Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
Not a member yet
1618 research outputs found
Sort by
A Case Report on Antibiotics Induced Skin Rashes in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Odisha
Get PDFBackground:
Antibiotics, while essential in treating infections, are also among the most common causes of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially in pediatric populations. This report presents two pediatric cases of antibiotic-induced skin rashes following administration of ceftriaxone and vancomycin.
Case Presentation:
Case 1 involves a 9-month-old male with left-sided empyema who developed erythematous rashes within one hour of receiving intravenous ceftriaxone. The reaction was managed with intramuscular antihistamine (Pheniramine), and ceftriaxone was discontinued.
Case 2 reports a 9-year-old male with pyrexia of unknown origin, who developed widespread rashes after 13 days of vancomycin therapy. The reaction was suspected to be a delayed-type hypersensitivity. Vancomycin was discontinued and intravenous methylprednisolone was initiated.
Causality Assessment:
Both reactions were assessed as “probable” according to the WHO-UMC Causality Assessment Scale.
Discussion:
These cases highlight the potential of beta-lactam (ceftriaxone) and glycopeptide (vancomycin) antibiotics to induce immediate and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. While often underreported, these reactions can be managed effectively with prompt drug withdrawal and appropriate treatment. The importance of vigilant pharmacovigilance, especially in pediatric settings, is emphasized.
Conclusion:
Antibiotic-induced skin reactions in children warrant early identification, rational drug use, and avoidance of re-exposure. Strengthening pharmacovigilance practices and conducting larger studies can aid in better understanding and prevention.
Recommendations:
Routine monitoring of pediatric patients on antibiotics for hypersensitivity symptoms, detailed allergy history-taking, timely reporting to pharmacovigilance programs, and patient/caregiver education are essential. Rechallenge with the suspected drug should be avoided
Variations in the origin of the third head of biceps brachii in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh: A cross-sectional cadaveric study.
Get PDFBackgroundThe biceps brachii muscle is classically described as having two heads: long and short. However, anatomical variations such as a third (accessory) head are not uncommon and may have clinical implications during surgical, orthopedic, or radiological procedures involving the arm. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and morphological characteristics of the third head of biceps brachii in cadavers from North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Materials and methodsA total of 100 upper limbs from 50 formalin-fixed adult cadavers (35 males, 15 females) were dissected during routine anatomical teaching sessions. The origin and laterality of the third head of biceps brachii were documented, and observations were categorized by sex and site of origin.
ResultsA third head of the biceps brachii was identified in 10% of dissected upper limbs. It was more commonly observed in males (11.4%) than in females (6.8%). The third head originated from the insertion site of the deltoid muscle in 7 limbs (7%) and from the insertion of the coracobrachialis in 3 limbs (3%). Bilateral occurrence was noted in 6 limbs, 4 from the deltoid and 2 from the coracobrachialis origins in males, and 2 bilateral deltoid-origin cases in females. No additional accessory heads were noted. The origins of the long and short heads remained constant in all specimens.
ConclusionThe third head of the biceps brachii is a notable anatomical variation, especially in males, with deltoid insertion being the more frequent site of origin. Awareness of such variations is essential for surgeons, radiologists, and clinicians to avoid diagnostic confusion and complications during upper limb procedures.
Recommendations
Further anatomical studies across diverse regions are recommended to support surgical planning and prevent complications related to muscular variations
Awareness and perceptions towards sickle cell disease screening among young adults (18–45 years) at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackground
Sickle cell trait prevalence ranges between 13% and 20%. The study aims to assess the prevalence of awareness and perceptions about sickle cell disease screening among young adults (18–45 Years) at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences, Wakiso District.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design, which employed quantitative methods of data collection, was conducted in the Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences. In a duration of 6 days, 52 young adults (18–45 Years) were selected using Stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and it involved 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
Out of 52 respondents, less than half, 34.6% were aged 31–35 years, and 50% were formally employed. About awareness, (90.4%) had never been tested for sickle cell disease nor had a family member tested, (73.1%) were unsure whether SCD is treatable, and (55.8%) reported receiving information about SCD screening through radio and television. Concerning Perceptions, 67.3% were unsure whether SCD screening is important for young unmarried youth, (73.1%), with reasons for not going for SCD screening as the emotional impact of the results.
