1358 research outputs found
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Rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbit in a four months old infant in Zimbabwe: A case report
No full textInfants younger than one year of age with RhabdomyosarcTJmrr'appear to have worse prognosis compared to older children due partly to high rates of local failure. We report a 4 months old infant with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma with poor outcome.. Reluctance to use aggressive local control measures and suboptimal chemotherapy dosing are significant contributory factors. Cal 1 is made for need for more studies to determine appropriate local therapy in infants with rhabdomyosarcoma
The relationship between pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) self care knowledge and hypertension control among pregnant mothers aged 18 to 49 years in Bindura District
No full textHypertension control among pregnant mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) appears difficult to achieve. Part of the reason for poor control of hypertension in these women might be limited PIH self care knowledge. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between PIH self care knowledge and hypertension control among pregnant women with PIH in Bindura District. Orem’s self care model guided this study. A descriptive correlational study design was used. A simple random sample of 78 participants was recruited and data collected using a mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope for the blood pressure levels and face to face interviews for sample demographics and PIH self care knowledge. The Demographic Data Questionnaire (DDQ) and PIH Self Care Knowledge Questionnaire (PIHSCKQ) developed by the investigator guided the face to face interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation Co-efficient). The SPSS.pc Statistical Package was used for data analysis. The results showed that PIH self care knowledge was generally good since 58 (74.3%) scored PIH self care knowledge scores above the mean score of 24 out of 48. Generally, hypertension control was adequate. Forty-three (55.1%) had blood pressure levels below the cut off level of 140/90mmHg. The correlation coefficient showed a very weak, non significant relationship (r=0.-175). Although the relationship was not statistically significant, the findings demonstrated that PIH self care knowledge has some influence on hypertension control. Continuous reinforcement of PIH self care knowledge skills is essential during antenatal teaching of clients
Clinical laboratory test prices in Zimbabwe: A case of profiteering?
No full textObjective: To compare the prices charged for clinical laboratory tests in Zimbabwean institutions with those o f similar institutions abroad. Design: An online analytical cross sectional study was conducted Setting: An online survey Subjects: We did an online survey of clinical laboratories that published prices of the tests offered on their websites. We also extracted price information from documents published by fees regulatory authorities. Main Outcome Measures: Laboratory test prices for independent institutions, Laboratory test prices for State institutions. Results: Overally for all countries, laboratory test prices were lower in state laboratories compared to the independent laboratories. In Zimbabwe, state laboratories generally charged about 50% of the independent laboratory tariff for most tests. However prices from both Zimbabwean institutions were generally much higher than those of the comparison countries (United Kingdom, South Africa, India, United States of America and New Zealand). Conclusion: Prices of laboratory tests are indeed higher in Zimbabwean institutions compared to other centres abroad. These higher prices could be attributed to challenges in consumable procurement logistics. We also present measures that could be put in place to reduce the costs and therefore prices
Genetic polymorphism of drug metabolizing enzymes in the Shona and the San in Zimbabwe and the clinical impact of CYP2D6 polymorphism on safety in the use of psychotropics
No full textINTRODUCTION: Interindividual variability to drug response is a well known
phenomenon and dates back to the 1950s with isoniazid. When the same dose of the same
drug is given to different individuals, some may respond well, while others may respond but
with side effects, whilst others may not even respond at all. In a number of instances, this
variability has been shown to be due to genetic differences. The best documented are
pharmacokinetic differences due to polymorphism of drug metabolising enzymes, in
particular CYP2D6 which metabolises about 25% of clinically used drugs. The frequencies
of these mutations have been studied to a great extent in Caucasians and Orientals, and some
have shown to be variable among different ethnic groups. Africans have also been studied
but to a much lesser extent, yet they may be even more diverse. We sought to investigate the
frequencies of mutations of some drug metabolising enzymes in Zimbabwean ethnic groups
and the impact of CYP2D6 polymorphism in psychiatric patients on routine drug therapy in a
naturalistic setting.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the Medical Research
Council of Zimbabwe and the volunteers gave written informed consent. Seventy-eight
Shona volunteers were recruited from the University of Zimbabwe Medical School whilst 63
San volunteers were recruited from the Plumtree district in Zimbabwe. Fifty psychiatric
patients were interviewed at the Parirenyatwa Hospital Psychiatric unit. Five mL blood
samples were drawn from all volunteers and stored at minus 20 °C until required for
genotyping. An additional 5 mL blood sample was drawn from each of the psychiatric
patients and the plasma was stored at minus 20 °C until required for analysis. PCR-RFLP
methods were used to genotype for CYP2C19*2, CYP2B6*6, CYP2D6*4, *17 and *29
mutations. LC-MS was used for the measurement of plasma concentrations of
chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
Drug plasma levels were then correlated against CYP2D6 genotype.
