Distribution of hepatitis B virus infection in Namibia

Background. Namibia regards hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a public health problem and introduced hepatitis B vaccinations for infants during 2009. However, information on HBV infection in the country remains limited, and effective public health interventions may be compromised in the absence of adequate evidence-based data. Available data from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that 15 - 60% of the normal population in many African countries may be positive for one or more of the HBV serological markers.Objective. To investigate the distribution of HBV infection in Namibia, using available laboratory data for 2013.Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using pre-existing electronic laboratory data on HBV infection. The data were retrieved from the central Namibia Institute of Pathology laboratory in Windhoek during January - December 2013. Tests were done on the following three main groups: (i) pregnant women during routine antenatal care (ANC) visits; (ii) patients with HIV/AIDS during antiretroviral therapy clinic visits; and (iii) any other individual suspected of having HBV infection.Results. Of a total of 77 238 hepatitis B surface antigen test results retrieved countrywide, 9 087 (11.8%) were positive. Of the positive results, 246/9 087 (2.7%) were in children aged 0 - 14 years, with the sexes equally affected. HBV infections increased markedly, particularly among females, in the age group 15 - 39 years, reaching a peak in the age group 30 - 34 years. Routine screening of pregnant women for HBV during ANC visits was found to be systematically conducted in only two regions, Ohangwena and Khomas.Conclusions. This study showed high proportions of positive results in pregnant women, patients with HIV/AIDS and individuals suspected of having HBV infection. The Ministry of Health and Social Services and stakeholders may wish to consider improving the routine and surveillance reporting systems for viral hepatitis and uptake of screening for pregnant women in all regions, and expanding HBV screening to other population groups. Population-based or similar studies are therefore required to determine the HBV prevalence and risk factors. This will assist Namibia in developing appropriate national viral hepatitis strategies as per WHO recommendations

Quality-of-Life Experiences From the Perspective of Patients Receiving Haemodialysis for Chronic Renal Failure

This study describes the experiences of patients receiving haemodialysis for chronic renal failure at the only dialysis centre in Windhoek; Namibia. A qualitative; explorative and descriptive design was used. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews and analysed using Tesch's process. Four themes emerged from the data; relating to (1) financial constraints; (2) loss of independence and spontaneous activities; (3) strain on relationships and (4) feelings of significant physiological changes and weakness. Based on the results; recommendations were submitted for psychosocial support and the establishment of support groups

Exposure to Domestic Violence during Pregnancy : Perceptions and Coping Mechanisms of a Vulnerable Group

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of maternity clients' relating to domestic violence. A quantitative; exploratory and descriptive design was utilised. The population consisted of maternity patients admitted to a referral hospital in Windhoek; Namibia. The findings indicate that some perceptions reflect biographical differences such as education; age and economic status. In some instances; perceptions of maternity clients were in line with findings published in existing literature that reported socio-economic circumstances and familial obligations which forced women to endure abuse. It was recommended that these differences in perceptions be taken into account during the counselling of maternity clients or while health education is being given