Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNDERNUTRITION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS RECEIVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN WAU TEACHING HOSPITAL, SOUTH SUDAN. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Undernutrition in the form of wasting, underweight, and stunting. Micronutrient deficiency is a major concern in people on antiretroviral treatment. Therefore, the study aimed to assess factors associated with undernutrition among people living with HIV and AIDs receiving antiretroviral therapy in Wau Teaching Hospital, South Sudan.
Methodology
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a quantitative research approach. Using purposive sampling, we recruited key informants to introduce the study to the target population. By simple random sampling, the study assessed 338 respondents. Data on socio-demographics were collected using structured questionnaires while anthropometric data was collected using anthropometric tools and data analysis was done using the SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics such as the frequencies, means, and standard deviations were expressed. The degree of relationship among variables was statistically evaluated using chi-square analyses. Statistical significance was reported at the p > 0.05 level.
Results
The majority of the respondents were female (58.6%) and (64.5%) were married. Undernutrition was more prevalent in females (25.3%) than in males (22.1%). In addition, undernutrition was significantly associated with age (P=0.009), marital status (P<0.001), highest level of education (P=0.008), treatment regimen (P=0.002), opportunistic infections (P=0.014), and clinical staging of disease (P=0.022).
Conclusion
Undernutrition is a major challenge among people attending the anti-retroviral treatment at Wau Teaching Hospital. Major changes in extension service provision, by including adults in affected western barh-ghazal Wau would help alleviate the problem at hand.
Recommendation
Health care providers including nutritionists and dietitians should create awareness on the role of nutrition in HIV/AIDS and in anti-retroviral treatment for example through routine dietetic nutrition education and nutritional counseling sessions at the ART clinic to empower PLWHIV to make appropriate food choices
KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVELS OF PREGNANT WOMEN AGED 15-49 YEARS REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY ANTENATAL CARE AND ITS IMPACT ON MATERNAL AND FOETAL HEALTH AT NSANGI HEALTH CENTRE III. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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The knowledge and awareness levels of pregnant women regarding the importance of timely antenatal care enrolment can have a significant impact on their maternal and foetal health. The study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness levels of pregnant women aged 15-49 years regarding the importance of timely antenatal care and its impact on maternal and fetal health at Nsangi Health Center III.
Methodology
The study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing quantitative data collection methods. The study targeted patients in the ANC department. A sample size of 80 respondents was determined using Cochran's formula. The study utilized a simple random sampling technique to select respondents. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2021 and SPSS version 23.
Results
85.0% of the respondents were aware of the term "Antenatal Care," 56.3% were aware that it should begin in the first trimester, 40.0% understood that it should be monthly, 22.5% every two months, 25.0% trimester-wise, and 12.5% based on personal preference. 51.3% recognized it as a means to monitor the health and growth of the baby, 32.5% acknowledged its role in detecting and managing pregnancy-related complications and 1.3%. Among the 80 respondents, 21 (26.3%) recognized the potential harm to both mother and baby due to undiagnosed maternal health conditions. Additionally, 33 (41.3%) understood.
Conclusion
There was a high level of awareness about antenatal care and its importance among the study population with respondents well-informed about the ideal timing for starting antenatal care, with an emphasis on early care in the first trimester.
Recommendation
Pregnant women should actively seek antenatal care as early as possible, ideally in the first trimester
HEALTH SYSTEM FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OCCURRENCE OF PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AMONG ADULTS ATTENDING THE OPD IN MUKONO GENERAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Uganda. The study aims to assess the health system factors associated with the occurrence of PUD among adults attending the OPD in Mukono General Hospital.
Methodology
This study used a cross-sectional design to identify the socio-demographic and individual behavioral factors associated with its occurrence among adults attending OPD in Mukono general. The study was conducted at Mukono General Hospital, which is located in Mukono district in the central region of Uganda on the Kampala –Jinjaroad. The collected data was analyzed using statistical software such as Microsoft Excel.
Results
The majority of 52(52%) participants reported having faced some challenges in accessing medication at the hospital whereas the remaining. 30(30%) of the respondents were able to rate the accessibility of healthcare services at Mukono General Hospital as Good, 54(54%) participants responded that they heard the majority of the respondents 35 (35%) claimed poor accessibility to the hospital, majority 40 (40%) of the respondents were dissatisfied,
Conclusion
The health system factors such as poor quality of health care, and accessibility of health care all had a positive correlation with the occurrence of PUD and these were spearheaded by alcohol consumption and the rate of accessibility of health care services
respectively.
