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Spatial variation in vegetation and soils around artificial watering points in Hwange National Park
No full textPiospheres are examples of the spatial impacts animals have on their environment. They tend
to develop around artificial watering points, particularly in the dry season. The present study
sought to assess impactof disturbance on plant species and soils across a disturbance gradient
at watering points in the Main Camp of Hwange National Park.
The study was conducted around four artificial watering points (two seasonal watering points
and two perennial watering points). A stratified sampling design was adopted, with woody
vegetation plots systematically placed at 150 m intervals along 2 550 m long transects.
Assessments of non-woody plants and soils were conducted in plots laid at 50 m interval
along 2 500 m long transects.
Results indicated that woody species height and basal area increased with increasing distance
from watering points. Shrub species richness was highest in moderately utilised zones and
woody species diversity was lowest closest to the watering points. Non-woody species cover,
richness and abundance increased towards the watering points. There was no consistent
relationship between distance from water and non-woody species diversity. Concentrations of
nutrients were highest in the vicinity of watering points. Soil moisture was lowest close to
watering points and highest in the moderate occupancy zone. Soil pH was highest close to
watering points. Onlyphosphorus was significantly different between seasonal watering
points and perennial watering points. No significant differences were observed between
seasonal watering points and perennial watering points in terms of vegetation attributes.
Results indicate the existence of spatial variation in woody vegetation structure, non-woody
vegetation cover and soil nutrient status and pH around artificial watering points which is
associated with an animal disturbance gradient in Hwange National Park
Factors associated with chronic malnutrition in Mazowe district, Mashonaland Central province, 2012
No full textIntroduction: The rate of stunting in Zimbabwe was recorded as 35% in 2012. Mashonaland Central Province recorded 2168 cases of malnutrition and 964(44%) were from Mazowe District, despite the fact that the district has the best in terms of food security. The objective was to determine the factors associated with chronic malnutrition in Mazowe District in 2012.
Methods: A 1:1 unmatched case control study was carried out in health facilities in Mazowe District to determine the factors associated with chronic malnutrition. A case was defined as a mother or caregiver of any child <5years in Mazowe district who is chronically malnourished registered in the malnutrition register at the health facility and is stunted (children whose height for age z score is below -2 standard deviation from the median of the reference population) during the period January 2012 and December 2012. A control was defined as mother or caregiver of any child less than five (5) years who was suffering from conditions other than malnutrition and was not stunted, during the period January 2012 to December 2012 in Mazowe District. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data from both cases and controls and Epi Info 3.5.1 statistical software was used to analyze data.
Results: A total of 78 cases and 78 controls were enrolled into the study. Factors independently associated with chronic malnutrition were; a child who had diarrhea in the last three months (adjusted OR=6.33, CI 2.8-14.00) and failing to breastfeed because of pressure of work (adjusted OR=3.37, CI 1.1-10.00). Fever was a significant risk factor (adjusted OR=3.57, CI 1.84-6.90).
Conclusion: Chronic malnutrition was associated with diarrhea, failure to breastfeed and fever in Mazowe District. We recommend early treatment of diarrhea, childhood illness and promotion of breastfeeding in Mazowe district. Mothers were given health education on breastfeeding
Determination of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels using dried blood spots in Zimbabwean children aged 7 to 9 years
No full textoai:zdhr.uz.ac.zw:123456789/1131Background: Blood omega-3 long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) have been widely studied in children because of the benefits from optimum physical and mental development. Despite these recognized benefits, the levels of blood omega-3 LC-PUFAs are unknown in Zimbabwean children. Omega-3 LC-PUFA levels were determined and reference intervals were established for the 7-9 year old Zimbabwean children. The association between omega LC-PUFAs and cognitive outcomes was also determined.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from September 2011 to August 2012 on a cohort of peri-urban Zimbabwean children aged 7-9 years born to mothers enrolled at late pregnancy into an HIV prevention program between 2002 and 2004. Whole dried blood spots were sampled and LC-PUFAs were quantified using gas liquid chromatography. Differences in LC-PUFAs between groups were compared using the Kruskal Wallis test. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for the relationship between LC-PUFA levels and cognitive development.
