Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
Not a member yet
1618 research outputs found
Sort by
Prevalence and factors associated with teenage pregnancy among pregnant mothers attending Rakai general hospital, Uganda: A cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackground: The World Health Organization defines a teenage pregnancy as a pregnancy below the age of 20 years, and it is a major public health concern affecting more than 16 million girls and young women around the world. This study aimed at determining the Prevalence and Factors associated with Teenage Pregnancy among Mothers attending the Antenatal Care Clinic at Rakai General Hospital.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional study where we included pregnant women attending ANC. Using a consecutive sampling method, 251 pregnant women were enrolled. Data was collected using structured pre-tested questionnaires and analyzed using STATA Version 15.1. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to show the association between the dependent and independent variables, considering P < 0.05 as the level of significance and the 95% confidence interval.
Results: The prevalence of Teenage Pregnancy was 55(21.91%). Mothers with no formal education were 5.8. times more likely to have teenage pregnancy with (aOR =5.8.0; 95% CI = [1.759-19.675]; P=0.004), girls in Peer groups were 3.1 times more likely to have pregnancy in their teenage age with (aOR =3.1; 95% CI = [1.946-12.633]; P=0.016), history of contraception use and age of marriage less than 18 years were also significantly associated with Teenage pregnancy amongst mothers attending Rakai General Hospital Antenatal Care Clinic with, (aOR =3.2; 95% CI = [1.731-13.326]; P=0.001); (aOR =3.9; 95% CI = [1.693-10.075]; P=0.013) respectively.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of Teenage pregnancy is high compared to the global prevalence. Teenage Pregnancy was significantly associated with no formal education, peer groups, a history of contraception use, and an age of marriage of less than 18 years.
Recommendations: Conduct a national study on the prevalence, strengthen laws against early marriage, keep girls in school, and sensitize them on teenage pregnancy risks
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON MOBILE TELEHEALTH SYSTEMS AND INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY AT KITAGATA HOSPITAL IN SHEEMA DISTRICT.
Get PDFBackground
Mobile telehealth systems are increasingly transforming healthcare delivery, improving accessibility for patients, and enhancing efficiency among healthcare providers. This study explored the current landscape of mobile telehealth system usage at Kitagata Hospital in Sheema district southwestern Uganda.
Methods
The cross-sectional research design was adopted. The study population included patients and Physicians in Kitagata Hospital while a sample size of 250 participated in the study. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The study employed both primary and secondary data. Descriptive statistics and regression technique (model summary) analysis were done to examine the percentage effect of mobile telehealth systems on information accessibility at Kitagata Hospital to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was narratively analyzed. To cater for conflict of interest, familiarized with the institutions’ policies to minimize the chances of occurrence of conflict of interest, a research assistant was recruited to assist in data collection where the researcher had a conflict of interest.
Results
The combined total of 63.6% suggests that telehealth is becoming a routine part of healthcare delivery in this setting. Overall, results demonstrated that mobile telehealth systems significantly correlate with enhanced information accessibility at Kitagata Hospital, explaining a notable portion of the variability in this area. Also, a moderate level of adoption, with significant benefits reported in patient satisfaction and physician time management.
Conclusion
Whereas evidence shows that the use of telehealth systems increases efficiency and quality of healthcare, inadequate infrastructure development and insufficient capacity building among health workers inhibit the adoption and usage of telehealth.
Recommendation
More investment should be made in setting up appropriate infrastructure and building the capacity of healthcare workers to boost telehealth utilization.
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RESULTS-BASED FINANCING TO IMPROVE MATERNAL, NEWBORN, AND CHILD HEALTH (MNCH) SERVICES IN NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITALS IN UGANDA
Get PDFBackground
Results-based financing (RBF) is one of the health financing schemes implemented in Uganda's health care system to improve access and utilization of quality health services. This study evaluated the implementation of RBF for MNCH service delivery in national referral hospitals in Uganda.
Methods
The study employed a qualitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design with Kawempe National Referral Hospital as the study area. 12 participants were selected purposively from Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health Uganda, ENABEL-Belgian Development Agency, and Uganda Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Services Improvement Project (URMCHIP). Data was collected through interviews and document reviews.
Results
The study reported that RBF increased resources used to purchase critical drugs and equipment, staff recruitment, and infrastructure development, as well as better indicators in MNCH service delivery. However, challenges such as inadequate supervision, fund misallocation, poor model design, and unclear fund management persisted. The study recommended enforcing supervision, revising resource allocation, and disbursing funds on time.
Conclusion
The implementation of RBF for MNCH service delivery in national referral hospitals in Uganda has improved MNCH outcomes as well as the quality of services provided. However, the existing challenges need to be addressed to ensure that the intended goals and objectives are achieved
MODIFIED RADICAL MASTECTOMY: DEEP VERSUS SUPERFICIAL ERECTOR SPINAE BLOCK - A RANDOMIZED TRIAL.