Recommendations
The Ministry of Health should Allocate funds for research into the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for PUD to improve understanding and treatment
INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH FACILITATING THE ERUPTION OF IMPACTED TEETH: A CASE SERIES
Get PDFThis case series explores an interdisciplinary approach to managing impacted teeth, emphasizing the complexities involved and the successful outcomes achieved. Impacted teeth, defined as those failing to erupt within the physiological timeframe, present challenges due to various factors such as arch length deficiencies, retained deciduous teeth, or odontome-like conditions. Third molars are commonly impacted, but this series delves into instances where other teeth are affected. Clinical examinations and diagnostic tools aid in treatment planning by providing insights into the impacted tooth's position and surrounding structures. Dental morphology and eruption timing knowledge are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. The case series highlights three distinct cases, detailing the treatment strategies employed to facilitate the eruption of impacted teeth using an interdisciplinary approach
A CASE REPORT ON HYPOKALEMIC PARALYSIS AS A RARE PRESENTATION OF KIDNEY INVOLVEMENT IN PRIMARY SJOGREN'S SYNDROME.
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Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects exocrine glands, commonly causing dry eyes and a dry mouth (sicca component). It can also involve non-exocrine organs, including the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, central and peripheral nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and kidneys.
Case presentation:
A 21-year-old female presented with sudden quadriparalysis and normal vital signs, ruling out common causes. Clinical examination revealed muscle weakness and absent reflexes. Laboratory findings included low serum potassium, ECG changes indicative of hypokalemia, and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. A urine spot test confirmed inappropriate renal potassium loss, diagnosing type 1 distal renal tubular acidosis. Positive autoimmune markers led to the diagnosis of primary Sjogren's syndrome. Treatment with sodium bicarbonate, prednisolone, and oral potassium supplementation resulted in improved muscle power.
Conclusion:
Kidney involvement in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) can present uncommonly as hypokalemic paralysis, sometimes occurring before the onset of sicca symptoms. Physicians should consider pSS in patients presenting with hypokalemic paralysis and renal tubular acidosis (RTA), even in the absence of sicca symptoms. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential to manage potentially life-threatening hypokalemia and improve renal outcomes
KNOWLEDGE, ATITTUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF DIARRHEA DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS AT PEADIATRIC WARD RAKAI GENERAL HOSPITAL RAKAI DISTRICT. A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.
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The broad objective was to examine the knowledge attitude and practices of caretakers towards the prevention and control of diarrhea among children under five years at the pediatric ward of Rakai Hospital in Rakai district.
Methodology
The cross-sectional study was carried out on all caretakers of children less than five years at Rakai General Hospital. The Questionnaire was used to collect data and was analyzed using a tally; the sample size of 62 respondents also was analyzed using tables and pie charts.
Results
The study revealed that majority 48.3% of the respondents had good knowledge on contaminated food/water as the cause of diarrhea in children under five years, 87.1% had good knowledge on general weakness, failure to feed, irritability, vomiting everything as the consideration to their children for treatment, 18% of the respondents had poor knowledge on treatment of diarrhea at home, 20% respondents had poor knowledge on what is needed to make ORS, 18% respondents had poor knowledge on how to prevent diarrhea in their children, 61.8% respondents poor attitude on exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion
The study concluded that mothers had good knowledge of the causes of diarrhea among children under five years and identified the danger signs. 18.0% had poor knowledge of how to treat diarrhea at home, the requirements to make ORS and how to prevent diarrhea in their children.
Recommendation
Consequently, the study suggests that caregivers should get ongoing health education on how to treat diarrhea at home, what's needed to create ORS, how to stop diarrhea in children, and how to breastfeed children who have diarrhea.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS CHILD IMMUNIZATION AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING TO KISIITA HEALTH CENTER III, IN KAKUMIRO DISTRICT
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The burden of un-immunized children in Uganda is 48% of children under the age of five years who are not immunized at all or partially immunized meaning some of them start immunization but do not complete the immunization schedule.
Methodology
The study was based on a purposive sampling method in which 117 mothers were enrolled in the study; the study employed a structured questionnaire which was administered by the researcher and the research assistants to collect data.
Results
Majority of the mothers; we're in the 21- 30 age group 60(51.3%), 84(71.8%) were married, 50(42.7%) were banyankore by tribe, majority 63(53.8%) were farmers, 40(34.1%) were Catholics, those who attained secondary education level were 63(53.8%). Of those who had heard about child immunization 73%, majority 44(37.6%) heard about it from radio, majority 60(51.3%) mentioned fever as the side effect they know following immunization, 57(48.7%) mentioned 3 and more child immunizable diseases, and majority mentioned others about the importance of child immunization, 34(29.1%) mentioned that immunization promotes child health, 20(17.1%) it protects from serious diseases, 19(16.2%) reduces risk of child death rates. The majority, 71% of the respondents said yes in support of child immunization services being carried out, 68% agreed that they would encourage others to bring their children for immunization, and 70% said yes the support of immunization programs to continue. The majority 71% had ever taken their children for immunization.