Results: LC-PUFAs levels were determined in 297 Zimbabwean children of whom 170 (52%) were girls. The LC-PUFAs (wt/wt) ranges were; EPA 0.06–0.55%, DPA 0.38–1.98%, DHA 1.13–3.52%, ARA 5.58–14.64% and ARA: EPA ratio 15.47–1633.33. There were no gender differences in omega-3 LC-PUFAs levels (all p>0.05). EPA was statistically significantly elevated in the 8 years age group compared to those aged 7 and 9 years (0.20 vs 0.17 vs 0.18, respectively, p=0.049). ARA:EPA ratio was statistically significantly elevated in the 7 years age group compared to those aged 8 and 9 years (64.38 vs 56.43 vs 55.87 respectively, p=0.014).
Conclusions: In this cohort of children, lower EPA levels and higher ARA:EPA ratios were observed compared to those reported in apparently healthy children elsewhere. The high ARA:EPA ratios make the children vulnerable to inflammatory pathologies. Identification and incorporation into diet of locally available foodstuffs rich in omega-3 LC-PUFAs is recommended as is as omega-3 supplementation
Anti-diabetic activity of eriobotrya japonica leaf extracts in diabetic and non-diabetic rats
No full textBackground and Objectives
The increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus over the years has become a major public health problem and economic burden in many countries. The limitations of the available conventional therapeutic options for diabetes mellitus, have led to a determined search for more efficacious and cost-effective alternatives. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effect and mechanisms of Eriobotrya Japonica ethanolic leaf extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats.
Methods
Diabetes was induced in male albino Sprague Dawley rats (250-300g) by chemical induction using alloxan monohydrate 120mg/kg body weight. Eriobotrya Japonica ethanolic leaf extracts were orally administered to diabetic rats at 100mg, 200mg, and 400mg/kg body weight doses for 15 days to determine the hypoglycemic activity. Blood glucose level was measured from the tail vein and the weight change was recorded.
Results
The three doses of Eriobotrya Japonica (100mg, 200mg, and 400mg/kg b.w) lowered the blood glucose level of alloxan induced diabetic rats significantly (p≤0.01). The reduction in blood glucose level was not dose dependent. Histo-pathological analysis did not show any protective action or change in morphology on the pancreas.
Conclusion
Eriobotrya Japonica in doses of 100mg, 200mg, and 400mg/kg b.w does not have any effect on morphology of pancreatic β cells in alloxan induced diabetic rat models. Eriobotrya Japonica can be tried out as a functional food for its anti-diabetic potential
Knowledge of women of child bearing age on the utilisation of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy at Dangamvura and Sakubva health centers, Mutare, Zimbabwe .
