Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILIZATION OF IMPLANTS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AT KAWAALA HEALTH CENTRE IV, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Implants are a more effective method of family planning methods as they enable women to control their reproductive lives better and are better options for contraception than other long-term family planning methods. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing the utilization of implants among women of reproductive age at Kawaala Health Centre IV, Kampala District.
Methodology
The method was a descriptive-cross sectional design that utilized quantitative methods of data collection from a sample size of 30 respondents who were sampled by simple random sampling method using a self-administered questionnaire, and data was analyzed using micro soft office programs and presented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie-charts.
Results
The majority of 12(40%) were between 18 and 24 years of age, and 17(56.7%) were not employed. Regarding individual factors, 19(63.3%) would wish to have three children to start using an implant, 11(36.7%) had one child, 24(80%) did not know all the information about the implant, and 20(66.7%) did not have an overall decision on the use of implants. Concerning Social and cultural factors, 23(76.7%) mentioned that their husbands did not support the use of implants, 27(90%) mentioned that their husbands had desires to have many children, 26(86.7%) did not get support from their husbands during utilization of family planning, and 18(60%) mentioned that their cultural belief does not support the use of implants.
Conclusion
Factors identified were lack of knowledge about implants, desire to have more children, lack of overall decision-making, lack of husband support, and cultural beliefs.
Recommendations
Health workers should develop comprehensive health education programs regarding using of long-acting methods of family planning such as implants
FACTORS INFLUENCING UPTAKE OF SKILLED DELIVERY SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE AT KASANJE SUB COUNTY, WAKISO DISTRICT
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The uptake of skilled delivery services was associated with improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. So, this study aimed to assess factors affecting the uptake of skilled delivery services among women of childbearing age in Kasanje Sub County, Wakiso district.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study design was used employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection using a semi-structured questionnaire. The information was manually tallied and scientific measures were used to analyze the recorded information. Thereafter, Microsoft Word and Excel programs were employed followed by a presentation in the form of frequency tables, graphs, and figures like pie charts and bar graphs.
Results
The results of the study were all females, in the age range of 15 to 49 years. The majority (75%) were married, (60%) had more than three children, 64% were housewives 37% travelled over 10 to reach the health centre and (66%) earned 10,000-50,000/= a month. Most (50%) used a boda boda to reach the health center and over 62% of them had to wait for over an hour before being worked on while 50% complained that midwives were rude to them.
Conclusion
Findings showed that the low uptake of skilled delivery services among women of childbearing age at Kasanje Sub County is highly influenced by parity, education level, occupation, social support like partner involvement, economic status, the distance needed to be moved, and the character of midwives.
Recommendation
Midwives and doctors in charge of maternal health need to equip themselves with good customer care service skills to positively influence and change pregnant mothers’ attitudes towards health professionals and service delivery
PREVALENCE AND INDIVIDUAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DYSMENORRHEA AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT FORT PORTAL COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, WESTERN UGANDA – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among women of reproductive age and it affects academic performance among students. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and individual factors associated with dysmenorrhea among female medical students at Fort Portal College of Health Sciences, western Uganda.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 participants from the five training programs offered at the college. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence, and individual factors associated with dysmenorrhea. Data was analyzed in SPSS v.21, using mean, frequencies, percentages, chi-square, and logistic regression. Ethical and administrative approvals were sought for the College Research and Scientific Committee and administration, respectively and participants provided written informed consent.
Results
Data was collected from 280 participants with a mean age of 23.26 years (S=3.58). The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among participants was 94.26%; and participants’ age (aOR=2.74; 95% CI: 0.36 – 20.86; p-value = 0.331), duration of menstrual flow (aOR=2.36; 95% CI: 0.66 – 8.39; p-value = 0.184), regular physical exercises (aOR=1.61; 95% CI: 0.85 – 3.05; p-value = 0.142), and daily water consumption (aOR=3.45; 95% CI: 1.15 – 10.37; p-value = 0.068), were not associated with dysmenorrhea.
Conclusion
The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female medical students is high and is not associated with individual factors like; age, duration of menstrual flow, physical exercises, or daily water consumption.
Recommendation
Additional studies are needed to examine the aetiology of dysmenorrhea and inform the development of effective prevention and control strategies
FACIAL FILLERS IN AESTHETIC PRACTICE: PATIENT SATISFACTION AND OUTLINE OF COMMON ADVERSE EFFECTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical option for facial enhancement, offering affordability and minimal recovery time. They are widely used for volume restoration and wrinkle correction. Patient satisfaction is key to evaluating treatment success and psychological well-being. This study aims to assess patient satisfaction levels following dermal filler procedures and to evaluate the prevalence of common complications associated with these treatments.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Sasaram, Bihar, India, from May 2023 to October 2024. A total of 100 medically eligible participants of both sexes aged 25 to 35 years were selected through convenience sampling, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire. Hyaluronic acid is used in our study for facial augmentations. Patient satisfaction, procedural details, and adverse effects were assessed, with follow-ups scheduled quarterly during our study period.