Conclusions
Majority of the mothers knew child immunization, its importance towards their children’s health, and the VPDs. Recommendations
Government should come up with programs creating awareness concerning the importance of child immunization as well as providing health education to parents about the Vaccine Preventable Diseases.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN AGED BELOW 5 YEARS AT KINONI HEALTH CENTRE IV, RWAMPARA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY .
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Malnutrition refers to deficiencies excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and low nutrients.
Study objective
The specific objectives were to assess the knowledge of caretakers on malnutrition among children, to examine the social demographic factors, and to determine the economic factors associated with malnutrition among children below 5 years at Kinoni Health Center IV, Rwampara district.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study of 62 respondents was used for the study. The questionnaires were used to collect data and were analyzed using a tally, the data collected was also analyzed using tables and pie charts.
Results
The majority of respondents were females, residing in rural areas by 72%. Most of them believed that malnutrition was common between the ages of 4 and 5 years. Moreover, they knew that deworming prevents malnutrition. 34.5% had poor knowledge of when to breastfeed the child and 19.4% on the importance of colostrum to the newborn. Only a few 10% stated that they started their supplementary feeds for children before 6 months, while most claimed that nutrients in breast milk alone are no longer adequate for proper child growth. 48.4% replied that poverty leads to inadequate dietary intake, infections, poor hygienic habits, and low education. Many believe that unnecessary high food prices as the highest risk of malnutrition
Conclusions.
Many of the respondents’ children had good knowledge about malnutrition. The majority were agriculturalists living in rural areas. Most were from poor families where men made decisions on family income expenditure.
Recommendations
Therefore, the study recommends that health workers continuously health educate the caretakers on how to prevent malnutrition, the requirements to make therapeutic food, how to treat malnutrition in children, and how to feed children under five when they get malnutrition
ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF ROOF HARVESTED RAINWATER: A CASE STUDY OF KYENGERA TOWN COUNCIL, AKISO DISTRICT.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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To assess the knowledge about the quality of roof-harvested rainwater for domestic use and determine the prevalence of coliforms and E. coli in roof-harvested rainwater in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso district.
Methods
Across cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kyengera town council on the homesteads that performed roof rainwater harvesting between December 2022 and January 2023 on a sample of 196 homesteads.. Quantitative data was analyzed by using SPSS version 26.0 and presented in a tabular form using frequencies and percentages for easy interpretation. Bar graphs, box and whisker plots, and pi-charts were used to represent the data.
Results
The participants were mainly male (52.9%), aged 46-60 years (55.1%), with education level above secondary (55.1%) and non-formal employment. The majority of them (55.1%) had harvested rainwater for over 10 years.
Most of the samples were collected from inhabitants of Kitemu and Kyengera with 17.3% each. The results have shown that 94 (48.0%) of the samples were suspected to contain total coliforms with colon-forming units ranging from 2 to 250x105/ml. The prevalence of E. coli was 7.14%. Finally, 96.9% of the participants were aware of the influence of RHRW quality on its use as well as the potential contaminants of RHRW but needed to be reminded about tank cleaning.
Conclusion
The contamination of the roof-harvested rainwater collected within Kyengera town council with E. coli and other coliforms was high and is exacerbated by poor water tank hygiene.
Recommendation
Treatment of roof-harvested rainwater should be done before consumption of the water due to the associated contamination with coliforms and E. coli. This will reduce the prevalence of total coliforms and E. coli in roof-harvested rainwater which would cause waterborne diarrheas.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ABOUT BIOMEDICAL WASTE SEGREGATION AND MANAGEMENT AMONG HEALTH WORKERS AT KAJJANSI HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT UGANDA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.
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This study aims to assess health workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards biomedical waste segregation at Kajjansi Health Centre IV.
Methodology
This research study was carried out at Kajjansi Health Centre IV. The hospital is located in Kajjansi Town, Busiiro South, Wakiso district Uganda. The hospital segregates waste in color-coded waste bins. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was then analyzed manually through tallying and then entered into a computer.
The data gathered was then analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and results were presented using appropriate tables and graphs.
Results
The majority of the health workers at Kajjansi Health Centre IV were interns being a population of 29 (47%), doctors being 2 (03%), and lab technicians having the least numbers at 4 technicians from the study. It was also found that most of the health workers collected general and biomedical wastes differently that is 42 of the respondents practiced it and 8 did not carry out the practice. 40 of the respondents picked up waste with rubber gloves when on the ground, while 20 only wore gloves at times and 2 never used gloves at all.
When it came to cleaning spills of liquid of biomedical wastes with proper procedure, 40 respondents sometimes practiced the procedure and 20 carried out the proper procedure while 2 did not carry out the procedure.
Conclusion
Education level, health workers in their specialty played and correlated with the knowledge about health waste disposal and segregation, here medical doctors appeared to have the highest knowledge.
Recommendations
Health management committees should impose tough measures where all health workers attend training and workshops on biomedical waste management and segregation.