scholarly journals Disclosing HIV diagnosis to children in Odi district, South Africa: Reasons for disclosure and non-disclosure

Author(s):  
Johanna M. Mahloko ◽  
Sphiwe E. Madiba

Background: The increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and survival of HIV- infected children has posed challenges to caregivers on disclosing the HIV diagnosis to children. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to determine the reasons of caregivers for the disclosure and non-disclosure of the HIV diagnosis to children on ART and to determine the caregivers’ perceptions of children’s reaction to disclosure. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 149 caregivers of children between 4–17 years who receive ART from a district hospital in South Africa. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of data. Results: The prevalence of disclosure was 40% and the mean age of disclosure was 9.3 years. Reasons for disclosure included that the child was not adhering to treatment (n = 59; 39%); the child was consistently asking questions about the treatment and nature of the disease (n = 59; 39%). Reasons for non-disclosure were that the child was too young (n = 90; 72%); the child would tell others about diagnosis (n = 90; 21.1%); the child would be socially rejected (n = 90; 18.6%); fear of negative consequences for the child (n = 90; 13.3%); and caregivers do not know how to tell or approach disclosure (n = 90; 8.9%). Conclusion: Caregivers disclosed the diagnosis so that their child would adhere to ART medication; non-disclosing caregivers delayed disclosure because their children were too young to understand the HIV diagnosis. Disclosure of HIV to children should be integrated into regular discussions with caregivers of children in ART settings to improve their knowledge and skills to manage disclosure.

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-106
Author(s):  
Sankar Kumar Basak ◽  
Zannatul Ferdosh ◽  
Rehena Begum ◽  
Nasim Iftekhar Mahmud

Objective: To assess the level of satisfaction with caesarean delivery and to see the relationbetween different parameters and satisfaction. Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was done in the department of Obstetrics& Gynaecology of the District Sadar Hospital, Laxmipur during the period of 1st January to30th June 2017. A total of 423 post-caesarean women were included in the study. Thestructured questionnaires were used for the collection of data from the patients and the datawere processed and analyzed with the help of software SPSS. Results: During the study period, among the 465 caesarean delivery 423 were enrolledfor the study. The mean age of the patients was 23.99±5.29 years and mean parity was1.22±1.27. Initial negative reaction to the decision of caesaren section was expressed by71.9% of the patients, 18.4% remained indifferent and 9.7% showed positive reaction. Themajor reasons of initial negative reaction were fear of death and dislike of caesareansection. The satisfaction following caesarean delivery was significantly associated withage, educational status and initial positive and negative reaction to the decision of caesareansection. Three hundred and fifty five (83.9%) women expressed their overall satisfactionfollowing caesarean section. Conclusion: Most patients expressed their overall satisfaction to caesarean delivery. Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2018; Vol. 33(2) : 101-106


2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramprakash Kaswa ◽  
Parimalaranie Yogeswaran ◽  
Busisiwe Cawe

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health crisis that threatens the current health system. The sudden expansion in the need for inpatient and intensive care facilities raised concerns about optimal clinical management and resource allocation. Despite the pressing need for evidence to make context-specific decisions on COVID-19 management, evidence from South Africa remained limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalised patients.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of hospitalised adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness at Mthatha Regional Hospital (MRH), Eastern Cape.Results: Of the 1814 patients tested for COVID-19 between 20 March 2020 and 31 July 2020 at MRH, two-thirds (65.4%) were female. About two-thirds (242) of the 392 patients (21.6%) who tested positive for this disease were hospitalised and one-third (150) were quarantined at home. The mean age of the patients tested for COVID-19 was 42.6 years and there was no difference between males and females. The mean age of hospitalised patients was 55.5 years and the mean age of hospitalised patients who died (61.3 years) was much higher than recovered (49.5 years). Overall, 188 (77.6%) hospitalised patients had clinical comorbidity on admission. Diabetes (36.8%) and hypertension (33.1%) were the most common comorbidities amongst COVID-19 hospitalised patients.Conclusion: The majority of the patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19 were elderly and had high baseline comorbidities. Advance age and underlying comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension and HIV) were associated with high mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Joserizal Serudji ◽  
Helga Helga ◽  
Hafni Bachtiar

