ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection in South Africa is estimated to be between 5% and 23%; however; only limited evidence is available. Co-infection increases the risk of chronification of HBV; liver cirrhosis and death. Objective: To assess the HBV and/or HIV co-infection rate amongst the adult antiretroviral treatment cohort at the TC Newman ART Clinic in Paarl; Western Cape.Methods: In a retrospective; cross-sectional study; the routine hepatitis B surface antigen screening results for all adult HIV patients who were started on antiretroviral treatment over a period of 19 months were collected and analysed for gender; CD4 count and age.Results: Amongst the 498 participants (60% female participants); the Hepatitis B surface Antigen positivity rate was 7.6%. Male gender; age between 50 and 59 years and a low CD4 count were correlated with higher rates. Conclusion: Useful insight could be obtained by analysing routine data. The prevalence of almost 8% confirms the need for testing of HIV-positive patients for hepatitis B
Subject(s)
Anti-Retroviral Agents , CoinfectionABSTRACT
Chronic wounds afflict millions worldwide; incurring significant health care costs and chronic suffering. Clinicians are often unsure about treatment; resulting in poor outcomes. Objective. To determine the scope of knowledge possessed by fifth-year medical students; general practitioners (GPs) and surgical registrars; concerning chronic wound management. Design. Cross-sectional study.Methods. Deans of eight South African medical schools received letters requesting information regarding time devoted to wound-care training. Knowledge-based questionnaires were distributed to final-year students at two universities; surgical registrars at four universities and GPs attending refresher courses. Results. Four medical schools replied; of whom only two offered formal teaching. 162 medical students; 45 GPs and 47 surgical registrars completed questionnaires. The overall median (25th - 75th percentiles) knowledge scores for registrars; GPs and students were 65(55 - 70); 55(45 - 65) and 45(35 - 50) respectively. Whereas the scores of registrars and GPs did not differ; the student scores were significantly less. Only 32of registrars and 18of GPs attained scores of 70or more. 96considered training to be inadequate. Interest in wound care was only mild to moderate; with more GPs than registrars requesting literature. Conclusions. Very little; if any; training on chronic wounds is offered in South Africa. The levels of knowledge cannot be considered adequate for successful treatment; nor for teaching to undergraduates. This preliminary study cannot reflect the attitudes and knowledge throughout the country. However; it is clear that there is a need for improved education about these conditions that have huge clinical and economic consequences
Subject(s)
Cross-Sectional Studies , General Practitioners , Knowledge , Patient Care , South Africa , Students, Medical , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
Chronic wounds afflict millions worldwide; incurring significant health care costs and chronic suffering. Clinicians are often unsure about treatment; resulting in poor outcomes. Objective. To determine the scope of knowledge possessed by fifth-year medical students; general practitioners (GPs) and surgical registrars; concerning chronic wound management. Design. Cross-sectional study.Methods. Deans of eight South African medical schools received letters requesting information regarding time devoted to wound-care training. Knowledge-based questionnaires were distributed to final-year students at two universities; surgical registrars at four universities and GPs attending refresher courses. Results. Four medical schools replied; of whom only two offered formal teaching. 162 medical students; 45 GPs and 47 surgical registrars completed questionnaires. The overall median (25th - 75th percentiles) knowledge scores for registrars; GPs and students were 65(55 - 70); 55(45 - 65) and 45(35 - 50) respectively. Whereas the scores of registrars and GPs did not differ; the student scores were significantly less. Only 32of registrars and 18of GPs attained scores of 70or more. 96considered training to be inadequate. Interest in wound care was only mild to moderate; with more GPs than registrars requesting literature. Conclusions. Very little; if any; training on chronic wounds is offered in South Africa. The levels of knowledge cannot be considered adequate for successful treatment; nor for teaching to undergraduates. This preliminary study cannot reflect the attitudes and knowledge throughout the country. However; it is clear that there is a need for improved education about these conditions that have huge clinical and economic consequences