Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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AWARENESS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF UNCLEAN COOKING FUELS AMONG RESIDENTS OF MBALALA TOWN, MUKONO DISTRICT, UGANDA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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In most low- and middle-income countries, many households still rely on unclean cooking fuels (such as firewood and charcoal) despite the associated indoor air pollution exposure. We assessed people’s awareness of indoor air pollution and factors related to the use of unclean cooking fuels among residents of Mbalala town, Mukono district.
Methods
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which we collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of indoor air pollution (effects, causes, risks, control measures), and cooking practices (including the use of clean/unclean cooking fuels) from 385 respondents. We computed the proportions of respondents who were aware of indoor air pollution, and who used unclean fuels, and determined the factors associated with using a modified Poisson regression model. Qualitative data were collected from 10 key informants (community leaders and village health teams) and analyzed manually following a thematic framework approach.
Results
The mean age was 32.5 years (SD: ±11.5). Three-quarters of the respondents (75.3%, n=290) were aware of indoor air pollution. Awareness of indoor air pollution was associated with being 46 years or older, being male, having a tertiary/University education, and earning between US209 monthly. Ninety-four percent (n=350) used unclean cooking fuels. Use of unclean cooking fuels was significantly lower among men than women, and among respondents with primary/secondary education than those without education. Qualitative findings showed that participants used unclean cooking fuels because they were cheaper and accessible. Restrictions on the use of electric appliances by landlords and lack of electricity limited the use of gas cookers or other electric appliances.
Conclusion
Despite the high awareness of indoor air pollution, nearly all respondents reported using unclean cooking fuels.
Recommendation
Community sensitization on the health risks associated with the continued use of unclean cooking fuels is urgently needed.
MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY PROFILE IN ELBW AND VLBW NEONATES IN A TERTIARY CARE SETUP: A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.
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Below 5 years of age globally half of the children are dying in the first month of life. The neonatal period accounts for 2.4 million/annum deaths globally. Low birth weight (< 2500 grams) is often associated with mortality and morbidity. The study analyzed the morbidity and mortality profiles of ELBW and VLBW neonates.
Method
The study was conducted as a retrospective observational study in the Department of Neonatology. Preterm babies with low birth weight were considered for this study. Maternal characteristics and neonatal characteristics were recorded. They were followed up for 28 days from the day of birth. All the complications developed, treatment, and outcomes were recorded during this period.
Results
In this study, 96 neonates with less than 1500 grams of birth weight were studied retrospectively over the last 2 years of data. The mortality rate of ELBW babies was 47.6%, that of VLBW babies excluding ELBW was 8%, and 2 babies were gone for LAMA. The death rate in babies with gestational age in weeks≤24, 25-26, 27-28, 29-32, 33-35, and >35 was 80%, 80%, 16.6%, 1.3%, 14.3%, and 75%, respectively. The most common cause of death in VLBW neonates is sepsis, with pulmonary hemorrhage being 25% each, followed by respiratory distress syndrome, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and perinatal asphyxia being 18.75%, 18.75%, and 12.5%.
Conclusion
ELBW newborns have a higher probability of mortality and morbidity when associated with other complications such as pulmonary hemorrhage, RDS, and sepsis compared to LBW newborns.
Recommendation
The long-term follow-up done at the NICHD wherein the network is developed so that the tracking of the ELBW infants is assured decreases the mortality significantly. Such tracking networks and follow-up of the ELBW patients are required
A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON DEFINING AGING: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY REVIEW OF BIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIOLOGICAL, AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES WITH A FOCUS ON SUCCESSFUL AGING.