The high incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia causes the importance of early detection especially eclampsia which is the main cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and bad perinatal outcome. The etiology was unknown, but is related to changes in electrolyte status. Electrolytes such as calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) play an important role in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia because they contribute significantly in vascular smooth muscle function. This study was done to analyze the differences in mean levels of calcium magnesium ratio and sodium potassium ratio of maternal serum in severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. We performed an observasional comparative with cross sectional study on 16 women with severe preeclampsia and 16 women with eclampsia who met the inclusion criteria and there were no exclusion criteria. The samples were recruited in Dr. M Djamil general hospital Padang, Solok District Hospital, and Pariaman District Hospital from May 2015 to January 2016. The levels of calcium serum were examined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), magnesium levels were examined by enzymatic metode, sodium and potassium levels were examined by ion selection electrode (ISE). The differences in mean levels of calcium magnesium ratio and sodium potassium ratio between the two groups was analyzed by using independent t test. The mean levels of calcium magnesium ratio in severe preeclampsia was significantly higher than eclampsia. The mean levels of sodium potassium ratio in severe preeclampsia was significantly lower than eclampsia.Keywords: Calcium magnesium ratio, sodium potassium ratio, severe preeclampsia, eclampsia


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-410
Author(s):  
R.S. Tshalibe ◽  
J.P. Rheeder ◽  
J.F. Alberts ◽  
C. Taljaard-Krugell ◽  
W.C.A. Gelderblom ◽  
...  

In South Africa, child malnutrition is highly prevalent among children from in rural areas mostly at risk. In the Eastern Cape (EC) Province, maize is commonly used as complementary and weaning food. Previous studies conducted in parts of EC have indicated high levels of fumonisin B (FB) mycotoxins in home-grown maize, as well as the co-occurrence of other Fusarium mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN). A cross-sectional study of children below 24 months was conducted in rural maize-subsistence farming areas in Centane, EC to determine mycotoxin exposure. Home-grown maize samples (n=171) were collected from households in the study area and analysed by LC-MS/MS for FB, DON and ZEN. Food intakes of 129 children were quantified using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ). Individual raw maize consumption was calculated using recipes from the QFFQ. Probable daily intakes (PDIs) for each mycotoxin were determined using a deterministic approach and were compared to the respective mycotoxins’ provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI). The numerical means for total FB (sum of fumonisin B1, B2 and B3), DON and ZEN levels in home-grown maize were 1,035, 24.5 and 31.0 μg/kg, respectively. Mean daily maize intakes of children ranged from 2-321 g/day and increased with age. The mean PDIs for total FB, DON and ZEN were 8.4, 0.2 and 0.3 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day, respectively. Exposures stratified by age indicated persistent high mean PDIs for total FB, above the PMTDI of 2 μg/kg bw/day, ranging between 5.0-11.6 μg/kg bw/day. Mean exposure to DON and ZEN were below their relevant PMTDIs (1 and 0.5 μg/kg bw/day, respectively). Individually, 81 and 13% of children had exposures above the PMTDI for total FB and for ZEN, respectively. Results confirm the magnitude of FB exposure among vulnerable groups from rural maize subsistence farming areas in EC.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e050580
Author(s):  
Christmal Dela Christmals ◽  
Lydia Aziato ◽  
Laetitia Charmaine Rispel

