1358 research outputs found
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Theophylline usage in patients with acute asthma presenting to a Central Hospital
No full textA survey was conducted to investigate the medication taken by asthmatics presenting to a casualty department, particularly with reference to theophylline. Serum levels of theophylline were measured to give an indication of the effectiveness of the therapy. Most patients were found to be taking some form of theophylline regularly, and serum levels measured were in the therapeutic range. Under-dosing with theophylline does not appear to be a factor in the failure to prevent asthmatic attacks in these patients
Acceptability of neonatal circumcision among mothers: A case study of Hatcliff and Rutsanana clinic
No full textThe acceptability of neonatal circumcision among mothers at Rutsanana and Hatcliffe clinics in Harare.
Background Male Circumcision is regarded as part of an integrated response to HIV prevention. Zimbabwe has not started implementing neonatal male circumcision. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that may facilitate or hinder the acceptance of neonatal circumcision.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 258 pregnant and mothers of newly born babies at Harare City Health department clinics, Rutsanana and Hatcliffe clinics. Data was collected using face to face interviews and group discussions. Data was analyzed using Stat version 12. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis and the chi square test were used to determine the independent association between each variable.
Results: There was a significant association between acceptance of neonatal circumcision and knowledge levels. Those with adequate knowledge levels were more likely to accept neonatal male circumcision (OR=2.04, 95% CI; 1.10-3.80), and this was statistical significant, p=0.025. Women with circumcised partners were more likely to have circumcised sons, OR=5.27, 95% CI (2.02 – 13.71) and this was statistically significant, p=0.001
Conclusions All participants thought that the male circumcision for infants and young boys was the best above the age of one with 25% agreeing that they favored the policy of within the first 8 weeks after delivery. The respondents were aware of the benefits of neonatal male circumcision as an HIV prevention strategy though they deferred the decision to circumcise their new born to a later stage
Relationship between knowledge on infant nutrition and infant feeding practices among mothers aged 15 to 40 years with infants 7 months to 1 year old at Marondera’s three urban health centres
No full textPoor infant feeding practices contribute to infant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge on infant nutrition and infant feeding practices. Pender and Pender’s Health Promotion Model was utilised to provide a theoretical framework to guide this study. A descriptive correlation research design was used to guide the research. Simple random sampling of 80 subjects was done with mothers whose infants were 7 months to 1 year. The relationship between knowledge on infant nutrition and infant feeding practices among mothers with infants 7 months to 1 year was examined. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire. On analysis of data on the relationship descriptive statistics were used that was, percentages and frequencies. Relationship was examined using inferential statistics. The major findings of the study showed that the majority of the women were aged 20-24years and the majority had moderate to high knowledge levels. The mean score for knowledge on infant nutrition was 29.74, and mean score on infant feeding practices was 22.48. Results revealed that there was an imperfect positive relationship between infant feeding practices and knowledge on nutrition. As knowledge increased, the infant feeding practices also improved indicated by r=.259 at p=, .05 level of significance. However, there are other factors which can influence infant feeding practices other than knowledge. Midwives need to use evidence based knowledge in their practice in order to improve the standard of care. Research will build body of knowledge to the profession hence it is wise for nurses and midwives to carryout research
To examine the relationship between knowledge levels regarding the informed consent process and psychological readiness for surgery in patients between the ages of 20 to 49 years at Mpilo Central Hospital.
No full textPsychological readiness for surgery has a critical impact on the patient as it helps to reduce anxiety and stress Sharma, 1996). At Mpilo Central Hospital complaints have been leveled against doctors and nurses that they hurry patients into agreeing to undergo surgery without providing adequate information and preparation prior to the procedure with 10 to 20% out of all surgical cases patients have been reported to withdraw from surgery (Mpilo Public Relations, Officers Report, 2009). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge levels regarding the informed consent process and psychological readiness for surgery. The study utilized Peplau‟s Interpersonal Process Model. A descriptive co relational design was used. Eighty subjects aged between 20 and 49 years were selected using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule, consisting of demographic section, knowledge on the informed consent process section and psychological readiness for surgery section. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient test and simple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed a ±Pearson coefficient test (r=.375, p<.01) and a regression of 0.014, r² 0.01. This shows th²²at there was a positive correlation between knowledge levels regarding the informed consent process and psychological readiness for surgery. Results have shown that there were generally low levels of knowledge regarding the consent process with a range of between 2-12 points from a possible 35 and results also showed lack of psychological readiness for surgery. Implications for Medical surgical Nursing are that there is need to reinforce the psychological preparation of patients for surgery to reduce the number of patients who withdraw from surgery
Relationship between knowledge levels on malaria prevention and self-care actions in primigravidae aged 18 to 35 years at Harare Maternity Hospital.