No full textEven though it appears as if countries in sub-Saharan Africa have made important
progress in IPTp implementation, coverage levels remain low. Various studies done have
come out with various findings ranging from lack of knowledge to negative attitudes of
woman towards the program. The purpose of this study was to determine the association
between knowledge and utilization of IPTp by pregnant women attending ANC services at
Dangamvura and Sakubva Mutare city clinics. Pender’s health promotion model was used to
guide and direct the study. A descriptive correlation design was used for the study. The author
examined the strength of the relationship between knowledge and utilisation of IPTp by
pregnant women attending ANC at Dangamvura and Sakubva Mutare Clinics. A sample of 80
women who were attending ANC visits was selected by systematic random sampling. Data
were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Interview
guide consisted of questions on knowledge and utilization of IPTp and the association between
knowledge and utilization were asked. Additionally Focus Group Discussions were used. Data
were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s correlation showed an
insignificant correlation (r=0.097) women’s knowledge to utilisation of IPTp. The findings did
not support that knowledge on IPTp improves utilisation of the program. It is important
therefore for Midwives to intensify tailor made health education and motivate women to
utilise IPTp services
The Essential Drug List in Zimbabwe (EDLIZ)
No full textThis is a mobile application for the 7th medicines list and standard treatment guidelines for most common health conditions in Zimbabwe that has been endorsed by the National Medicine and Therapeutics Policy Advisory Committee (NMTPAC
Comparison of CD4+ T-Cell changes in response to highly active antiviral therapy (HAART) in adolescents and children enrolled at Parirenyatwa Hospital Family Care Centre (2005-2010) - Secondary Data Analysis
No full textBackground
In general, there is an increase in CD4 cell count after initiating on HAART. Despite an increasing trend of access to HAART there is a paucity of studies examining the changes in CD4 count over time in Zimbabwe and also no study has been done at PHFCC specifically comparing children and adolescents at the clinic. The PAP study data has not been analyzed to compare how CD4 count changes over time between different age groups and to find out the factors which predicts CD4 count response after initiating on HAART. The study aims to determine the factors associated with changes in CD4 count in adolescents and children and to compare the changes between these two age groups over time.
Methodology
Out of 2200 HIV infected children and adolescents who have been enrolled into HIV/AIDS care between January 2004 and December 2012, a total of 512 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were selected for this secondary data analysis study. Differences between groups in CD4 cell response at different time points was assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Mixed effects model was used to compare the pattern of changes in CD4 count over time between adolescents and children and to identify the factors which are associated with changes in CD4 count after HAART initiation.
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Results
A total of 512 subjects were selected for the study. More (59.6 %) of the subjects were adolescents and the female gender (52.3%) was mostly represented. The change in CD4 count in response to HAART between adolescents and children was different. The median (IQR) baseline CD4 count for children was 171.5 (51-298) cells/mm3 and 145 (50-254) cells/mm3 for adolescents (p=0.087). The response in children was significantly higher after 18 months on treatment compared to adolescents (p=0.004). Baseline CD4 counts and age group was found to predict the changes in the square root of CD4 count over time in the multivariate analysis. The increase in the square root of CD4 count over time for those who initiate HAART at adolescence stage were 0.0853 times less when compared to those initiated whilst they were still children (p=0.037) adjusting for other variables. Adjusting for other baseline variables, subjects with CD4 cell count less than 100cells/mm3 had a greater increases (beta=0.501, p<0.001) in the square root of CD4 cell count when compared to those with baseline CD4 count of more than 300cells/mm3. Subjects with baseline CD4 count of 100 to 200 cells/mm3 had a greater increase in the square root of CD4 count over time as compared to those with baseline CD4 count above 300cells/mm3 adjusting for other variables ( beta=0.340, p<0.001).
Conclusion
The change in CD4 count in response to HAART between adolescents and children was different. The baseline variables which were significantly associated with an increase in CD4 count over time were baseline CD4 cell count and age group after controlling for other independent variables
Effects of Mother-Based Promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Duration and Severity of Diarrhoea and Pneumonia: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, 2013
No full textExclusive breastfeeding rates remain very low in most countries in sub Sahara Africa. We assessed the effects of a mother based intervention on duration of diarrhoea and pneumonia in communities that were trained and not trained in community infant and young child feeding (cIYCF) in the two districts in Midlands Province.
Methods:
We evaluated communities trained in cIYCF and or not trained and a mother based promotion of exclusive breastfeeding intervention (Newsletter) using a two-by-two factorial cluster randomized controlled trial. Consenting mother infant pairs identified within 72 hours of delivery were followed up at 14 and 20 weeks. Primary outcomes were duration of diarrhoea and pneumonia as well as severity of diarrhoea. Clusters were facility catchment areas assigned by an independent statistician using randomization generated by a computer in Stata 10. All admitting facilities and facilities at borders were excluded as buffer zones and eight clusters were analyzed: cIYCF- Newsletter (2 clusters, 90 mother infant pairs), cIYCF (88 mother infant pairs), Newsletter (92) and Control (87).
