Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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A STUDENT SUPPORT GUIDING FRAMEWORK TOWARDS IMPROVING GRADUATION RATES FOR A NURSING COLLEGE IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE STUDY DESIGN.
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Student attrition poses a significant challenge to nursing education institutions, leading to health worker shortages in South Africa and globally. This occurs despite implementing student support interventions that appear not to be well-implemented, not escalated, and need organizational structures that enable it. Hence, the purpose of the study was to develop an intentional student support framework that could assist improve student outcomes.
Methods:
The process was informed by a prior mixed-method research approach that involved the participation of students and staff in the completion of questionnaires and interviews as stakeholders in a selected nursing college, employing a case study design.
Results:
The quantitative results showed poor pre-enrolment support, in particular participants from disadvantaged communities. Both quantitative and qualitative studies revealed good academic support. However, the qualitative studies highlighted organizational conditions, processes, and practices that hindered the provision of comprehensive support.
Conclusions:
Therefore, a well-coordinated, comprehensive, intentional, and policy-aligned student support guiding framework is presented in this article.
Recommendations:
The College should implement this comprehensive student support guiding framework across all its campuses to address the diverse needs of its student body and promote their success and well-being
ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN SELECTED SAGAMU COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, OGUN STATE. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Postpartum depression (PPD) is of significant public health concern due to the alarming prevalence and adverse consequences among women globally. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of mothers towards postpartum depression in selected health care centers in Sagamu community health centers in Ogun State.
Methods
The study utilized a cross-sectional quantitative design. 152 women were selected for the study, a researcher-developed questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the findings of the study.
Results
Findings from the study revealed that most of the respondents 40.8% were between the ages of 21-25 years old. The majority (66.4%) of the respondents were knowledgeable about postpartum depression and only 58.5% of the respondents indicated a positive attitude toward postpartum depression. Stressful life events during the postpartum period, financial difficulties, sleep deprivation, and traumatic birth experiences were identified as factors responsible for PPD having over 80%. Furthermore, findings also revealed that there is a relationship between the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards postpartum depression (r=0.516, p-values=0.000).
Conclusion
In conclusion, mothers in the two selected Sagamu community health centers had a high level of knowledge and only about half had positive attitudes towards the knowledge of PPD.
Recommendation
There should be an increase in awareness of postpartum depression by healthcare providers among mothers, especially during antenatal visits to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behavior to improve maternal and child health. Moreover, partners and family members can support and encourage women dealing with postpartum depression.
THE EFFECTS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL INTERVENTION ON PERCEIVED SOBRIETY IN SELECTED REFERRAL HOSPITALS AND REHABILITATION CENTRES IN KAMPALA AND WAKISO DISTRICTS, UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Alcohol presents a serious challenge worldwide; it is increasingly associated with negative consequences in developing countries including Uganda which bear the heaviest burden of diseases and injuries attributed to alcohol. Alcohol abuse is alarming despite the availability of treatment facilities in Uganda. The study objective was to analyze the effect of recovery interventions on perceived sobriety in Butabika National Referral Hospital and Serenity Rehabilitation Centre in the Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda. The post-positivist paradigm guided the study.
Methods
The research adopted a cross-sectional research design with a mixed-method approach known as simultaneous triangulation design. Using purposive sampling and simple random sampling, Data was collected, and questionnaires and interview guides were used. 338 subjects participated in the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was employed in hypothesis testing. Primary data was collected using self – self-administered questionnaires and Focused group discussions to obtain in-depth results.
Results
Sociocultural intervention and perceived sobriety have r=0.544, with a probability value p=0.000 < a=0.01 suggesting a significant correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected; which implies that sociocultural intervention significantly positively correlates with perceived sobriety at a one percent level of significance. “Culturally, alcohol is taken when twins were born and at the initiation “wall” ceremony, a day for receiving the twins into the family, the birth of a new baby, marriage introduction, paying dowry and wedding ceremonies”.