Conclusion
Very few had undergone testing, and uncertainty about the treatability of the condition was prevalent and under perception; emotional fears, uncertainty about the importance of screening for unmarried individuals, and reluctance to test even under guaranteed privacy were major barriers.
Recommendation
SCD screening should be incorporated into the routin
Implications of alcohol consumption on adherence to antiretroviral therapy: Perceptions of older people living with HIV in South-western Uganda.
Get PDFBackground
Alcohol consumption is associated with reduced ART adherence, poor quality of life, and worse treatment outcomes among people living with HIV. Though ART adherence levels in the older population globally have been reported to be high, they may be affected by increased levels of alcohol consumption in this population in lower and middle-income countries. We explored the implications of alcohol consumption on adherence to antiretroviral therapy in older persons living with HIV in Southwestern Uganda.
Methods
An explanatory qualitative study design was employed among 38 purposively selected older persons living with HIV in 6 health facilities in Southwestern Uganda. A total of 6 focus group discussions were held and audio recorded at the selected Health Facilities. Data was transcribed, translated, coded, and categorized into themes. Thematic analysis was used to give meaning to the data collected.
Results
Participants' reports varied, with some finding alcohol beneficial in terms of providing nutrients, especially from the brands made locally. Others reported that alcohol increases sexual libido and relieves their stress. Many, however, reported that alcohol affects adherence to ART as it increases forgetfulness of the time specified for swallowing the drugs.
Conclusion
Older people perceived alcohol consumption as a hindrance to adherence. Negative perceptions, such as alcohol having nutrients or increasing sexual libido, present difficulties in reducing the consumption of alcohol, especially in older people living with HIV.
Recommendation
There is a need for the incorporation of counseling on the effects of alcohol in the care patients receive from HIV care facilities
Beyond Physical Access: Coping Strategies of Students with Disabilities in Navigating Higher Education – A Qualitative Case Study.
Get PDFBackgroundStudents with disabilities face a wide range of challenges in accessing and succeeding in higher education, beyond just physical accessibility. These include socio-emotional barriers, limited institutional support, and systemic exclusion. In resource-constrained universities, these challenges are often amplified due to infrastructural and policy limitations. This study explores the coping mechanisms employed by students with disabilities as they navigate such higher education spaces.
MethodsThis qualitative case study was conducted at a South African public university between January 2023 and March 2025. A purposive sample of 20 students with various physical, visual, and hearing disabilities participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and one focus group discussion. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach was used to identify key coping strategies and barriers.
ResultsFindings revealed that students with disabilities employed a combination of personal resilience, peer support networks, assistive technologies, and informal arrangements with lecturers to cope. Key themes included "adaptive self-reliance," "strategic social integration," and "navigating institutional silence." While some reported supportive academic staff, others experienced marginalization due to poor disability inclusion policies. Emotional exhaustion and the need for constant self-advocacy were also highlighted as significant stressors.
ConclusionThe study concludes that while students with disabilities demonstrate remarkable agency, their coping strategies often compensate for institutional failures rather than reflecting inclusive education. There is an urgent need for systemic reform in university disability support systems.
RecommendationsHigher education institutions should adopt a holistic inclusion model that goes beyond infrastructural access to include emotional, academic, and policy-level support. This includes disability training for staff, establishment of peer-mentoring programs, and investment in adaptive technologies. Institutional policies must be co-designed with students with disabilities to ensure relevance and effectiveness
Association of serum ferritin and hematoma volume with neurological outcome in patients of deep supratentorial spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage.
Get PDFBackground
Deep supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening neurological emergency with high morbidity. Identifying reliable prognostic markers is vital for early clinical decision-making. Serum ferritin, an acute-phase reactant, and hematoma volume have been suggested as potential indicators of ICH severity and outcome.