RESULTS: Frequencies for CYP2C19*2, CYP2B6*6, CYP2D6*4, *17 and *29 in the Shona
were 0.16, 0.38, 0.05, 0.22, and 0.16, whilst in the San they were 0.12, 0.40, 0.10, 0.22 and
0.02 respectively. Differences between drug concentrations stratified by CYP2D6 genotype
were observed for thioridazine versus CYP2D6*29 and for fluphenazine versus CYP2D6*17
genotypes. No significant correlations were found for the other drugs.
DISCUSSION: Genetic polymorphism of the drug metabolising enzymes CYP2B6,
CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 was similar between the San and the Shona, except for the frequency
of, CYP2D6*29, an African-specific mutation, which was virtually absent in the San. The
most prevalent mutation in both populations was CYP2B6*6, which has implications for a
lower population-specific dose of the antiretroviral drug efavirenz to avoid central nervous
system side effects. Carriers of CYP2D6*29 and CYP2D6*17 mutations need lower doses of
thioridazine and fluphenazine respectively to avoid side effects related to high drug plasma
levels.
CONCLUSION: We investigated frequencies of mutations of the following drug
metabolizing enzyme genes; CP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 in the Shona and the San.
Although clear relationships between CYP2D6 genotype and thioridazine and fluphenazine
concentrations were observed, these did not reach statistical significance due to the limited
sample.size
A study to determine the relationship between pregnancy and knowledge of pregnancy related complications among adolescents aged 13 to 19 years in Marondera urban.
No full textAdolescents’ pregnancy is a global concern because they are biologically and emotionally immature. Pregnancy predisposes them to pregnancy related complications. Knowledge on pregnancy related complications are of importance to empower and promote good health behaviour in adolescents. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between pregnancy and pregnancy related complications among adolescents. A revised Health Promotions Model (HPM) by Pender N. (1996) was used as the guiding framework. A descriptive correlation study design was used with the pregnancy as the dependent variable and knowledge of pregnancy related complications as the independent variable. A sample size of 66 adolescents pregnant and with children was randomly selected. The sample size was estimated using power analysis, power .80, medium effects size of 0.05 and the significance level of 0.5. A structured interview schedule with three sections questions namely demographic data, pregnancy and knowledge of pregnancy related complications utilizing face to face interview was carried out to obtain data. Data was analysed using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson Moment Product, Correlation Co-efficient) was used to determine the relationship. The results of the study indicated that 11(16.7%) were pregnant at the time of the interview. 54(81.8%) had one child while 1 (1.5%) had two children. The birth interval was 63 (95.5%) had only one child, 2(3.0%) had a birth interval of one year while 1 (1.5%) birth interval was two years. With regards to knowledge of pregnancy related complications 39(59.1%) had no information while 27(40.1%) knew the pregnancy related complications. The study showed a weak negative significance between pregnancy and knowledge of pregnancy related complications. Recommendations were made to add to the body of knowledge in Maternal and Child Welfare/Midwifery
Determination Of Nitrogen And Sulphur Oxides Produced During Combustion Of Jatropha Cake Bio-Pellet
No full textJatropha cake is a promising renewable source of energy, its use as a combustible fuel makes it an important source of potentially harmful gases to the environment and the health of the users. It is important to determine the level of pollution caused by the Jatropha cake bio-pellet so as to take the necessary precautions to prevent the dangers that may be associated with the use of the fuel. Oiled and de-oiled Jatropha cake samples were burnt in a furnace to determine the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) produced during combustion. The effect of combustion temperature on the production of these gases was also investigated. NOx and SO2 were collected in a mixture of aqueous ammonia and hydrogen peroxide and quantified as nitrates and sulphates. The amount of ash produced during combustion was determined at the temperature of 5000C. The experiment also aimed at determining the alkaline metals contained in the ash. The results showed that the production of NOx and SO2 increased with increasing temperature with the highest amount of NOx at 12000C and that of SO2 at 8000C. The metal content in the ash was found to be 10.9, 2.0, 9.0 and 1.1% of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium respectively
Elderly Women’s Perceptions of People Living with AIDS under their Care: Case Study of Makumbi Mission/Zimbabwe
No full textThis study was undertaken at Makumbi Mission to assess elderly women’s perceptions on people living with AIDS under their care. Recommendations for improvement were made to all stakeholders. The study assessed the traditional beliefs, values, reactions and attitudes held by elderly women and investigated the experiences in their transaction with people living with HIV and AIDS. An analysis on how people living with AIDS appreciate the services rendered to them by elderly women was made. A convenient sample of ten elderly women aged between 56 and 86 years was chosen basing on their availability and willingness to participate in the study. Ten people living with AIDS and ten key informants in the community were interviewed. Elderly women were found to have different perceptions on people living with AIDS. These perceptions were influenced by their economic status, their knowledge and traditional beliefs on the disease. The following views were held about AIDS; that it is a natural disease like any other diseases (60%), results from carelessness on one’s life, is a disease of the prostitutes, from angered ancestral spirits and a punishment from God which accounted for 10% each. Knowledge and beliefs on HIV and AIDS varied, 60% cited Tuberculosis, 20% had knowledge about AIDS and 20% had no knowledge about the disease. Their reactions towards AIDS patients varied from mixed feelings {30%} and a greater number {70%} reported that they showed love and compassion. Challenges identified by the carers included lack of policy frameworks on elderly women care givers, resources, training, follow up visits by health professionals, and lack of motivation. To address the challenges experienced by care givers, the study recommended the urgency of calling on all stakeholders to work together rectifying unpopular misconceptions, beliefs, myths on people living with AIDS and the provision of adequate resources to care givers. The Government should come up with policy and legislation frameworks targeted at elderly women perceptions on people living with AIDS under their care
An investigation into the nature and extent of economic exploitation of street children in Zimbabwe: A case study of Harare Central Business District
No full textThe exploitation of street is among the social problems in Zimbabwe. This study had five objectives, these were: to determine the basic characteristics of working street children in Harare Central Business District (CBD), to identify types of economic exploitation experienced by street children in Harare Central Business District (CBD), to identify sources of economic exploitation of street children in Harare CBD, to establish the challenges faced by children working on the streets of Harare CBD and to identify perceptions of working street children in Harare CBD. In order to understand the phenomenon of street children and the subsequent economic exploitation the study relied on the social capital theory propounded by Coleman (1988) and Maslow‘s Hierarchy of needs. The study used observation and interviews as tools for data collection on the lives and working experiences of street children in Harare. The information was gathered from a sample of 30 street children who were living and working on the streets. These were children of the street and children on the street. Additional information was sought from five (5) key informants. Two (2) of whom were staff members of two Non-Governmental Organisations dealing with street children in Harare and three (3) street adults who had lived and worked on the streets of Harare for more than 10 years. The study also revealed that the community at large was not made accountable for the economic exploitation of street children. This was due to laxity on the part of authorities to take action and the general attitude of the public regarding street children as a nuisance. On the other hand, the study found that street children faced several challenges while working on the streets of Harare for their survival. Among the challenges faced by the street children were abuse and harassment from their employers, sexual exploitation, underpayment, being forced to work in hazardous environments and engagement in criminal activities. The study also established street children‘s perceptions and future aspirations. The study concluded that children living and working on the street face a number of challenges which included engaging in exploitative activities in order to survive, and experience emotional and physical abuse by members of the community. The study came up with the recommendations as to enhance the government and NGOs‘ efforts towards the alleviation of the problems faced by working street children and the street children phenomenon. Government should assist children while on the street by supporting NGOs and Social services department in protecting street children. Members of the corporate sector urged to contribute to the alleviation of problems facing street children. The community should discourage the children‘s flow to the street by denying their services and stop the attitude of offering them petty things. Street children should attend all programmes and training offered by government and Non-Governmental Organisations in order to be assured that their ideas are involved in decision-making
An Exploration of Vocational Skills and Knowledge Systems in Mbare – Magaba Informal Metal Industries: Demystifying Perceptions on Informal Training System competences.
No full textThe study sought to establish the source of skills and knowledge systems as well as training strategies adopted in the informal industry Mbare-Magaba informal industry situated to the Western periphery of the city Harare was the geographical delimitation of the study. The study adopted two main approaches to data gathering and therefore had a fair balance between qualitative and quantitative methods. Although Mbare-Magaba industry has informal players of diverse trades, this study focused on informal metal industry with a population of 1 500. Using stratified random sampling and snowballing techniques, a sample of 170 participants was established. Questionnaires were self administered and data collected were processed using the SPSS. Qualitative data were sorted into emerging themes. The study established that the informal sector has decentralized the training and therefore the skill base of the industry. Consequently this has caused a vibrant group of small capitalist players to emerge with a unique culture of recruitment, training and organisation of production. In this context the ‘hands on’ approach through the informal apprenticeship training system emerged as the most dominant teaching strategy. Also what we see in the informal industry is a perpetuation of social networks and social responsibilities where parents are expected to pass their vocational skills to their children. The study also explored different sociological ramifications of the context in which technical skills are acquired in the informal sector