Conclusion
The more socio-cultural intervention is utilized in treatment facilities, the more sobriety is realized. Therefore, having workable socio-cultural intervention would help to reduce perceived sobriety.
Recommendation
The Ministry of Health through the mental health desk office encourages mental health practitioners to empower therapists in the treatment facilities to give more attention to using sociocultural intervention to address beliefs about excessive use of alcohol
EXAMINING THE LIVER ENZYMES IN NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD) PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Up to the present, the detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is done using biopsy. The exploration of a painless substitute, such as biomarkers, is a rationale for investigation. Earlier research has evaluated that patients with diabetes or overweight do not affect liver enzymes causing chronic liver problems. The goal of this research is to examine the liver enzymes in the case of NAFLD.
Materials and Methods:
This is cross-sectional research in which 80 subjects were included which was carried out at Katihar Medical College in Katihar, Bihar, India. Patients were divided into four categories according to their BMI, category 1 (obese), category 2 (type 1 obesity), category 3 (type 2 obesity), and category 4 (type 3 obesity), excluding the patients who have hepatitis and consume alcohol.
Results:
Most of the patients had type 2 obesity in which 18 males and 13 females were present. 7 male and 12 female patients had type 1 obesity. Male patients were 48 and female patients were 32The disease was prevalent in both genders.
Conclusion:
In the present study, it was concluded that there are variations in liver enzymes and the significance of sex, body weight, and dysfunction in lipid profile to examine the threat of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Recommendation:
Biopsy is the best mode for the detection of NAFLD and other ultrasound such as an MRI scan or CT scan can also be done for the diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction
PREVALENCE, ASSOCIATED FACTORS, DRIVERS AND BARRIERS OF SATISFACTION WITH HIV COUNSELLING AND TESTING SERVICES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN ATTENDING MILDMAY HOSPITAL: A MIXED-METHODS CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Uganda faces high HIV/AIDS rates among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). This study sought to determine the prevalence of satisfaction with HIV counseling and testing services among AGYW. It aimed to identify factors associated with their satisfaction and explored drivers and barriers to their satisfaction with HCT provided at the adolescent and pediatric clinic in Mildmay Hospital.
Methodology:
A mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted, 385 AGYW aged 15-24 were obtained through systematic random sampling. Quantitative data on patient satisfaction was collected through exit interviews using a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Modified position regression was conducted to determine factors associated with satisfaction with HCT using STATA version 15 software. Qualitative data was obtained through ten in-depth interviews. Data analysis for this was done by transcribing, coding, and extracting themes manually.
Results:
The prevalence of satisfaction with HCT services was 86.0%. AGYW who had the following characteristics had a higher prevalence of satisfaction with HCT services; primary as highest level of education (APR= 1.18, 95% CI: 0.70-1.97), age category 23-24 years (APR= 1.19, 95% CI: 0.82-1.70), were single (APR= 0.93, 95% CI: 0.69-1.26) and were students (APR= 1.17, 95% CI: 0.80-1.70). Drivers of satisfaction included a friendly and supportive environment, positive interactions with healthcare professionals, and efficient service delivery. Barriers on the other hand included long waiting times and accessibility challenges.
Conclusion:
High satisfaction with HCT services was found among AGYW. Paying attention to the barriers to satisfaction as mentioned by respondents can significantly enhance satisfaction as well as the quality of HCT services.
Recommendation:
The hospital should work towards reducing waiting times, staff communication skills, and providing transportation assistance to AGYW to ensure that they can access the facility whenever they need to. This will help maintain and enhance satisfaction.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION IN DIABETES PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY CONDUCTED AT A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTION.
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Food habits and sedentary lifestyles have a substantial impact on mental and physiological health. The rise in the number of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus is exponential. Diabetes and depression both spread widely, and the association between diabetes and depression has been reported in previous studies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression among patients with diabetes and to investigate the association between diabetes-related factors, sociodemographic factors, and the occurrence of depression.