No full textMalaria in pregnancy remains an obstetric, social and medical problem despite national control programmes in Zimbabwe. An increase in the number of episodes of malaria is witnessed year after year in Zimbabwe, particularly at Harare Maternity Hospital (H.M.H). Mudambo and SADC Military Malaria Technical Committee, 2009 reported an import of malaria by military into Malaria Free Zones, south of the Zambezi River, which is a threat to malaria elimination in the SADC region. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between malaria prevention self-care knowledge and malaria episodes, among primigravidae at H.M.H. self-care model guided this study as a conceptual framework. A descriptive correlational study design was used. Quantitative Data were collected from a systematic sample of 80 participants using face to face interviews. Three questionnaires were developed by the investigator, namely the Demographic Data Questionnaire (DDQ), Malaria Episodes Questionnaire (MEQ) and Malaria Prevention Self-Care Knowledge Questionnaire (MPSCKQ) were used as research instruments. Descriptive inferential statistics were used to analyse data, using the statistical package for Social Sciences. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the self-care actions taken by primigravidae aged 18 to 35 years, if they were related to their knowledge. The findings revealed a positive borderline relationship between knowledge levels and self care actions, (r = .045, p = <.693). The findings showed that the higher the knowledge levels the more the primigravidae exhibited self-care actions in preventing malaria. The study ended with recommendations to empower primigravidae on skills to prevent malaria
Biocide development for hard surfaces using extracts and compounds from Callistemon citrinus
No full textThe global is now focusing on the use of herbal products and among them are herbal disinfectants. Plants contain a variety of secondary metabolites which include phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids. C. citrinus is a plant native to Australia which have been found to have antimicrobial properties. Herbal products can be environmentally safe as they are biodegradable and prevent environmental contamination. The aims of the study where to use the extracts from C. citrinus leaves to make a disinfectant to be used for cleaning hard surfaces. The test microorganisms to determine the antimicrobial activity of the C. citrinus leaf extract were S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. The leaves were dried and ground into a coarse powder which was used for the extraction process. Both total extraction and serial exhaustive extraction were used to obtain extracts from the leaves. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were determined using the microbroth dilution method. The MTT assay was used to determine the viable cells after incubation of the test microbes and the extracts. The MIC was determined for the most potent extracts where total inhibition was observed. The hexane, DCM, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts of C. citrinus were effective against S. aureus. The ethanol extract had the highest inhibitory activity against C. albicans and E. coli was resistant to all the extracts tested against it. The MIC for the hexane extract was 50 μg/ml and for the DCM extract it was 25 μg/ml against S. aureus. The ethyl acetate extract had an MIC of 100 μg/ml against S. aureus. The DCM extract was used to formulate the disinfectant and formulation 1 was prepared using sulphonic acid and sodium hydroxide as the base. Formulation 2 was prepared using glycerine as the base. The agar disk diffusion method was used to test the effectiveness of the disinfectants formulated. Formulation 1 and 2 activity was tested against S. aureus, C. albicans and E. coli. S. aureus and C. albicans were susceptible to both formulations, the base for formulation 1 had antimicrobial activity as ZOI were observed around the disks containing the base as the negative control. E. coli was resistant to both formulations
Reflecting on the applicability of freedom, sanctity and privity of Contract in Zimbabwean Law Of Contract
No full textThis paper examines the applicability of the long established
contractual doctrines of freedom of contract, sanctity of contract
and privity of contract in modern day Zimbabwean law of contract.
It argues that even though the three doctrines are still applicable,
there are instances where they have not be strictly adhered to and in
some cases redefined
Factors associated with sexually transmitted infections among youths in Umguza district, 2014
No full textAnnually, the World reports five hundred million sexually transmitted infections (WHO
2010). Sexually transmitted infections if not treated early have serious consequences to the youth. These effects range from those which are irreversible such as contracting of HIV to those that have huge negative effects in the long run like infertility and genital ulcers. The study sought to investigate factors associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections among youths in Umguza district.
