Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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Phytochemical Screening and Anti-bacterial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Skin Diseases in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
No full textSkin infections are prevalent globally, with most cases being self-limiting and exhibiting low mortality rates. Approximately one-third of the population suffers from skin diseases, making them the fourth most common health issue worldwide. Despite their widespread nature, the significance of these infections is often underestimated. This study investigates the antibacterial properties of crude extracts from three medicinal plants: Aloe ferox, Tetradenia riparia, and Carpobrotus edulis, known for their traditional use against skin diseases. The extraction process involved using solvents such as petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol from the dried leaves of these plants. The antibacterial activity was assessed through microdilution assays and disc-diffusion methods. The total phenolic content was found to range from 10.9 mg GAE/g DW to 30.4 mg GAE/g DW, while flavonoid levels varied between 5.5 CAE/g DW and 15.1 CAE/g DW. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were recorded from 0.39 mg/mL to over 12.5 mg/mL, with inhibition zones measuring between 0 mm to 3 mm. Notably, methanol extracts demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity and total phenolic content compared to other solvents used. A significant correlation was identified between biological activity and total phenolic content. Among the tested bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus exhibited the highest resistance to the crude extracts. The findings suggest that A. ferox, T. riparia, and C. edulis are rich in phenolic compounds and hold potential as therapeutic agents for treating skin diseases.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, skin diseases, Aloe ferox, Tetradenia riparia and Carpobrotus edulis.  
Association between screen time and sleep patterns in preschool children: A cross-sectional observational study.
Get PDFBackgroundThe growing prevalence of screen-based devices in early childhood raises concerns about their impact on sleep health. Preschool children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen exposure, which may disrupt normal sleep patterns essential for healthy development.
Objectives: To examine the association between screen time duration and sleep patterns, including total sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and night awakenings, in preschool-aged children.
MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 100 preschool children aged 3 to 5 years. Data on daily screen time and sleep parameters were collected using a structured parental questionnaire. Sleep outcomes were compared between children with screen time ≥3 hours/day and those with <3 Hours/day. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between screen time and sleep metrics.
ResultsThe mean daily screen time was 2.7 ± 1.1 hours. Thirty-six percent of children had screen exposure ≥3 hours/day. The mean total sleep duration was significantly lower in children with higher screen time (8.7 ± 1.1 hours) compared to those with lower screen time (10.1 ± 1.0 hours; p < 0.001). Delayed sleep onset and night awakenings were also more prevalent among high screen-time users (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). A moderate negative correlation was found between screen time and total sleep duration (r = -0.47, p < 0.001), and a positive correlation with sleep onset latency (r = 0.41, p < 0.01).
ConclusionsExcessive screen time is significantly associated with shorter sleep duration, delayed sleep onset, and increased night awakenings in preschool children. Limiting screen exposure may promote healthier sleep patterns in early childhood.
Recommendations
Caregivers should limit preschool children's screen time to under 3 hours daily, especially in the evening, and promote consistent bedtime routines to support healthy sleep duration and quality.
Epidemiology and risk factors of orthopedic injuries in a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective study. A three-month analysis of trauma admissions in India.
Get PDFBackground
Orthopedic injuries, including road traffic accidents (RTAs) and falls, are a major public health concern in India, yet region-specific epidemiological data are limited. Objective: To describe the epidemiology and risk factors of orthopedic injuries in a tertiary care hospital in India over three months.
Methods
A retrospective observational study analyzed 287 trauma admissions from January 1 to March 31, 2025, using anonymized clinical communication records from a tertiary care hospital. Data included age, sex, injury mechanism, co-morbidities, and attending doctor. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression assessed associations between demographics, co-morbidities, and injury severity.
Results
Of 287 patients, 59.6% were male, with a mean age of 45.3 years (SD 24.3). Falls (45.3%) and RTAs (39.7%) were the leading injury mechanisms. Falls predominated in patients >60 years (71.2%), while RTAs were common in those aged 18–40 years (59.0%) (p<0.001). Hypertension (25.1%) and diabetes mellitus (15.0%) were frequent co-morbidities, significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001). Major injuries (29.6%) were linked to younger age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.99) and RTAs (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.33–3.94).