Method
This observational study was conducted prospectively at Narayana Medical College, Nellore. 109 patients who visited the outpatient department of the medical college were considered for this study. The sociodemographic profile of the patients was determined by interviewing them. The occurrence of depression was correlated with diabetes-related factors and sociodemographic factors.
Results
The study included both men and women, however over 60% were men. Study participants were mostly 50–60 years old. More than 70% of study participants reported Beck Depression Inventory scores over 16, suggesting depression and development. In the 50–60 age range, 42 of 43 patients experienced depression. Depression was correlated with age (p=0.032), gender (p=0.046), marital status (p=0.038), BMI (p=0.042), fasting blood sugar levels (p=0.029), HbA1c levels (p=0.039), and diabetes duration (p=0.037).
Conclusion
In this study, it was found that over 70% of the diabetics participating in this had depression. Most of the patients participating in this study were males belonging to the age group of 50 to 60 years. Diabetes and depression were found to be associated in the population participating in this study.
Recommendation
More such studies are required with large cohorts and inclusive of various geographical locations are required
TO STUDY IODINE VERSUS TALC PLEURODESIS IN RECURRENT SUSPICIOUS MALIGNANT PLEURAL EFFUSION AND RECURRENT PNEUMOTHORAX: A COHORT STUDY.
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Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) significantly diminishes the quality of life in individuals with advanced lung cancer and other malignancies. Effective management is crucial for symptom relief and improved outcomes. This study compares the safety, efficacy, and success rates of talc versus povidone-iodine pleurodesis in patients with recurrent MPE and spontaneous pneumothorax.
Methods
The study involved 66 MPE patients who underwent medical thoracoscopy followed by either talc (Group A) or povidone-iodine (Group B) pleurodesis. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, radiological findings, pleural fluid analysis, thoracoscopic findings, complications, and pleurodesis outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis compared the efficacy and safety of both methods.
Results
The study comprised 66 participants, with an average age of 57.86 ± 9.92 years. Pleurodesis was successful in 90.90% of the talc group (n=30) and 100% of the povidone-iodine group (n=33). Complications associated with talc included ARDS (4.5%, n=1) and empyema (4.5%, n=1), whereas povidone-iodine was associated with higher incidences of pain (63.63%, n=14) but no cases of ARDS or empyema. The mean duration of intercostal tube drainage was 4.8 ± 2.1 days for talc and 4.2 ± 1.8 days for povidone-iodine. The mean hospital stay was 8.4 ± 1.8 days for talc and 9.2 ± 2.2 days for povidone-iodine. Povidone-iodine pleurodesis had a slightly higher success rate and fewer severe complications compared to talc pleurodesis.
Conclusion
Both talc and povidone-iodine pleurodesis are effective for managing MPE, with povidone-iodine showing a higher success rate and fewer severe complications. These findings suggest that povidone-iodine may be a safer alternative to talc for pleurodesis in MPE patients.
Recommendations
Further research is recommended to optimize pleurodesis techniques and agents, considering patient-specific factors to improve outcomes and minimize complications. Clinicians should weigh the benefits and risks of each pleurodesis agent to make informed treatment decisions
MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF ANTERIOR HORN OF THE LATERAL VENTRICLE OF THE BRAIN AND ITS CORRELATION WITH AGE, GENDER, AND SIDE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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The anterior horn of the ventricles undergoes peculiar changes as the brain ages. Enlargement of the ventricle horn has been associated with advanced aging. This study is conducted to analyze morphometric changes in the anterior horn of the lateral ventricles of both hemispheres.
Method
This was a cross-sectional study in which 250 computed tomography images of the brain were analyzed thoroughly. The anterior horn of the lateral ventricle was measured using a discomforts software. The age range of the participants was 20–80 years.