Get PDFAging is a complex, multifaceted process affecting every living organism, characterized by progressive physiological changes, functional decline, and increased susceptibility to diseases and death. As the global population continues to age, understanding and defining aging becomes increasingly important for healthcare, policy-making, and social support systems. The review aims to explore and synthesize various definitions of aging, including biological, psychological, sociological, and clinical perspectives, and to examine the concept of successful aging. The review identifies distinct definitions of aging across different disciplines, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the idea. Biological aging involves cellular senescence, genetic theories, and damage accumulation. Psychological aging encompasses cognitive changes and emotional regulation, while sociological aging focuses on social roles and cultural attitudes. Clinical aging addresses the decline in physical and mental health and the emergence of geriatric syndromes. The maintenance of physical health, mental well-being, social engagement, and productive activities defines successful aging. Factors influencing successful aging include genetics, lifestyle choices, social support, and access to healthcare. Understanding the various definitions of aging is crucial for advancing research, developing effective interventions, and shaping policies that support healthy aging. Future research should explore the interplay between genetic, environmental, and social determinants of aging, and promote societal attitudes that value and support older adults. Insights from this review can inform the design of clinical programs and policies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Emphasizing preventive measures, health promotion, and social support can help mitigate the negative impacts of aging and promote successful aging across populations
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC AND INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLES WITH TEACHERS JOB SATISFACTION IN SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KAGADI DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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The historical perspective of head teacher's leadership style and teacher job satisfaction in selected public secondary schools can be traced back to the early development of formal education systems. The study aims to assess the relationship between democratic and instructional leadership styles with teachers' job satisfaction.
Methodology:
A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional survey design was undertaken with a mixed approach with both quantitative and qualitative data in 8 secondary schools within Kagadi district. The target population comprised 146 participants which included 08 head teachers and 138 secondary school teachers. Means and standard deviations were also used to analyze data collected on the dependent variable and the dependent variable using the Likert 5-point scale of the responses.
Results:
The majority of the respondents were male 76%while females were 24%. respondents with 11 and above years of experience constituted the largest group at 39%, followed by those with 6-10 years of experience at 34%, and finally, respondents with 0-5 years of experience at 27%. There was a weak positive correlation between democratic leadership style and teacher job satisfaction (Pearson correlation = 0.311, p = 0.053). Although the correlation is not statistically significant at conventional levels (p < 0.05), there is still a trend indicating a positive relationship. There was a strong positive correlation between instructional leadership style and teacher job satisfaction (Pearson correlation = 0.671, p = 0.021).
Conclusion:
The strong positive correlation between instructional leadership style and teacher job satisfaction compared to Democratic leadership indicates that instructional leadership practices play a crucial role in shaping teachers' satisfaction levels.
Recommendations:
Management should promote a culture of transparency, fairness, and accountability in leadership practices, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff members
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EXPRESSION OF CD44 IN COLORECTAL CARCINOMA IN RELATION TO HISTOMORPHOLOGIC PARAMETERS AND CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL FACTORS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Cancer stem cells (CSC) have proven to play a vital role in cell invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), which subsequently led to poor outcomes. Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is usually expressed in stem cells in CRCs and can be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Aims
The present study aimed to evaluate the role of immunohistochemical expression of CD44 in CRC cases of this region and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes.
Methods
A cross-sectional study included 52 patients with primary CRC who were analyzed for CD44 expression by IHC on paraffin-embedded blocks. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed by using SPSS Version 23.0.
Results
The study had a male predominance (70%) with most participants aged above 45 years (82%). Tumors were predominantly left-sided (69%) and larger than 5 cm (73%). CD44 membranous positivity was found in 78.8% of tumor cells and 59.6% of stromal cells. Signet ring cells showed weak CD44 positivity. CD44 expression correlated with higher tumor stages (T3, T4) and larger tumor sizes (>5 cm), but not with nodal stage, perineural, or lymphovascular invasion. Stromal CD44 positivity was found in 59.6% of cases and showed no significant correlation with tumor stage, size, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, or nodal stage (e.g., T stage: T3 - 14 positive, 16 negative; N stage: N0 - 18 positive, 14 negative; tumor size >5 cm - 21 positive, 17 negative).
Conclusions
CRC prognosis is independently correlated with CD44 expression, a stem cell marker. They are linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor budding, with increased expression in high-burden instances.
Recommendation
Further research should be conducted on the role of CD44 expression in colorectal cancer, particularly focusing on post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy cases, to better understand its prognostic implications and potential as a therapeutic target
COMPARISON BETWEEN COAGULATION PROFILE IN NEWBORNS OF NORMAL PREGNANCY, PREECLAMPSIA AND ECLAMPSIA PATIENTS. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Preeclampsia involves endothelial dysfunction, poor placentation, vasospasm, and hematological changes. These lead to a hypercoagulable state, exacerbated in preeclampsia-eclampsia. Neonates born to hypertensive mother face risks including growth retardation, thrombocytopenia, and other complications, potentially resulting in severe neonatal issues like DIC and serious hemorrhage.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess and compare the coagulation parameters between newborns born to women who had pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and those born to normotensive mothers who were healthy and did not have any medical conditions.