Objectives: To assess the association between serum ferritin and hematoma volume with neurological outcomes in patients with deep supratentorial spontaneous ICH.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted on 80 patients diagnosed with deep supratentorial ICH at a tertiary care hospital in Dehradun. Serum ferritin levels were measured using ELFA within 72 hours of symptom onset. Hematoma volume was calculated via CT using the ellipsoid formula. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).
Results
Patients with elevated serum ferritin had significantly worse neurological outcomes (100% poor outcome, p<0.001). Similarly, larger hematoma volumes were associated with increased rates of poor outcome, especially in the very high-volume group (87.5% poor outcome). High GCS scores correlated with better outcomes.
Conclusion
Both elevated serum ferritin and larger hematoma volumes are strongly associated with poor neurological outcomes in deep supratentorial ICH, highlighting their prognostic significance in clinical management.
RecommendationsRoutine assessment of serum ferritin and hematoma volume at admission should be considered in all patients with deep supratentorial ICH to aid early prognostication. Integration of these parameters into clinical risk models can improve outcome prediction and guide therapeutic decisions. Future prospective multicentric studies are recommende
An observational cross-sectional study on the impact of polypharmacy on medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Get PDFBackground:Polypharmacy is increasingly prevalent among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) due to frequent comorbidities. While multiple medications may be clinically justified, their cumulative burden can impair adherence, ultimately affecting glycaemic control and long-term outcomes.
Objectives:
To evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy and its impact on medication adherence in adult patients diagnosed with T2DM.
Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study included 100 patients with T2DM attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, including the number of medications prescribed. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Chi-square test was applied to examine the association between polypharmacy and adherence levels.
Results:
The majority of participants (54%) were aged 50–69 years, and 57% were male. Polypharmacy was observed in 64% of the study population. The MMAS-8 revealed that 41% of patients had low adherence, 38% moderate, and only 21% high adherence. The mean MMAS score was 5.2 ± 1.7. Patients without polypharmacy demonstrated significantly better adherence: 36.1% showed high adherence versus 12.5% among those with polypharmacy. Conversely, low adherence was more frequent among polypharmacy patients (51.6% vs 22.2%). The association between polypharmacy and poor adherence was statistically significant (p = 0.002).
Conclusion:
This study highlights a high prevalence of polypharmacy among T2DM patients and a significant inverse relationship with medication adherence. These findings underscore the need for individualized treatment regimens and regular medication reviews to reduce pill burden and improve compliance.
Recommendations:
Routine medication audits and patient education are essential to minimize unnecessary polypharmacy and promote adherence in diabetic care
Evaluation of hearing impairment in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admitted newborns using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA): A prospective observational study”
Get PDFBackgroundHearing impairment in neonates, particularly those admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), is a major cause of delayed speech, language, and cognitive development if not diagnosed and addressed early. The prevalence of hearing loss increases significantly among NICU-admitted infants due to risk factors such as prematurity, very low birth weight (VLBW), hyperbilirubinemia, sepsis, and ototoxic medication exposure.
Aim
To assess the incidence and risk factors of hearing impairment in NICU-admitted newborns using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA).
Methods
This prospective observational study was conducted in the NICU of Hitech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar, from October 2022 to October 2024. One hundred NICU-admitted neonates underwent a three-stage auditory screening: OAE1 on Day 3, OAE2 at 6 weeks, and diagnostic BERA at 3 months. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including key risk factors.
Results
The incidence of REFER results was 16% on OAE1, 14% on OAE2, and 8% confirmed by BERA. A significant association was found between hearing loss and VLBW, hyperbilirubinemia ≥20 mg/dL, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, and ototoxic medication use. OAE2 showed strong concordance with BERA (p<0.001), supporting its reliability as a screening tool.
Conclusion
Sequential screening using OAE and BERA is effective in early detection of hearing impairment in NICU-admitted neonates. High-risk infants, particularly those with VLBW, sepsis, or hyperbilirubinemia, require prioritized auditory evaluation. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Integrating structured hearing screening into NICU protocols is strongly recommended.