Results
The lips (34.5%) were the most common injection site, with 1 cc of filler being the most frequently used volume (40%). Mild to moderate complications were common, while severe reactions like necrosis were rare (0.5%). Satisfaction correlated with filler volume, with higher volumes leading to greater satisfaction. Most participants (70%) were willing to repeat the procedure, and 72% would recommend it.
Conclusion
Dermal fillers provide high patient satisfaction with minimal complications. Higher filler volumes and lip/malar injections yielded better outcomes.
Recommendation
The Utilization of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of the infraorbital hollow is recommended to facilitate the application of hyaluronidase for material dissolution in the event of adverse reactions
Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge and Practices on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Primigravida Women Attending Uasin Gishu Sub County Hospitals.
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Birth preparedness refers to the actions taken by pregnant women and their families to ensure a safe childbirth and prepare for potential emergencies. The goal is to reduce global maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births. In Kenya, the maternal mortality ratio is 362 per 100,000. Many pregnant women, including primigravidae, lack knowledge about birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR).
Objectives:
This study aimed to determine knowledge and practices regarding BP/CR among primigravida women attending Uasin Gishu sub-county hospitals. Specific objectives included assessing knowledge and practices of BP/CR and identifying factors associated with BP/CR among primigravidae.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative methods was conducted. The target population consisted of primigravida women aged 15-49 years who attended antenatal clinics in Uasin Gishu. A sample of 264 women was selected using systematic sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to assess associations between variables at a 95% confidence interval.
Results:
Notably, 72.7% had not received BP/CR information from midwives. However, 70.8% knew labor could start before the due date, and 66.3% were aware of the potential need for blood transfusion. Preparations included saving for transport (73.5%), identifying delivery locations (76.1%), and birth companions (71.6%). Factors such as age, level of education, income, and trimester values were statistically significant, showing an effect on the BPCR.
Conclusion:
Gaps in preconception clinic attendance and BP/CR information from midwives were noted. Nevertheless, awareness of EDD and preparation for emergencies were high. Statistical analyses highlighted the need for targeted education for younger primigravidae.
Recommendations:
Enhance BP/CR education during antenatal visits, promote preconception clinics, increase antenatal visit attendance, facilitate access to blood donors, and ensure financial and transportation support for low-income wome
Adherence to IPT among HIV adolescents aged 11 to 19 years at Kisenyi health center IV, Kampala district. A cross-sectional study.
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Adherence to Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) is crucial for HIV-positive adolescents to prevent tuberculosis (TB). When forfeited, it poses severe health risks. This study thus aimed at exploring the factors influencing adherence to IPT among HIV-positive adolescents aged 11 to 19 years, focusing on socioeconomic, individual, and health facility-related factors.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 30 HIV-positive adolescents selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires translated into the local language for better comprehension. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and the results were presented in tables and figures.
Results
The study involved more females (20, 67%) than males (10, 33%), with the majority (70%) aged between 17 and 19 years and not living with their parents or guardians (21, 70%). Findings revealed significant socioeconomic challenges, with 56% of respondents reporting struggles to afford basic needs, which influenced adherence to IPT. Most participants (60%) found it difficult to access the health center for appointments. On individual factors, 70% of adolescents had a limited understanding of IPT benefits, while 80% expressed concern about potential side effects, negatively influencing adherence. Additionally, 70% had stigma associated with taking IPT, leading to treatment avoidance. Positively, 60% of respondents had stable housing, and 80% felt confident in managing IPT as part of their lives. Regarding health facility factors, 70% reported long wait time, while 80% noted consistent availability of IPT medication, which supported adherence.
Conclusion
Adherence to IPT among HIV-positive adolescents at Kisenyi Health Center IV is influenced by various factors such as low socio-economic status and long wait hours, which impede access to health care.
Recommendation
Implementation of targeted educational programs, enhancing access to healthcare services, training staff for supportive interactions, and developing reminder systems to help adolescents manage their medication routines
“We talk about it in private”. A cross-sectional study of cultural attitudes and health-seeking practices among perimenopausal University staff in Bayelsa, Nigeria.
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Despite increasing recognition of women’s midlife health challenges, the intersection of cultural norms and healthcare access during perimenopause remains underexplored in Nigeria’s academic settings. This study explores how cultural attitudes shape health-seeking practices among perimenopausal university staff in Bayelsa, Nigeria.
Methods
Using a mixed-methods design, the study surveyed 313 academic and non-academic female staff aged 40–55 across two public universities. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data from in-depth interviews were thematically examined.
Results
Findings reveal that cultural norms significantly influence women’s willingness and ability to seek professional medical care during perimenopause. About 40.9% of respondents perceived cultural norms as moderately affecting their health-seeking behaviour, while 23.3% reported a significant influence. Chi-square analyses showed statistically significant associations between cultural perceptions, discussion openness, comfort with healthcare providers, and professional health-seeking patterns (p < 0.001). Qualitative narratives highlight both supportive and stigmatizing cultural contexts. Some women expressed comfort discussing menopause due to familial openness, while others cited stigma and fear of being perceived as old or weak as reasons for silence. Additionally, preferences for private healthcare stemmed from dissatisfaction with public hospital services, despite cost barriers.