Results:
A total of 357 mother infant pairs (excluding twins) were available for analysis in all the clusters. The interaction between community infant and young child feeding training and the newsletter was statistically significant at 14 weeks (p = 0.022). The mean duration of diarrhoea was 2.9 days (SD = 0.9) among infants of mothers who resided in communities trained and received a newsletter compared to 5.2 days (SD = 1.1) in communities that received neither. The protective efficacy of the cIYCF plus newsletter was 76% during the first 20 weeks of life. In the two way ANOVA, the newsletter was more effective on duration of pneumonia (p = 0.010) at 14 weeks and remained significantly effective at 20 weeks (p <0.0001) while the preventive efficacy of the newsletter on pneumonia at 20 weeks was 74%.
Conclusion: A combined community and mother-based promotion of exclusive breastfeeding reduces duration of diarrhoea at 14 weeks and at 20 weeks the newsletter worked better for both duration of diarrhoea and pneumonia compared to cIYCF trainin
Hypertension awareness, treatment and control at Vubachikwe Mine, Gwanda, Zimbabwe, 2013
No full textBackground: In July 2012, according to the chronic disease register Vubachikwe mine had at least 1 in every 10 workers suffering from hypertension. However about 30 workers had defaulted hypertensive treatment that is offered free at the mine clinic. The management was concerned about lost to shift hours and high costs of medical care due to hypertension related illness among employees. Therefore we set out to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and the reasons why employees defaulted treatment. Methods: An analytic cross sectional study was done at Vubachikwe mine. Systematic sampling was used. An interviewer administered questionnaire adopted and modified from the WHO STEPwise survey was used to capture; demographic data, risk factors and awareness of hypertension. Biophysical measurements; weight, height, random blood sugar and blood pressure were measured. Results: Ninety three percent of employees were aware of their blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension was 27.2% while males were 6 times more likely to develop hypertension compared to females. Awareness of hypertension increased with age, (p<0.05). Thirty five percent of hypertensives were non-compliant to treatment and 70% of hypertensives had well controlled blood pressure. Earning more than US300 (POR 1.5; 95% CI, 0.46-0.93). ). However, heavy manual workers were less likely to be diagnosed of hypertension [POR 0.19 (0.042-0.852) 95% CI] and they also earned less than US600 which is associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Heavy manual workers who earned less than US$300 were less likely to be diagnosed of hypertension. Based on the study findings, the mine management has instituted interventions targeted at health educating workers on hypertension and defaulters will be traced, given psychosocial support and encouraged to comply with medication
An assessment of the business value of reinsurence as a capital management tool by Zimbabwean short-term insurence campanies
No full textThe research sought to assess the business value of reinsurance as a capital management tool by Zimbabwean Short-Term Insurance Companies. The world over, reinsurance has evolved from being a mere risk management tool, to an integrated capital management tool allowing insurance companies to literally underwrite insurance business on the strength of the balance sheets of their reinsurers.
The period following dollarization saw the insurance industry regulator, IPEC raising capital levels three times, forcing many companies to close down as they could not meet the minimum capital requirements and were trading below regulatory solvency ratios. Hence the research sought to assess the critical role of reinsurance in the capital structure of insurance companies. The impact of reinsurance on shareholder return profile was also assessed together with the reinsurance demand variables.
The research found out that reinsurance was a key capital management tool that enhanced business value through stabilizing earnings, reducing transaction costs, reducing potential financial distress costs and easing cash flows. While the results demonstrated reinsurance formed an integral part of insurer capital structure, primary data the results were not conclusive as to the optimal capital structure. This was further supported by secondary data regression results where reinsurance, the main research independent variable was shown to be negatively correlated with shareholder value. This opens up an area for further study regarding the optima mix of reinsurance and other forms of capital