ObjectiveNursing regulators are important governance structures for nurses who are critical to the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). This study examined the perspectives of the heads of nursing education institutions (NEIs) in Ghana and South Africa on the functioning and effectiveness of the respective nursing regulators.DesignThis was a cross-sectional survey.SettingThis study was conducted in Ghana and South AfricaParticipantsHeads of accredited NEIs in Ghana (n=65) and in South Africa (n=39).ResultsIn South Africa, the mean score for overall functioning of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) was 4.6 (SD 1.97), whereas the mean score for overall functioning of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC) was 7.1 (SD 1.7) (p<0.0001). Similarly, the mean score for effectiveness of the SANC by NEIs was 5.1, compared with the mean effectiveness score of 7.2 for the N&MC (p<0.001).Compared to the SANC, the heads of NEIs scored the N&MC higher on each of the six functional areas of policy-making (Ghana=7.06; SA=4.56); accreditation (Ghana=7.40; SA=4.10) legal and disciplinary actions (Ghana=6.45; SA=5.52); examination (Ghana=7.84; SA=5.00); registration (Ghana=8.27; SA=5.96) and communication and transparency (Ghana=6.87; SA=6.05).ConclusionBoth the N&MC and SANC are well-established regulators and are vital to ensure that the nursing workforce in each country is able to deliver quality healthcare, thereby contributing to UHC and population health improvements. However, the study findings suggest the need for concerted efforts to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the regulators, especially the SANC. The six functional areas could guide the necessary improvements in regulator functioning and effectiveness, in partnership with relevant stakeholders.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 610-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vânia Silva ◽  
Patrícia Padrão ◽  
Célia Novela ◽  
Albertino Damasceno ◽  
Olívia Pinho ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe Na content of bread is one of the most common targets of initiatives to reduce Na intake worldwide. Assessing the Na content of staple foods is of major relevance in Mozambique, given the high burden of hypertension in this setting. We aimed to estimate the Na content of white bread available in different bakeries and markets in Maputo.DesignA cross-sectional study of the Na content of white bread available for sale at twenty-five bakeries and markets in Mozambique. Flame photometry was used to quantify the Na content of the bread. The percentage of samples meeting manufacturer Na targets from South Africa and six countries from other regions, selected as benchmarks, was computed.SettingMaputo, Mozambique.SubjectsThree loaves of white bread from each selected bakery/market.ResultsThe mean Na content of bread was 450·3 mg/100 g (range: 254·9–638·3 mg/100 g), with no significant differences between bakeries and traditional markets. Most samples (88 %) did not meet the regulation in South Africa (≤380 mg/100 g). When considering the targets from other countries (range: ≤360–550 mg/100 g), the prevalence of non-compliance varied between 8 % and 92 %. There were no significant differences in the price of bread with Na content below and above the targets.ConclusionsThe content of Na in bread varies widely in Mozambique, reaching high values in a high proportion of the bakeries and markets in Maputo. Measures to regulate the Na content in bread may contribute to a reduction in Na intake and improved health at the population level.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
KP Coetzee ◽  
NW Gibson

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Basic competency in musculoskeletal medicine is necessary for all graduating doctors due to the growing burden of disease. Globally and nationally research has shown deficiencies in musculoskeletal knowledge according to the Freedman-Bernstein test. In South Africa, different health science faculties show different approaches to training; this article considers if any of these demonstrate adequate training and whether significant differences exist between the faculties' results. The aim of the study is to determine whether there are significant differences between musculoskeletal learning outcomes between graduates from different health science faculties METHODS: A multi-centre, cross-sectional study was performed in which medical interns completed the Freedman-Bernstein test after graduation and prior to commencing their formal two-month block in orthopaedics. Data was then analysed to determine whether significant differences existed between the test scores of the eight health science faculties' graduates RESULTS: A total of 259 completed tests were analysed. The mean score was 46% (range 4-88%, 95% CI 44-48%), and 244 of the 259 interns failed the test (94% failure rate). The lowest and highest mean scores, by health science faculty, was 34% (95% CI 28-40%) and 60% (95% CI 55-64%) respectively. An ANOVA test indicated statistically significant differences between test scores of the different health science faculties (p<0.001 CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated competency scores consistent with previous literature from South Africa and shown that there are statistically significant differences between the health science faculties based on Freedman-Bernstein test scores. This evidence suggests differing levels of musculoskeletal knowledge attained at health science faculties in South Africa, and no improvement in undergraduate education in the last decade Level of evidence: Level 4 Keywords: musculoskeletal, competence, Freedman-Bernstein, undergraduate training


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina M. Govere ◽  
Chester Kalinda ◽  
Moses J. Chimbari