Get PDFBackground
The quality of life, recovery, and functionality of patients are adversely affected by the intense pain that often follows breast cancer surgery, such as a modified radical mastectomy.
Objectives
This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of superficial and deep erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in individuals undergoing modified radical mastectomy.
Materials and Methods
It was a randomized-controlled pilot study that was conducted at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. The study was conducted for one year, i.e., from September 2023 to August 2024. The study comprised 50 female patients.
Results
The average age of the fifty female participants in the study was 52 years. A consistent distribution of baseline clinical features and socioeconomic data was seen among the study groups. With a p-value < 0.05, the superficial ESP block group only lasted 04 hours before the first request for rescue analgesia; in contrast, the median length of 10 hours was significantly longer for the deep ESP block group.
Conclusion
This research shows that deep ESP blocks are more successful than superficial ESP blocks at lowering postoperative pain in patients having a modified radical mastectomy.
Recommendations
Deep ESP block is recommended for postoperative analgesia in mastectomy patients due to superior pain relief and reduced opioid use
Prevalence of Text Neck Syndrome and it's adverse effects : A cross sectional study on undergraduate medical students
Get PDFBackground: Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) is a condition associated with prolonged smartphone usage and poor posture, leading to various musculoskeletal symptoms. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TNS and its adverse effects among undergraduate medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 undergraduate medical students. Data on symptoms, smartphone usage, posture, and the impact on daily activities were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between smartphone usage, posture, and the presence of TNS symptoms.
Results: The prevalence of TNS was 75%, with the majority of students reporting neck pain (68%), shoulder pain (54%), and headaches (40%). A significant correlation was found between smartphone usage duration and TNS symptoms, with students using smartphones for more than 4 hours per day experiencing higher rates of neck pain (p < 0.05) and headaches (p < 0.01). Furthermore, poor posture was associated with TNS, as 55% of students with TNS had poor posture compared to 45% without TNS (p < 0.01). TNS also negatively impacted academic performance (45%) and sleep quality (30%). Despite 70% awareness of good posture, only 30% of students practiced corrective measures during smartphone usage.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of Text Neck Syndrome among medical students underscores the importance of addressing this condition through awareness and corrective measures. Smartphone usage duration and poor posture are significant contributors to TNS symptoms, which can adversely affect academic performance and quality of life. Regular breaks, posture correction, and educational interventions are recommended to mitigate these effects
STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF SEVERE COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN PATIENTS HAVING DIABETES MORE THAN 1 YEAR ADMITTED TO A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.
Get PDFAim
This study aims to assess the prevalence of CAP among diabetic patients receiving treatment at a tertiary care hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted at KIMS and PBMH, Bhubaneswar, analyzing hospital records of 100 diabetic patients with CAP over one year (April 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024). Data were collected on demographics, clinical history, and laboratory findings, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results
The majority of participants were aged over 60 years, with a higher prevalence of CAP in uncontrolled diabetes (48%) than in controlled diabetes (45%). Urban residents were predominant in both groups, though low-income individuals had poorer diabetes control. Uncontrolled diabetic patients exhibited more severe symptoms, higher RBS and ESR levels, increased pleural effusion, and longer hospital stays.
Conclusion
Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with a marginally higher prevalence of CAP and increased disease severity. Socioeconomic factors, and glycemic control play a crucial role in patient outcomes.
Recommendation
It is recommended that improving glycemic control and addressing socioeconomic factors be prioritized in managing diabetic patients to reduce the prevalence and severity of CAP
Examining Genital Infections in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Analysis of Three Tertiary Hospitals in South Africa
No full textAbstract
Introduction:This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of genital infections among patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The increasing prevalence of T2D in the region necessitates understanding its health implications, especially the link between diabetes and genital infections. The study aimed to identify common pathogens and assess the correlation between glycaemic control (HbA1c levels) and infection rates.
Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory data from 300 T2D patients. The study examined infection rates and identified pathogens, with a focus on the relationship between infection prevalence and HbA1c levels.
Results:Of the 300 patients, 73 (24.3%) tested positive for genital infections. Candida species were the most common pathogens, found in 49% of cases. A significant association was found between elevated HbA1c levels and increased infection rates, with patients having HbA1c levels above 7.5% showing the highest frequency of infections.
Conclusion:The study highlights the increased risk of genital infections in T2D patients, particularly those with poor glycaemic control. Uncontrolled diabetes, as indicated by elevated HbA1c levels, significantly raises susceptibility to infections.
Recommendations:Healthcare providers should increase awareness of genital infection risks in diabetic patients and prioritize regular screenings. Effective glycaemic control, patient education on hygiene, and early medical intervention for infections are essential to improve outcomes and reduce infection rates in T2D patients
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ILLEGAL DUMPING OF WASTE MATERIAL BY FISHERMEN AND COMMUNITIES ON RIVERINE BIODIVERSITY IN SELECTED AREAS OF THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA.