Conclusions
The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive and gender-responsive healthcare services tailored to the needs of perimenopausal female professionals.
Recommendations
Health education programs should address stigma, negative cultural attitudes, poor health-seeking behaviour, and also foster open conversations about perimenopause, particularly within university institutions
Diagnostic Accuracy of Chest Ultrasonography versus Chest X-ray in Detecting Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children: A Prospective Observational Study.
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Pneumonia remains a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chest X-ray (CXR) is a conventional imaging modality for diagnosis, but it has limitations, including radiation exposure and variable interpretation. Lung ultrasonography (LUS) has emerged as a radiation-free, point-of-care diagnostic alternative. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of LUS in detecting community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children and compared it with CXR.
Objectives:
To assess the role of chest ultrasonography in diagnosing community-acquired pneumonia in children and to compare its diagnostic yield with that of chest X-ray.
Methods:
A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted from January to December 2019 at a tertiary pediatric center. Children aged 2 months to 5 years with clinical features of CAP were included in the study. Each child underwent CXR and LUS. Findings from both modalities were compared to assess their diagnostic accuracy.
Results:
A total of 159 children were included, with a mean age of 16.9 ± 16.58 months. Chest ultrasound detected pneumonia in 134 (84.3%) cases, whereas CXR detected it in 113 (71%) cases (p < 0.0001). Subpleural consolidation (38.4%) and B-line with pleural line abnormalities (27%) were common LUS findings. CXR showed consolidation in 34.6% and perihilar infiltrates in 27.7% of cases. LUS detected pneumonia in 26 cases missed by CXR, while CXR detected pneumonia in 5 cases missed by LUS.
Conclusion:
Lung ultrasonography is a simple, radiation-free, and reliable imaging modality with higher detection rates than chest X-ray in pediatric pneumonia. It can be used effectively for both diagnosis and follow-up, especially in resource-limited settings.
Recommendations:
Lung ultrasound should be integrated into pediatric emergency protocols as a first-line imaging tool for suspected pneumonia in children
THE Prevalence of rhesus isoimmunization among rhesus negative pregnant women in African hospitals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
No full textIntroduction
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of Rhesus isoimmunization among rhesus-negative pregnant women in African hospitals using the PICO framework.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Lens.org, and Google Scholar for observational studies (2010–May 2025) on Rhesus isoimmunization in African hospital settings. The PICO framework guided the research question (Population: pregnant women; Intervention: none; Comparison: subgroups (Regional variations); Outcome: prevalence of isoimmunization). Data were extracted using a standardized form, and study quality was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. A random-effects model with logit transformation pooled prevalence estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I² and Cochran’s Q, and publication bias was assessed via Fail-Safe N, Kendall’s Tau, Egger’s regression, and funnel plots.
Results
Nine studies, involving 28,188 pregnant women from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, were included. The pooled prevalence of Rhesus isoimmunization was 2.93% (95% CI: 1.58%–5.36%), with high heterogeneity (I² = 85.12%, Q = 48.320, p < 0.001). Regional prevalence ranged from 0.31% (DR Congo) to 7.04% (Ethiopia). No significant publication bias was detected (Fail-Safe N = 2,581, Kendall’s Tau p = 0.761, Egger’s p = 0.672).
Conclusions
Rhesus isoimmunization affects ~2.93% of rhesus-negative pregnant women in African hospitals, posing a significant risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Routine Rhesus screening, accessible anti-D prophylaxis, and policy reforms are critical to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity.
Recommendation
Further research should investigate heterogeneity determinants and cost-effective interventions across diverse African settings
Therapeutic outcomes of intralesional dexamethasone and hyaluronidase in OSMF: A clinical pre-post intervention study.
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The increasing fibrosis of the submucosal tissues is the hallmark of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), which is considered a progressive and chronic disorder of the oral mucosa that causes discomfort, tissue stiffness, and limited mouth opening.
Objectives- This study was carried out to assess the impact of intra-lesional corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with OSMF, taking into consideration the previous research as well as the therapeutic benefits of corticosteroids.
Materials and methods
The study was an observational, multicentric study in nature. The study was done for nine months. In all, 105 patients were enrolled. Participants had to be willing to provide their consent, be between the ages of 18 and 50, and have a positive history of habits to be eligible.
Results
Among the 105 participants, the majority were male (67.6%) and aged between 28–37 years (48.6%). Most had only completed primary education (45.7%) and were engaged in unskilled occupations (56.2%), with nearly half residing in rural areas (49.5%). With a p-value of less than 0.001, the mean mouth openness rose from 26.12 ± 3.10 mm to 30.17 ± 4.20 mm. In a similar vein, the mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score dropped significantly after treatment, from 7.01 ± 1.50 to 2.98 ± 1.98 with a p-value < 0.001.
Conclusion
Before and following treatment, the burning sensation VAS scores significantly decreased, indicating a considerable improvement in opening of the mouth, according to the current study's findings.
Recommendation
Regular intralesional administration of dexamethasone and hyaluronidase is recommended as an effective, minimally invasive treatment for improving mouth opening and reducing symptoms in patients with oral submucous fibrosis