Results
The study revealed a significant increase in the size of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle with advancing age, particularly prominent in the 61–80-year-old age group. The anterior horn was found to be larger in men compared to women, with the left side of the cerebral hemisphere showing greater enlargement than the right side. Specifically, the average length of the anterior horn on the right side was 28.72 ± 2.21 mm in men and 27.49 ± 2.31 mm in women. On the left side, the lengths were 29.92 ± 2.21 mm in men and 28.72 ± 2.41 mm in women. The differences between genders and sides were statistically significant.
Conclusion
The anterior horn of the lateral ventricle is prone to enlargement if it is from the left side, in the male gender, and as age increases, the enlargement of the ventricle horn becomes prominent.
Recommendation
while diagnosed with neurological diseases, enlargement of the lateral ventricles should be analyzed as per the age and gender of the patients
AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF BACTERIOLOGICAL AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CENTRE.
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Considering the compromised immunity and increased virulence of the pathogenic microorganisms in diabetics, they are more susceptible to infections. Especially, urinary tract infections affect the renal functioning of diabetics.
Methods
This was an observational comparative study conducted for 26 months. The people with positive urinary cultures with diabetes and without diabetes were recruited for the study. The haematological analysis was done along with fasting sugar, postprandial sugar, and glycosylated haemoglobin. The demography of the participants was recorded. Patients who had positive urine cultures underwent X-rays and ultrasounds to confirm the presence of infection. The susceptibilities of the microorganisms were studied. The data obtained was compared statistically.
Results
Out of the 181 patients, 117 were found to have E. coli. The predisposing factor for males was benign prostrate hypertrophy; for females, it was an indwelling catheter. Patients with HbA1c levels less than 6.5% become more vulnerable to urinary tract infections. E. coli was found to be susceptible to ampicillin, norfloxacin, cotrimoxazole, and cephalosporin. Fever was the most common symptom among diabetics with a UTI.
Conclusion
The host factors found to be associated with UTI are female sex, the presence of diabetes, poor glycaemic control, and the presence of fever. An elevated HbA1C correlates with the occurrence of UTI. The most common uropathogenic was E. coli.
Recommendation
Diabetics should be routinely and thoroughly monitored for the presence of urinary tract infections. Especially if HbA1c is less than 6.5%
MORPHOMETRIC INVESTIGATION OF INFRAORBITAL FORAMEN IN HUMAN DRY SKULLS AND IT’S CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS, PATNA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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The infraorbital foramen (IOF) is a key anatomical landmark on the maxillary bone, crucial for the exit of the infraorbital nerve and vessels. Precise knowledge of its morphology is vital for maxillofacial surgeries, anesthesia, and dental procedures to prevent complications such as nerve damage. This study provides detailed morphometric data on the infraorbital foramen in human dry skulls of the Indian population.
Methods
A cross-sectional investigation was carried out on sixty dry human skulls. The measurements included the oblique distance, the transverse diameter, and the sagittal distance. The shape, orientation, and existence of accessory infraorbital foramina on both sides of the skulls was noted. An analysis of the data was done using SPSS Version-23.
Results
The mean sagittal distance was 6.8 mm, transverse diameter was 14.3 mm, oblique distance was 22.5 mm, vertical diameter was 3.5 mm, and transverse diameter of the IOF was 4.2 mm. No significant variations were found between the right and left sides. The IOF was predominantly oval-shaped (75%) with a downward and medial orientation (83.3%). Accessory infraorbital foramina were present in 20% of the skulls, varying from 1 to 3 per skull.
Conclusion
The study provides comprehensive morphometric data on the IOF in the Indian population, indicating no significant bilateral differences. The predominance of oval-shaped foramina and the presence of accessory foramina have important clinical implications for surgical precision and patient safety.
Recommendations
Future studies should utilize advanced imaging techniques to validate these findings in living subjects. Surgeons should consider these anatomical variations to minimize complications during maxillofacial and dental procedures