Get PDFBackgroundIllegal dumping of waste by fishermen and surrounding communities has emerged as a serious environmental issue in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, with adverse effects on riverine biodiversity. Although pollution is globally acknowledged as a threat to freshwater ecosystems, limited studies have focused specifically on how community-driven illegal dumping affects riverine environments in this region. This study aimed to assess the impact of illegal waste dumping by fishermen and local communities on riverine biodiversity in selected areas of the Eastern Cape.
MethodologyA cross-sectional mixed-methods design was adopted. Study sites were selected based on high fishing activity and visible waste accumulation. Quantitative data were obtained through biodiversity assessments using established indices, and pollution levels were measured through waste categorization and field observations. Qualitative data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews with 45 respondents, including 20 fishermen, 15 community residents, and 10 key stakeholders from local government and environmental organizations.
ResultsThe study revealed a significant negative correlation between illegal dumping and riverine biodiversity. Heavily polluted sites (pollution levels between 50%–90%) showed decreased species richness and lower organism abundance. Communities near these sites reported increased sightings of waste-related hazards, such as fish die-offs and foul odours. Socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poor service delivery, and lack of education were identified as underlying drivers of illegal dumping. Many participants lacked awareness of environmental laws or proper disposal methods, and stakeholders cited weak municipal enforcement and insufficient infrastructure as barriers to effective waste management.
ConclusionIllegal dumping poses a serious threat to freshwater biodiversity in the Eastern Cape. Without intervention, ongoing pollution will continue to degrade river ecosystems and threaten aquatic life.
RecommendationsImproved waste infrastructure, environmental education, and collaborative stakeholder action are urgently needed to curb pollution and support biodiversity conservation
A CROSS-SECTIONAL QUANTITATIVE STUDY INVESTIGATING LECTURERS’ READINESS AND CHALLENGES IN INTEGRATING AI-DRIVEN TEACHING TOOLS AT MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (MUT).
Get PDFBackground
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming teaching and learning in higher education. However, lecturers’ readiness to adopt AI-driven tools and the challenges they face remain under-researched in historically disadvantaged institutions such as Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). This study examines lecturers’ preparedness, perceptions, and institutional barriers to integrating AI technologies into teaching practices.
Methods
This cross-sectional quantitative study involved 50 lecturers and 10 students from the Faculties of Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Management Sciences at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). Lecturers were selected using purposive sampling to ensure variation in teaching experience and familiarity with digital technologies, while students were selected using stratified random sampling to ensure faculty-level representation.
Results
The findings show that 62% of lecturers felt unprepared to integrate AI into their teaching, mainly due to inadequate training and limited institutional support. Only 30% reported moderate readiness, while 8% felt fully equipped. The most common challenges included lack of infrastructure (70%), absence of AI-specific training (68%), resistance to change (40%), and time constraints (55%). Despite these barriers, 85% acknowledged AI’s potential to enhance student engagement and support personalized learning.
Socio-demographic analysis revealed that 56% of participants were male and 44% female, with an age range between 30 and 59 years. Most lecturers (60%) had over 10 years of teaching experience, yet only 40% had prior exposure to educational technology, and few had used AI-specific tools.
Conclusion
While MUT lecturers recognize the potential benefits of AI, most are not adequately prepared for its integration. Key institutional barriers must be addressed to ensure successful adoption.
Recommendations
MUT should implement targeted AI training, strengthen technological infrastructure, and create support systems to guide AI adoption. Future research should explore student perceptions to ensure balanced, inclusive integration strategies
EVALUATION OF CHOROIDAL AND MACULAR THICKNESS ASSESSED BY ENHANCED DEPTH IMAGING SD-OCT IN THE NATURAL PROGRESSION OF MYOPIC PATIENTS.
Get PDFBackground
Myopia is associated with structural changes in the retina and choroid, which can be assessed using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). This study aimed to evaluate the changes in choroidal and macular thickness among patients with varying degrees of myopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Pradyumna Bal Memorial Hospital, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India. A total of 74 participants (148 eyes) with myopia were recruited. Participants underwent SD-OCT imaging, and measurements of macular and choroidal thickness were taken. Data were analyzed based on age, gender, and degree of myopia.
Results
There was a significant reduction in retinal and choroidal thickness with increasing age (p < 0.05). High myopia (> -9 diopters) showed significantly thinner retinal and choroidal layers compared to low and moderate myopia groups (p < 0.01). Male participants had slightly higher thickness measurements compared to females, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Progression of myopia is associated with thinning of retinal and choroidal structures, particularly in patients with high myopia.
Recommendation
Regular SD-OCT monitoring is recommended in myopic patients for early detection of structural changes and timely intervention