Conclusion
Falls and RTAs drive orthopedic trauma, with distinct age and sex patterns. Targeted prevention, including fall safety for the elderly and road safety measures, is essential.
Recommendation
Implementation of targeted public health interventions focusing on fall prevention in the elderly and enhanced road safety measures is urgently needed to reduce orthopedic injuries
Comparing the antimicrobial impact of Artemisia afra, Erythrina lysistemon and Psidium guajava on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Get PDFBackground and Significance
Antimicrobial resistance has become a critical global health challenge, driving renewed interest in medicinal plants as potential sources of alternative therapies. Traditional South African medicinal plants, particularly Artemisia afra, Erythrina lysistemon, and Psidium guajava, have shown promise in preliminary studies but require systematic evaluation.
Study Aim
This study investigated the comparative antibacterial efficacy of these three plant species against clinically relevant pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The research aimed to determine both the spectrum of activity and the influence of extraction solvents on antimicrobial potency.
Materials and Methods
Leaves of A. afra and P. guajava and bark of E. lysistemon were collected from Silverglen Nature Reserve. A modified German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia protocol was employed to prepare both aqueous and 60% ethanolic extracts. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using a standardized disk diffusion assay adapted from the Kirby-Bauer method, with subsequent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination for active extracts.
Key Results
The ethanolic extracts demonstrated selective antibacterial activity exclusively against S. aureus, with inhibition zones ranging from 6-14 mm. A. afra exhibited the strongest effect (12 mm), followed by P. guajava (10 mm) and E. lysistemon (8 mm). MIC analysis revealed P. guajava as the most potent, completely inhibiting S. aureus growth at 10.42 mg/mL. Notably, no activity was observed against Gram-negative pathogens (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), nor with aqueous extracts of any plant material.
Conclusions and Implications
These findings establish the Gram-positive-specific antibacterial properties of these traditional medicinal plants and highlight ethanol's superiority as an extraction solvent. The results provide scientific validation for certain ethnopharmacological uses while suggesting these plants as potential sources for developing narrow-spectrum antimicrobials. Future research should focus on compound isolation, mechanism of action studies, and potential synergies with existing antibiotics to address growing antimicrobial resistance challenges
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF GLYCAEMIC CONTROL ON LIVER FUNCTION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF LIVER CHEMISTRIES
Get PDFObjective
This study investigates the relationship between liver biomarkers and glycaemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients at King Edward Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Methods
A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 patients diagnosed with T2DM. Data collected included gender distribution, age range, glycaemic control (HbA1c, fasting glucose, and random glucose), and liver function markers (bilirubin, ALT, AST, and GGT). The study period ranged from June 2023 to December 2023. Patients were evaluated for glycaemic control and liver biomarkers, and statistical analysis was performed to explore correlations between these factors.
Results
The majority of patients (57.5%) were aged 46-65, with an emerging trend of younger patients being diagnosed with T2DM. A significant gender disparity was observed, with females comprising 83.8% of the study population. All participants exhibited HbA1c levels in the diabetic range (≥6.5%), indicating poor glycaemic control. A notable proportion of patients showed elevated liver enzymes: 35.7% had mildly elevated ALT levels, 29.6% had elevated AST levels, and 75.2% had abnormal GGT levels. Positive and significant correlations were found between HbA1c and liver enzymes: HbA1c and ALT (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), HbA1c and AST (r = 0.51, p < 0.01), and HbA1c and GGT (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that poor glycaemic control is strongly associated with liver dysfunction.
Conclusion
The results indicate a strong association between poor glycaemic control and elevated liver enzymes in T2DM patients, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies targeting both glycaemic control and liver health. Regular monitoring of liver biomarkers should be considered to facilitate early detection of liver dysfunction, potentially preventing severe liver-related complications.