Material and method
Present study was a cross-sectional study undertaken from June 2023 to May, 2024. 100 neonates were included in both the study and control group were on Day 1 of birth. Neonates born to mothers with eclampsia, pre-eclamptic toxemia, and gestational hypertension were further classified into the test category.
Results
A noteworthy association was noted between reductions in fetal age and modifications in every coagulation parameter. As PIH severity increased, there was a significant lengthening in partial thromboplastin time with kaolin (PTTK) and thrombin time (TT) values, as well as an increased risk of prematurity and hyperbilirubinemia. Preterm infants had a greater incidence of dissemination of intravascular coagulation (DIC) than mature neonates.
Conclusion
Pregnancy-related hypertension directly affects the unborn child of the affected woman, changing the coagulation parameters and increasing the neonate’s risk of bleeding from a decreased platelet count and a compromised coagulation profile. It has been discovered that preterm babies are more affected than term babies. Because of all these findings, this neonate group needs excellent prenatal care, resuscitation facilities, and regular monitoring of their clotting status
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON PATTERN AND MORTALITY OF CHEST INJURIES AMONG VICTIMS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AT MORTUARY SNMMC, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND.
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Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have a major impact on low- and middle-income countries and are one of the world's top causes of morbidity and mortality. Chest injuries from RTAs contribute substantially to trauma-related deaths and disabilities due to their severity and complexity. This study aimed to analyze the patterns and mortality of chest injuries among victims of road traffic accidents, over a six-month period.
Methods
A cross-sectional study including 100 RTA victims with substantial chest injuries was carried out. SPSS version 21.0 was used to gather and examine information on the kind and frequency of chest injuries, related injuries, duration of hospital stay, treatment taken, and patient outcomes. Among RTA victims receiving hospital treatment, major chest injuries were the criterion for inclusion; minor injuries and those who had passed away at the scene were not included.
Results
Rib fractures were the most common chest injury (45%), followed by pulmonary contusions (30%), pneumothorax (15%), hemothorax (10%), flail chest (8%), and cardiac contusions (7%). Associated injuries included extremity fractures (40%), head injuries (25%), abdominal injuries (20%), spinal injuries (15%), and facial injuries (18%). Sixty percent of patients required operative treatment, with an average hospital stay of 15 days. The mortality rate was 45%. Significant correlations were found between the type of chest injuries and age, gender, and associated injuries.
Conclusion
Chest injuries from RTAs are a critical public health concern, with high mortality rates and significant associated injuries. The findings highlight the need for improved trauma care and targeted preventive measures to reduce the incidence and severity of chest injuries.
Recommendations
Enhancing pre-hospital care, establishing more trauma centers, and improving training for trauma care personnel are essential steps to reduce mortality and improve outcomes for RTA victims with chest injuries
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF PATHOLOGICAL SCORING OF PHOSPHATASE AND TENSIN HOMOLOG (PTEN) IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY IN ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA, ODISHA: DIAGNOSTIC, PROGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY
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Endometrial carcinoma (EC), the most common gynecologic cancer, is rising, especially in postmenopausal women. Identification of reliable prognostic indicators is essential for early diagnosis and patient management. EC is often linked to the tumor suppressor gene PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog), suggesting it could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. This study evaluated the expression of PTEN in endometrial tissues diagnosed with hyperplasia and carcinoma, and to correlate PTEN expression with the type and grade of EC.
Methods
Endometrial tissue samples from 66 patients were analyzed, including 30 cases of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC), 12 cases of proliferative endometrium (PE), 12 cases of endometrial hyperplasia (EH), and 12 cases of non-endometrioid uterine malignancies (NEUM). PTEN expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue sections, and statistical analysis was accomplished using SPSS version 20.