AbstractTimely uptake of Antiretroviral therapy considerably improves the health of people living with the Human Immunodeficiency virus. We conducted a cross-sectional study of newly HIV diagnosed individuals in four clinics in eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. Data was collected between June 2020 and December 2020. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire after HIV testing, on the day of HIV diagnosis. We evaluated factors influencing uptake of same-day ART initiation in eThekwini clinics, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Demographic information, health status, sexual behaviour, knowledge of universal test and treat (UTT), ART initiation uptake, and disclosure data was collected. Among the 403 participants, same-day initiation (SDI) was 69.2% (n = 279). We observed the number of sexual partners (aOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.15–0.81), HIV status of the partner (aOR 5.03; 95% CI 2.74–9.26) and knowledge of UTT (aOR 1.97; 95% CI 1.34–2.90) were identified as major factors influencing uptake of same-day ART initiation. More strategies are needed to achieve the SDI uptake within the framework of UTT.


Author(s):  
Maha Almatary ◽  
Fatma Ghait ◽  
Hajer Mohammed ◽  
Ali Ateia Elmabsout

Introduction: Cancer-related malnutrition has negative consequences are taken too lightly in most oncology wards. The objective of this study is to determine the malnutrition risk (MR)/malnutrition (MN) in cancer patients using PG-SGA short form. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted with cancer patients in oncology unit at Benghazi medical center on 229 patients in which 107 male and 122 female. The data collected through PG-SGA short form and analyzed by either frequencies or by suing Chi-square for significant differences. Results and discussion: The study enrolled 229 oncology patients. The mean age was 58.34 ± 11.60 years. One hundred and twenty tow (53.7.3%) of the patients were female. The most common three tumor types were breast tumors (27.9%) followed by colorectal cancer (14%) whereas, almost similar report for lung, liver and upper GIT (10.9%). (11.4%) and (11.8%) respectively . The mean BMI of the patients was 26.17 ± 0.3 kg/m2. According to PG-SGA short form of the patients were in moderate risk of nutritional status and overall score of PG-SGA short form was 18. 34± 0.56. Furthermore the prevalence of cancer in this study was significant high in male (P< 0.05) Conclusion: In cancer patients, the risk of malnutrition is significantly high, and this may alter the patient’s life quality and expectancy. Therefore, the nutritional status of the patient that is diagnosed with cancer should be assessed in early stages of the disease. KEYWORDS: malnutrition, cancer, PG-SGA Nutrition Assessments


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-77
Author(s):  
Mohammad Enayet Hussain ◽  
Bithi Debnath ◽  
AFM Al Masum Khan ◽  
Md Ferdous Mian ◽  
Md Nahidul Islam ◽  
...  

Background: The visual evoked potentials (VEP) is a valuable tool to document occult lesions of the central visual channels especially within the optic nerve. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to observe the findings of first few cases of VEP done in the neurophysiology department of the National Institute of Neurosciences (NINS), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurophysiology at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2017 to March 2020. All patients referred to the Neurophysiology Department of NINS for VEP were included. Pattern reversal VEPs were done using standard protocol set by International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN). Results: The mean age of the study population was 30.70 (±12.11) years (6-68 years) with 31 (46.3%) male and 36 (53.7%) female patients. The mean duration of illness was 8.71 (±1.78) months (3 days- 120 months). Most common presenting symptom was blurring of vision (37.3%) and dimness of vision (32.8%). Patterned VEP revealed mixed type (both demyelinating and axonal) of abnormality in most cases [29(43.35)]. The most common clinical diagnosis was multiple sclerosis (29.85%) and optic neuropathy (26.87%). In the clinically suspected cases of multiple sclerosis, optic neuropathy and optic neuritis most of the cases of VEP were abnormal and the p value is 0.04 in optic neuropathy and optic neuritis. Conclusion: The commonest presentation of the patients in this series were blurring of vision and dimness of vision. The most common clinical diagnosis for which VEP was asked for, was optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. Most abnormalities were of mixed pattern (demyelinating and axonal). Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2020;6(2): 74-77


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