Recommendations
Regular liver function monitoring should be integrated into diabetes management, particularly for the early detection of conditions like NAFLD. Improving glycaemic control is crucial to mitigate liver-related complications
Ultrasonography and Pregnancy Outcome in Threatened Abortion: A Prospective Observational Study
No full textBackground: Threatened abortion, marked by first-trimester vaginal bleeding, poses a risk for pregnancy loss and adverse outcomes. Ultrasonography is a key diagnostic tool for assessing fetal viability and identifying predictive markers such as fetal heart rate and crown-rump length. This study explores the role of ultrasonographic parameters in predicting miscarriage risk and guiding clinical management.
Methods: This prospective observational study encompassed 100 pregnant women categorized into three groups based on first-trimester bleeding and ultrasonographic findings. Transvaginal ultrasonography assessed fetal heart rate, cervical length, and gestational sac characteristics. Statistical analyses evaluated the predictive value of sonographic markers for pregnancy outcomes.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable among groups, but Group I had earlier and heavier bleeding. Group I also revealed lower fetal heart rates and crown-rump lengths, indicating poor pregnancy viability (p < 0.05). Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including PROM, IUGR, and NICU admissions, were more frequent in Group II (p < 0.05). Early abnormal ultrasound markers were significantly associated with late pregnancy complications.
Conclusion: Early first-trimester ultrasound markers, particularly fetal heart rate and crown-rump length, are strong predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Identifying these markers can aid in risk stratification and timely intervention
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PNEUMONIA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS AT NAGURU HOSPITAL, NAKAWA DIVISION IN KAMPALA DISTRICT, A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Get PDFBackground
Pneumonia accounts for 10% of deaths in children under five in Uganda, with at least 25 children dying from it every day. Since 2012, the Government of Uganda has been scaling up strategies to prevent and treat pneumonia among young children. However, national targets remain unmet. This study, therefore, aimed at determining the factors contributing to pneumonia among children under 5 years old at Naguru Hospital in Kampala district.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional design involving the Questionnaire method of data collection was employed. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 100 respondents. The data was analyzed using SPSS and presented in tables, pie charts, and graphs using Microsoft Excel 2016.
Results
Most caregivers, 40 (40%), only attained primary education, while 13 (13%) had attained tertiary education. It was observed that 64 (64%) of the caregivers did not have a proper method of fecal disposal, and 48 (48%) were surrounded by smokers and other pollutants, passively affecting their under-five children. Socio-economic factors like poor ventilation, 70 (70%), and living in extended populations, 68 (68%) contributed to community-acquired pneumonia among the under-five children. Additionally, 50 (50%) of the respondents obtained income from casual labor, indicating low socio-economic status. 48 (48%) of the respondents had poor health-seeking behavior, a probable reason as to why 31% did not have access to health education.
Conclusion
The study concluded that environmental factors like poor waste disposal. There was poor health-seeking behavior among the caregivers concerning their under-five children. Poor ventilation and low income indicated a low socio-economic status among the caregivers, posing a great risk of pneumonia.
Recommendation
Ensure mass sensitization and health education of the community on hygiene and sanitary measures like proper toilet facilities to minimize the incidences of Pneumonia
D-dimer as a surrogate marker for assessment of prognosis in COVID-19 patients: A retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital.
No full textBackground
D-dimer has been recognized as a factor that plays an important role in predicting clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients since the commencement of the pandemic.
Objectives- The study was conducted to assess alterations in D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients. Also, to correlate alterations in levels of D-dimer with the severity of COVID-19 patients clinically, as well as to determine the optimal cut-off value of D-dimer for predicting poor prognosis.
Methods
The study was retrospective and observational. The study was carried out at the Hematology section (Department of Pathology), Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar, India. The study included data for a full year, that is, from July 2020 to June 2021. In all, 400 patients were enrolled.
