluids, and hemodynamic monitoring. Traditional anatomical landmark techniques, while widely practiced, are associated with higher complication rates. The use of ultrasound-guided techniques has emerged as a safer alternative with improved success rates.
Objectives: To compare ultrasound-guided in-plane cannulation and anatomical landmark cannulation of the infraclavicular subclavian vein in terms of success rates, complication rates, procedural time, and hemodynamic changes in ICU patients.
Materials and methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial included 60 ICU patients requiring subclavian vein cannulation, who were randomly assigned to two groups: Group U (ultrasound-guided, n=30) and Group L (landmark-guided, n=30). Primary outcomes included time to locate the subclavian vein and the number of attempts. Secondary outcomes were success rate, failure rate, complications, and hemodynamic changes. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: The groups were comparable in baseline demographics. The mean time to locate the vein was 4.0 ± 1.0 minutes in Group U and 4.2 ± 1.0 minutes in Group L (p = 0.44). The success rate was higher in Group U (87%) compared to Group L (85%), while the corresponding failure rates were 13% and 15% respectively, though differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.59). Complications were slightly lower in the ultrasound group (18%) versus the landmark group (20%) (p = 0.72). Heart rate changes post-cannulation remained stable in both groups, with a significant difference noted only at 5 minutes (p = 0.05).
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided in-plane subclavian vein cannulation demonstrates slightly higher success rates, fewer complications, and comparable procedural time, confirming its clinical advantage over the anatomical landmark technique in ICU settings.
Recommendations: Ultrasound-guided subclavian vein cannulation should be routinely implemented in ICUs to enhance safety, procedural success, and patient outcomes
Factors contributing to prolonged turnaround time among patients receiving health services at Henrob Hospital Zana, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study
Get PDFBackground
Variation in turnaround time has been evidenced in most healthcare facilities and becomes problematic if it exceeds thirty minutes. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors contributing to prolonged turnaround times among patients receiving health services at Henrob Hospital Zana in Wakiso District.
Methodology
The study design used was descriptive and cross-sectional. The study included both female and male patients receiving care at Henrob Hospital Zana. A sample size of 66 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, analyzed manually, and then automatically with the computer software Microsoft Excel 2013. The results were presented using tables, charts, and graphs.
Results
66 respondents participated in this study, 47.0% were above 30 years of age, and 15% were single. Among individual-related factors, only 12.2% of patients who reported early were attended to urgently. In terms of healthcare-related factors, 30.3% of the respondents were new patients, while 59.1% were referral cases from other health facilities. Additionally, long turnaround times were most commonly associated with day duty, during which 54.5% of patients experienced prolonged waiting.
Conclusion
A smaller number of health workers, the economic status of patients, and the high number of patients attending the Henrob hospital Zana were among the factors that contributed to the turnaround time in the reception of health services at the hospital.
Recommendation
The Ministry of Health and hospital administration should advocate for the deployment of more health workers, close supervision of health workers, and the supply of equipment such as computers to reduce the time spent attending to patients
Equity and inclusion in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges: Addressing the needs of rural and marginalized students through a cross-sectional Mixed-methods study.
Get PDFBackgroundTechnical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa play a critical role in promoting inclusive education and economic development. However, rural and marginalized students often face systemic challenges that hinder their access to, participation in, and successful completion of TVET programs. This study investigates how equity and inclusion are implemented in TVET colleges, with a focus on the lived experiences of rural and marginalized students.
MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 120 students across four public TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal through structured questionnaires, with 30 participants drawn from each institution. Additionally, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with lecturers, academic support staff, and administrators.