Results
The participants' ages ranged from 42 to 68 years, with a mean age of 55.4 years. PTEN expression was substantially lower in EEC in contrast to PE and EH (p = 0.0001). The mean PTEN scores were 235.83 ± 26.79 for PE, 94.17 ± 61.27 for EH, 31.67 ± 58.37 for EEC, and 61.67 ± 79.64 for NEUM. A significant correlation was found between reduced PTEN expression and higher tumor grade, increased myometrial invasion, and advanced tumor stage (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
PTEN expression is substantially reduced in EC, particularly in higher-grade tumors and those with extensive myometrial invasion. This study underscores the potential of PTEN as a prognostic marker in EC, which could be instrumental in guiding treatment strategies.
Recommendations
Further studies with higher sample numbers are recommended to validate PTEN as a routine diagnostic and prognostic marker in clinical practice. Additionally, exploring the role of PTEN in targeted therapies could provide new avenues for the treatment of EC
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN LAPAROSCOPIC VERSUS APPENDECTOMY IN OBESE PATIENTS: A COHORT STUDY.
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The two main surgical therapies for appendicitis are laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA). Appendicitis is a major surgical emergency. The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy versus open appendectomy in obese patients.
Methods
Ninety patients with appendicitis with a BMI of 30 or more were randomised into two groups: the OA group, which included 45 individuals, and the LA group, which included 45 patients. SPSS Statistics Version 23.0 was used to gather and analyse data on demographics, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, surgical time, pain levels, and recovery durations.
Results
The socio-demographic characteristics of the patients were similar across both groups, with an average age of 35.6 ± 10.2 years in the LA group and 36.1 ± 11.3 years in the OA group. In comparison to the OA group, the LA group experienced considerably shorter hospital stays (2.1 ± 0.7 days) and operative times (45.3 ± 10.1 minutes vs. 60.4 ± 12.3 minutes, p < 0.001). The LA group experienced less postoperative complications (11.1% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.04). The LA group also had reduced pain levels 24 hours after surgery (3.5 ± 1.4 vs. 5.6 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). Readmission rates and delayed complications were among the long-term outcomes that did not significantly differ across the groups.
Conclusion
When compared to OA, LA is linked to shorter operating and recovery periods, less pain during surgery, and fewer problems in obese patients. These results validate LA as the recommended surgical treatment for obesity-related appendicitis.
Recommendations
Due to its benefits in terms of efficiency and safety, LA ought to be the norm for treating appendicitis in obese patients. It is advised to perform more studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times in order to validate these results and evaluate long-term effects
ASSESSMENT OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, BIHAR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy condition involving intolerance of glucose, leading to significant maternal and fetal health risks. The purpose of the study is to assess glycemic management and pregnancy outcomes in GDM-diagnosed pregnant women.
Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted involving 80 pregnant women, with 40 diagnosed with GDM and 40 serving as controls. Participants underwent glucose challenge tests (GCT) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) for screening. Women diagnosed with GDM were prescribed a diabetic diet based on BMI and, if necessary, insulin therapy. Data on mother and fetus outcomes were gathered and analyzed using SPSS software. A p-value < 0.05 was deemed statistically relevant.
Results
The average age was 29.5 years (± 4.3). The GDM group showed notably higher fasting (99.2 ± 11.3 mg/dl) and postprandial glucose levels (136.8 ± 14.7 mg/dl) compared to the control group (84.7 ± 8.9 mg/dl and 112.3 ± 10.2 mg/dl, respectively; p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the GDM group required insulin therapy. Cesarean section rates were greater in the GDM group (45% vs. 25%, p = 0.05). Adverse fetal outcomes, including macrosomia (20% vs. 5%, p = 0.04), neonatal hypoglycemia (15% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.04), and respiratory distress (10% vs. 0%, p = 0.05), were more frequent in the GDM group.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significant impact of GDM on mother and newborn health, with higher rates of Cesarean sections and adverse fetal outcomes in the GDM group. Effective glycemic control through dietary management and insulin therapy is crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes.
Recommendations
There is a need for stringent glucose monitoring and personalized treatment plans for pregnant women with GDM. Further research should focus on optimizing management strategies and exploring new interventions to reduce the risks associated with GDM