Results
Elevated D-dimer levels (≥1.5 μg/ml) in COVID-19 patients were significantly associated with older age, higher mortality (45.4% vs. 8.5%), and prolonged hospital stay. D-dimer levels were notably higher in patients aged ≥60 years and in females. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for admission D-dimer values relative to the clinical outcome of patients provided an area under the curve of 0.818 (95% CI: 0.728–0.886, p < 0.001). The ideal cut-off value of D-dimer for predicting poor clinical outcome was established as 1.5 μg/ml, exhibiting a sensitivity of 70.6% and a specificity of 78.4%. Cox regression identified age and D-dimer as significant predictors of mortality. Among deceased patients, high D-dimer was linked to elevated CRP, indicating severe inflammatory and coagulation responses.
Conclusion
A straightforward and dependable marker, a strong correlation has been seen to be established between D-dimer and COVID-19. Its application can help direct clinical management, facilitate early risk assessment, and enhance resource allocation.
Recommendations
Further research is needed with a longitudinal study design and a larger sample to achieve more definitive results
Maternal and fetal outcomes following emergency obstetric hysterectomy in a tertiary care center- A cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackground: When choosing to perform an emergency obstetric hysterectomy, the surgeon faces more challenges than in any other obstetrical or gynecological procedure. It is frequently a very tough choice that calls for sound professional judgment. However, due to the growing frequency and trend of Caesarean deliveries worldwide, placenta accreta has been highlighted in more recent reports as the most common indication.
Objectives- To assess the incidence, demographic profile, indications, risk factors, fetomaternal outcome, and problems related to emergency obstetric hysterectomy.
Materials and methods: The study was a prospective, cross-sectional study. The study was carried out at Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, a tertiary referral hospital, for a period of two years, from August 2019 to August 2021. A total of thirty-six cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomy were enrolled during the study period.
Results: The study observed an overall incidence of 3.48 per 1000 deliveries for emergency obstetric hysterectomy, with a higher rate following caesarean sections (5.70 per 1000 deliveries). Most women were aged 21–30 years (50%) and were multigravida with a parity of 1–2. The majority (69.5%) underwent surgery at term (≥37 weeks). Placenta accreta spectrum (47.22%) and atonic postpartum hemorrhage (25%) were the most common indications. Significant maternal complications, including maternal mortality and notable neonatal morbidity, including NICU admissions and two neonatal deaths, were also recorded.
Conclusion: Only in cases where it’s life-threatening, near-miss cases, and preventive measures fail to arrest bleeding, an emergency obstetric hysterectomy needs to be performed. Placenta accreta spectrum is the most common indication noted recently.
Recommendations: Further investigation and the development of guidelines and protocols for high-risk cases require a greater number of participants and a multicenter study approach
A comparative study of spinal bupivacaine with fentanyl versus ultrasound-guided combined lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block in lower limb orthopedic procedures: A prospective randomized controlled trial.
Get PDFBackgroundSpinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and fentanyl is widely used for its rapid onset, while ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve blocks are gaining popularity for prolonged postoperative analgesia with fewer systemic side effects. Aim: To compare the efficacy of spinal bupivacaine with fentanyl versus ultrasound-guided combined lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve blocks in lower limb orthopedic procedures.
Methods
This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on 50 patients aged 18–65 years undergoing elective lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received spinal bupivacaine (12.5 mg) + fentanyl (25 mcg); Group B received ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block with 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and sciatic nerve block with 25 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. Primary outcomes included onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks, and duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes included hemodynamic changes and complications.
Results
Both groups were comparable in baseline demographics, with a mean age of 49 years and a similar distribution of sex and ASA physical status. The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly faster in Group A (5–8 min and 6–10 min) compared to Group B (10–20 min and 12–20 min; p<0.001). However, Group B had a significantly longer duration of sensory block (6–8 hrs), motor block (3–4 hrs), and analgesia (8–12 hrs) (p<0.001). Hypotension was more common in Group A (48%) than in Group B (32%). Two patients in Group B required conversion to general anesthesia due to technical difficulties.
Conclusion
Ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve blocks provide longer postoperative analgesia with fewer hemodynamic changes, making them preferable in high-risk or prolonged orthopedic surgeries.
Recommendations
For lower limb orthopedic surgeries, ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve blocks are recommended, particularly in patients at risk of hemodynamic instability or requiring prolonged analgesia.