ResultsParticipants included 120 students (58 males, 62 females) aged 18–35 years, with the majority (72%) originating from rural areas and the remainder from peri-urban campuses. About 64% reported being first-generation college students, and 59% came from households earning below the national poverty line. Language diversity was notable, with isiZulu as the dominant home language (74%), followed by isiXhosa (12%) and English (9%). Among staff participants (n=16), 10 were lecturers, 4 were academic support officers, and 2 were administrators, with professional experience ranging from 3 to 20 years. Overall, 68% of students reported persistent challenges with transport, digital access, and language barriers, while more than 70% cited financial constraints as negatively affecting academic progress. Qualitative findings underscored cultural insensitivity in teaching and limited institutional awareness of rural students’ unique needs.
ConclusionThere remains a disconnect between equity policy and practice, leaving rural and marginalized students vulnerable to systemic exclusion.
RecommendationsTVET colleges should strengthen support systems, expand rural outreach, invest in culturally responsive teaching, and provide continuous professional development for staff on inclusive education
Determinants of turn-up for HIV care among lactating mothers with infants at Panyadoli Health IV, Kiryandongo district. A cross-sectional study.
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In Uganda, the impact of low turn-up on Lactating mothers with Infants is significant, as delays in ART adherence increase maternal viral load by 20%. The purpose of the study was to assess the Determinants of Turn-Up for HIV Care among Lactating Mothers with Infants at Panyadoli Health IV, Kiryandongo District.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods of data collection was conducted at Panyadoli Health IV, Kiryandongo District. In a duration of 5 days, 45 lactating mothers were selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, consisting of closed-ended questions. The data collected was analyzed manually, and findings were entered into a Microsoft Excel 2013, which was then presented in the form of tables, pie-charts, and graphs.
Results
The Majority of the respondents, 24(53%), were 18-30 years old. Less than half of the respondents, 16(36%), had secondary education. More than half of the respondents, 26(58%), were married, on individual determinants; 73% of mothers lacked partner support, 84% experienced stigma, 45% cited caregiving duties as a barrier to clinic attendance, and the majority 62% faced challenges due to pre-existing infant health conditions. Health facility-related determinants included lack of appointment reminders (73%), medication stock-outs (80%), and judgmental attitudes from health workers (58%). Socio-economic determinants included long distances to clinics (47%), high medication costs (67%), transport challenges (56%), and lack of support systems (51%).
Conclusion
Lack of partner support, stigma, caregiving responsibilities, medication stock-outs, long distances to clinics, and negative health worker attitudes were key factors affecting ART clinic attendance among lactating mothers with infants.
Recommendation
There is a need to strengthen partner and community support systems, improve drug availability, implement effective reminder systems, address stigma and staff attitudes, education, and advocacy to enhance ART adherence among lactating mothers
Factors influencing adherence to iron and folic acid among primigravidae seeking antenatal care in Mbarara district, Southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackground
This study aimed at determining the factors influencing adherence to iron and folic acid among primigravidae seeking antenatal care in Mbarara district, Southwestern Uganda.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study done within Mbarara district among primigravidae seeking antenatal care. Proportionate probability sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 172 primigravidae seeking antenatal care in Mbarara district. Interviews were done using a researcher-administered questionnaire with a quantitative approach. Data was entered in Excel, cleaned, and exported to Stata version 17 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with adherence to iron and folic acid supplements among primigravidae.
Results
The proportion of primigravidae attending antenatal care in Mbarara district whose adherence to iron and folic acid supplements was defined as taking at least 80% of the prescribed iron and folic acid supplements was 64.53% (95% CI 0.52 – 0.63).
Adherence was associated with age bracket 20-29 years (AOR=4.57, 95%CI: 2.05-11.13), having a reminder to take iron and folic acid supplements (AOR=2.81, 95% CI: 1.33-5.92) and being counselled on the importance of taking iron and folic acid supplements (AOR=4.45, 95% CI: 2.07-9.31).
Conclusions
The level of adherence to iron and folic acid supplements among primigravidae attending ANC in Mbarara district is relatively high (6 in every 10 primigravidae). Primigravidas who are less than 30 years old, with a reminder to take iron and folic acid supplements and counselling from health workers about the importance of iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy, are more likely to adhere to iron and folic acid supplements.