Recommendations
This study recommends routine OAE screening with confirmatory BERA for all NICU-admitted newborns, structured follow-up for high-risk infants, and integration of universal screening with counseling, staff training, and early rehabilitation into neonatal care
A cross-sectional study on the effect of physical disability on self-esteem among adolescents in Kabale municipality.
Get PDFIntroduction
Physical disability significantly affects adolescents’ self-esteem, especially in low-resource settings. Globally, adolescents with disabilities experience social exclusion, stigma, and limited access to education and healthcare, negatively influencing their psychological well-being. This study examined the effect of physical disability on self-esteem among adolescents in Kabale Municipality. The objectives were to: (1) determine forms of physical disability, (2) assess levels of self-esteem, (3) evaluate the relationship between disability and self-esteem, and (4) establish the effect of disability on daily functioning.
Methods
A cross-sectional, quantitative design was employed, using standardized tools, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Barthel Index, to assess self-esteem and daily functioning. A total of 94 adolescents with physical disabilities, aged 13–18 years, were selected through a snowball sampling approach. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires translated into Rukiga and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test, to examine associations between disability type and self-esteem.
Results
Amputations (45.7%) and paralysis (33%) were the most common disabilities. A majority (80.9%) of respondents exhibited low self-esteem, with mean scores differing by disability: monocular vision (12.45), paralysis (11.67), amputations (10.23), and congenital amputations (9.56). ANOVA confirmed a significant relationship between disability type and self-esteem (F = 4.76, p = 0.004). Post-hoc analysis indicated adolescents with monocular vision had significantly higher self-esteem compared to amputees (p = 0.012) and congenital amputees (p = 0.008). Daily functioning was severely limited, with 60.6% needing major assistance for mobility and 24.5% immobile, impairments strongly linked to lower self-esteem.
Conclusion
Physical disability negatively impacts self-esteem and daily functioning among adolescents in Kabale Municipality, with amputations and paralysis exerting the greatest effects.
Recommendations
Targeted psychosocial interventions, improved access to mobility aids, and inclusive education policies to enhance independence. Further research should investigate longitudinal outcomes and localized strategies for adolescent well-being
To Study Vitamin D, Uric acid along with C-REACTIVE Protein in patients of psoriasis in tertiary care hospital in Bihar
No full textBackground
Psoriasis, a persistent severe skin disorder mediated by the immune system, affects two to three percent of individuals globally and is becoming recognized as a systemic disease. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency, hyperuricemia, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) may contribute to its pathogenesis and associated comorbidities. Despite India’s high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, studies exploring the interplay of these biomarkers in psoriasis are limited.
Methodology
A prospective case-control study was conducted in IGIMS, Patna. from February 2020 to October 2021. Out of the 150 participants, 75 had chronic plaque psoriasis and the remaining 75 were healthy controls who were assigned for sex and age. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], uric acid, along with CRP was measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, uricase–peroxidase enzymatic method, and latex-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay, respectively. The statistical analyses included the t-test, the chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation; a p-value of less than 0.05 was taken to be significant.
Results
Psoriasis patients showed markedly reduced serum vitamin D levels compared to healthy controls. In contrast, the patient group's levels of uric acid and C-reactive protein (CRP) were noticeably higher. All individuals with psoriasis were vitamin D deficient, and nearly half had elevated CRP levels. Vitamin D demonstrated a strong inverse relationship with CRP and a moderate negative association with uric acid, while CRP positively correlated with uric acid.
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency is significantly linked to psoriasis, systemic inflammation, and hyperuricemia, reflecting its systemic nature rather than a skin-limited disorder.
Recommendation
Routine screening of vitamin D, CRP, and uric acid levels should be integrated into psoriasis management, particularly in regions with endemic vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplementation and metabolic risk monitoring may improve clinical outcomes and reduce long-term comorbidities. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to establish causality and therapeutic benefits