Methods:
An analytical cross sectional study was done in Ward 1 and Ward 8 of Umguza district. The social ecological model and health belief models were used to come up with the conceptual framework used in the study. Data were collected from 173 participants using self-administered questionnaires in both English and Ndebele.
Results:
Females who received gifts or money for sex were more likely to report a sexually
transmitted infection (STI) episode (POR: 5.91, 95% CI 1.7-20). Youths who frequented
night clubs were more likely to report having had an STI episode (POR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.6-6.79). Youths who had multiple concurrent sexual partners were likely to report having had an STI (POR: 2.30, 95% CI :( 1.05- 5.08).Those below the age of twenty were unlikely to report an STI episode (POR: 0.1297, CI: 0.06-0.273).
Conclusions:
Indulging in transactional sex, dropping out of school, being female and watching
pornography were found to be associated with contracting sexually transmitted infections among youths in Umguza District. Therefore as preventive measures, youths should stay in school (spend more years in school) and should not watch pornography
Factors associated with lactic acidosis in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in Harare city- 2012
No full textIntroduction: Antiretroviral medicines have side effects that can be life threatening. An unpublished study by Malunga in Harare City, showed a high incidence of hyperlactatemia in patients on stalanev. This research therefore aimed to determine the proportion of HIV patients on stalanev, the burden of lactic acidosis and factors associated with developing lactic acidosis in Harare City.
Methods: An analytic cross sectional study was carried out at Harare City’s Wilkins and Beatrice road hospitals. A total of 250 HIV positive participants who had been on ART for more than four months were purposively selected. In addition to interviewer administered questionnaires blood samples were analysed for lactate levels. The frequencies of hyperlactemia and lactic acidosis were determined. Risk factors were determined by multivariate logistic regression.
Results: Of the 250 participants, 5.2%(13) had lactic acidosis and 29.2% (73) had hyperlactatemia. Patients on stalanev were 76% (190). Being on stalanev (p: 0.003) and having a low CD4 count of < 100cells/ml on ART initiation were found to be associated with developing lactic acidosis.
Discussion: HIV patients with CD4 counts of ≤ 100 cells/μl before the inception of ART were at risk of developing lactic acidosis. Monitoring of lactate levels may be useful during management of HIV patients
Compliance and loss to follow up of HIV negative and positive mothers recruited from a PMTCT programme in Zimbabwe
No full textObjective: To describe the methodological challenges of a nine months follow up study of mothers recruited from a national Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme with regards to defaulters, drop outs and compliance. Design: Nested case control study. Setting: Three peri-urban clinics in Zimbabwe namely: Epworth, St Mary's, Seke North. Method: Pregnant women who enrolled at 36 weeks of gestation were recruited for a follow up of mother and child from delivery, six weeks, four and nine months post purtum. Follow up trend of these women was compared between the HIV positive and negative mothers with regards to defaulting, drop outs, full and partial compliance. Statistical significance was computed using the Chi-square test. Results: Of the enrolled 1 050 pregnant women with a known HIV status (594 HIV negative and 456 HIV positive) 851 (457 HIV negative and 394 HIV positive) showed up at one or more visits scheduled up to nine months. The denominator was dropping at each point and time. The overall dropout rate was 19% without a significant difference between the HIV positive and negative women at delivery. At six weeks the drop out rate was 35 (7.7%) for the HIV positive versus 75 (12.9%) p=0.010 and at four months 12 (2.9%) versus 39 (7.7%) p=0.002 respectively. However, at nine months the drop out rate was not different (p=0.747). The defaulter rate was significantly different at every stage between the HIV positive and negative mothers from delivery to six weeks, becoming even more significant at the four and nine months visit (p=<0.001). The overall full compliance at nine months was 46.1% with a significant difference between the HIV positive (55.6%) versus (37.9%) for the HIV negative (p=<0.001). Conclusion: Drop out is highest among the HIV negative as opposed to the HIV positive with the peak period being at “six weeks”. There is high defaulting among the HIV negative compared to the HIV positive with the peak being at “four months”. The study has shown that the HIV negative women arc more likely to drop out whereas the HIV positive were twice as likely to fully comply. It is surprising that the peak drop out period, “six weeks visit” is a cardinal existing national scheduled visit where both mother and baby undergo a full medical examination with the mother having a pap smear taken.Letten Foundatio