Recommendation
Intensive and daily counselling about the importance of iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy should be done by antenatal care providers, especially to primigravidae who are 30 years of age or older
“A Cross-sectional study of dyslipidemia among underweight, normal weight and overweight type 1 diabetic paediatric & adolescent patients coming to a tertiary care referral hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka”.
Get PDFIntroduction
The prevalence and impact of dyslipidemia in relation to body mass index (BMI) categories in T1DM patients remains a critical area of research. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidemia among underweight, normal weight, and overweight pediatric and adolescent T1DM patients and explore the effect of BMI on the prevalence of dyslipidemia.
Materials and Methods
This cross-sectional observational study included 58 pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with T1DM. The patients were classified into three BMI categories: underweight, normal weight, and overweight. Data were analyzed to assess the association between BMI categories and the prevalence of dyslipidemia.
Results
Dyslipidemia was observed in 82.76% of the participants, with the majority being classified as overweight (68.75%). A smaller proportion had a normal BMI (27.08%), while 4.17% were underweight. No significant association was found between BMI categories and dyslipidemia (p = 0.4735). The study also noted that the mean age of participants was 10.19 ± 4.96 years.
Conclusion
The study highlights the high prevalence of dyslipidemia among pediatric and adolescent T1DM patients, particularly those who are overweight. While no significant association between BMI categories and dyslipidemia was found, these findings suggest the importance of monitoring lipid profiles in T1DM patients, especially those with higher BMI, to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Recommendations
Given the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among pediatric and adolescent T1DM patients, understanding the impact of BMI on dyslipidemia is of critical importance. Identifying BMI-related lipid abnormalities can facilitate early intervention strategies, including lifestyle modifications, dietary interventions, and tailored insulin regimens to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the findings of this study could contribute to the development of targeted screening guidelines for dyslipidemia in pediatric T1DM populations, optimizing long-term metabolic health outcomes
Echocardiographic evaluation of mitral E/e′ ratio, along with angiographic findings and B-type natriuretic peptide levels as prognostic indicators in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A prospective cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackgroundThe approach to risk assessment in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) has evolved with advancements in echocardiographic and biochemical markers. The mitral E/e′ ratio and B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels, along with coronary angiographic findings, offer a multidimensional approach to prognosis.
Aim
To evaluate mitral E/e′ ratio, BNP levels, and angiographic findings as prognostic indicators in STEMI patients.
Methods
A prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out at IGIMS, Patna, over 12 months (June 2024–May 2025). Fifty patients aged above 40 years diagnosed with STEMI were enrolled and followed up for six months. Echocardiography (including E/e′ ratio), BNP levels, and coronary angiography were assessed within 24 hours of admission. Follow-ups were conducted at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0.
Results
The participants' average age was 62.9 ± 10.8 years, and 68% of them were men. Among the most prevalent comorbidities were dyslipidemia (74%), diabetes mellitus (50%), and hypertension (54%). From 13.08 ± 3.21 at admission, the mean mitral E/e′ ratio decreased to 12.48 ± 2.47 at 1 week, 12.34 ± 2.10 at 3 months, and 12.12 ± 1.22 at 6 months (p < 0.001). From 1012.7 ± 890.4 pg/mL at admission to 195.1 ± 81.3 pg/mL at 6 months, BNP levels demonstrated a comparable progressive decline. Higher E/e′ and BNP levels were associated with worse outcomes, and in-hospital mortality was 14%.
Conclusion
Mitral E/e′ ratio, BNP level, and angiographic profile are effective prognostic tools in STEMI. Their integration enhances early risk stratification and individualized patient management.
Recommendation
Routine incorporation of mitral E/e′ ratio and B-type Natriuretic Peptide assessment, along with angiographic evaluation, is recommended for comprehensive prognostic evaluation and management of patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction