Knowledge, practices and beliefs of students regarding health effects of shisha use in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: A cross­sectional study

Background.The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Shisha use has recently been gaining increased popularity in many developed and developing countries.Objective. To determine the prevalence of shisha use among students in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and associated knowledge, smoking practices and beliefs about health effects.Method. A total of 443 students were selected for this cross-sectional study, using a stratified sampling method. Data on shisha use, knowledge about shisha, shisha smoking practices, and factors associated with use of shisha were collected via a questionnaire. The association between the independent variables and shisha use was assessed using a χ2 test (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables that were independently associated with shisha smoking.Results.Of the 421 respondents, 162 (38.5%) indicated that they had smoked shisha; 14.0% were regular smokers. We found that 183 students (43.5%) had poor knowledge about the health effects of shisha. The main reasons for shisha smoking were being in the company of friends who were users (57.4%), the pleasant flavour and fragrance of shisha (25.9%), and fashion (22.2%). Ninety-nine shisha smokers (61.1%) also consumed alcohol. Factors associated with shisha smoking included age <20 years (p<0.001), gender (p=0.034), and educational level of the respondent's father (p=0.0001) and mother (p=0.0004).Conclusion. We found a relatively high prevalence of shisha smoking among the students, and that 43.5% of them had poor knowledge about its effects on health. Developing surveillance, intervention and regulatory/policy frameworks specific to shisha has become a public health priority.

Herbalists' explanations of infertility: The case of Northern and Southern Ghana

In sub-Saharan Africa, traditional medical practitioners also referred to as herbalists, offer diagnostics and therapeutics for diverse medical conditions irrespective of the cause. Given their traditional role as healers and repository of knowledge about medicinal plants, spirituality, customs and religion, people use their services regardless of their location, education, or socio-economic backgrounds. The aim of the study is to explore herbalists´ views and explanations on infertility and women with infertility. Using an exploratory qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 herbalists, 5 from the North-East region, 2 from Ashanti region and 3 from the Greater Accra region. Following thematic analysis, findings show that infertility has multiple causes - medical, natural, spiritual and lifestyle. Some herbalists stated that everyone was created to bear children while others refuted this notion. They shared the common consensus that not everyone can have children even though they may be medically and spiritually fit. The public should be advised on the need for periodic reproductive health checks. Also, there should be a conscious, concerted efforts to gradually dissociate unhealthy explanations of infertility from the actual empirically proven realities.This would empower society to rise above those entrenched beliefs, thereby reducing the stigma associated with infertility and women with infertility. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]: 96-106).

A qualitative synthesis of the impact of infertility on the mental health of African women

Infertility is a reproductive problem that affects all gender, race, or social class. In many African countries, the burden of infertility is usually associated with economic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. This review aimed to explore the factors that impact the mental health of African women with primary infertility. A qualitative evidence synthesis was used to summarise and analyse primary qualitative studies focused on the impact of primary infertility on African women. Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The review found that social pressure, stigma from family and community members, and financial constraints led to psychological distress. In addition, social stigma also led to marital problems which led to significant psychological distress and low self-worth, especially on the wife. Recommendations to reduce stigma among African infertile women were as follows: advocacy and community mobilisation, education by health professionals, and holistic person-centred care. An intersectional approach to inform public health and social policy was also suggested.

Perceived causes of change in Nigerian adolescent sexual risk behaviour ­ Results from semi-structured mobile instant messaging interviews

The study explores the perceived causes of change in sexual risk behaviour among Nigerian adolescents over the past years. By embedding the results into a theoretical context, the study aims to further develop interventions targeting adolescent sexual health. To do so, 23 semi-structured interviews are conducted through the mobile-instant-messaging tool WhatsApp. The interview sample consists of both female and male adolescents and adults from different regions in Nigeria. The interviews are conducted as simultaneous chats and analysed based on the qualitative content analysis approach. Respondents perceive a multitude of different factors as causes of change in sexual risk behaviour among Nigerian adolescents. They can be categorised into (1) individual actors, (2) structural factors, and (3) socio-cultural factors. Interrelations between the different factors can partly be observed. The other factors are mostly modifiable and can therefore contribute to reducing adolescent SRB.

Female genital mutilation and male involvement: Insights of men and women in two counties in Kenya

This qualitative study, conducted in Meru and Kajiado counties in Kenya, explored the perceptions and attitudes of men and women regarding male involvement in FGM in order to inform the design of male involvement strategies in FGM abandonment. We used focus group discussions to collect the data which was then subjected to thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: i) culture and the role of men; ii) perceived awareness and knowledge of FGM among men, and iii) credible and customised education and engagement. The study found widespread agreement on the importance of male involvement in FGM abandonment. Culture played an important role in determining the extent of involvement, or lack thereof. We conclude that while culture needs to be respected it ought to be challenged to avoid the continued harm to girls. The potential of men as a collective to bring about change was evident, and policy makers and NGOs should utilise the power of male collectives to support efforts to abandon FGM

COVID-19 Health Knowledge and Practices among Nigerian Residents during the Second Wave of the Pandemic: A quick online cross-sectional survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined life as a whole. The lack of knowledge about the safe practices needed to manage the spread of the global pandemic could be detrimental to public health. This dearth of knowledge and inappropriate practices could increase the spread of the coronavirus and lead to high mortality rates in a country like Nigeria where access to healthcare services is limited. The study's objective was to assess the health knowledge and practices of Nigerian residents in the face of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study adopted a cross-sectional online survey which was conducted from January 2 to February 1, 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographics characteristics of respondents, the knowledge of COVID-19 and health management practices related to the virus. The reliability of the instrument yielded 0.72 internal consistency and the data were analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression at p<0.05. RESULTS A total of 1,988 respondents participated in the study; 49.3% of this number were urban residents, 63.0% were males, 58.1% were married, and 67.4% had tertiary education. Overall, the mean score was 9.44±1.8 (72.6%) for knowledge and 6.72±3.1 (56%) for appropriate practices. Rural residence (OR = 0.552, 95% CI 0.351­0.868), female gender (OR = 4.494, 95% CI 3.264­6.187), aged 50 years and above (OR = 0.137, 95% CI 0.071-0.261), married status (OR = 5.004, 95% CI 3.242­7.724), tertiary education (OR = 7.049, 95% CI 4.362­ 11.391), Yoruba ethnicity (OR = 2.828, 95% CI 1.292­6.187), and good knowledge of COVID-19 (OR = 1.905, 95% CI 1.376­2.637) significantly predict appropriate practices. CONCLUSION A substantial number of our respondents had good knowledge but lacked appropriate practices towards COVID-19. The beliefs of the people influenced inappropriate practices just as adequate practice was associated with good African Journal of Health Sciences Volume 34, Issue No.4, July- August 2021 483 knowledge. There is a need for adequate sensitization programmes which might require the use of local languages/dialects and Nigerian Pidgin English to reduce the misinformation surrounding the virus.

COVID-19 health knowledge and practices among nigerian residents during the second wave of the pandemic: A quick online cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined life as a whole. The lack of :knowledge about the safe practices needed to manage the spread of the global pandemic could be detrimental to public health. This dearth of knowledge and inappropriate practices could increase the spread of the coronavirus and lead to high mortality rates in a country like Nigeria where access to healthcare services is limited. The study's objective was to assess the health knowledge and practices of Nigerian residents in the face of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study adopted a cross-sectional online survey which was conducted from January 2 to February 1, 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographics characteristics of respondents, the knowledge of COVID-19 and health management practices related to the virus. The reliability of the instrument yielded 0.72 internal consistency and the data were analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression at p<0.05. RESULTS:A total of 1,988 respondents participated in the study; 49.3% of this number were urban residents, 63.0% were males, 58.1% were married, and 67.4% had tertiary education. Overall, the mean score was 9.44±1.8 (72.6%) for knowledge and 6.72±3.1 (56%) for appropriate practices. Rural residence (OR = 0.552, 95% CI 0.351­0.868), female gender (OR = 4.494, 95% CI 3.264­6.187), aged 50 years and above (OR = 0.137, 95% CI 0.071-0.261), married status (OR = 5.004, 95% CI 3.242­7.724), tertiary education (OR = 7.049, 95% CI 4.362­1.391), Yoruba ethnicity (OR = 2.828, 95% CI 1.292­6.187), and good knowledge of COVID-19 (OR = 1.905, 95% CI 1.376­2.637) significantly predict appropriate practices. CONCLUSION :A substantial number of our respondents had good knowledge but lacked appropriate practices towards COVID-19. The beliefs of the people influenced inappropriate practices just as adequate practice was associated with good knowledge. There is a need for adequate sensitization programmes which might require the use of local languages/dialects and Nigerian Pidgin English to reduce the misinformation surrounding the virus.

Health resources for South Africa: A scoping review

Background: Healthcare is more effective when people are treated in their own language with respect for their culture. However, information about the availability and nature of health resources is fragmented and studies suggest few assessments, screening tools, or other health resources in many of South Africa's languages.Aim: This scoping review identified health resources written in the eleven official languages of South Africa for health professionals to use for patient assessment and management.Methods: Databases were searched and information about resources collated and analysed.Results: Two-hundred-and-fifty two unique resources were found (444 items, if different language versions of the same resource were counted separately). All official languages were represented. The most widely used (excluding English) were Afrikaans (118 resources), IsiXhosa (80) and IsiZulu (55).Conclusion: Development of more health resources and critical evaluation of their validity and reliability remain important. This study contributes a preliminary database for South African health professionals, ultimately promoting improved service delivery

Aspects epidemiologique et culturel dutatouage gingival dans le service d'odontologie del'infirmerie hopital de Bamako (ihb) au Mali

Le tatouage gingival est une pratique traditionnelle consistant à une pigmentation artificielle de la gencive rose en noire-grise.L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence et le niveau de perception du tatouage gingival chez les femmes venues en consultation dans le service d'odontologie de l'Infirmerie Hôpital de Bamako (Mali).Méthodologie:Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, descriptive d'une durée de 3 mois allant du 01 janvier au 31 mars 2018. La collecte des données a été faite sur la base d'une fiche d'enquête élaborée à cet effet en fonction des objectifs de l'étude. Les variables étudiées sont les données épidémiologiques et culturelles. Les données ont été traitées par le logiciel épi-info version 3.5.3.Résultats:Dans cette étude, la prévalence du tatouage gingival était de69,43%.La tranche d'âge la plus représentée était celle de 26-35 ans, suivie de cellede 46­55 ans. La localisation au maxillaire seul représentait 90,16% suivi de la localization maxillaire et mandibulaire dans 06,33%.Les peulhs représentaient 39,58% suiviedes Sarakolés dans 32,55%.Selon cette étude, 65, 11% pensaient que le tatouage gingival est jolie (bon).Conclusion:En plus du côté esthétique créé par le contraste des effets de la couleur grise-noire de la gencive avec le blanc-laiteux des dents, le tatouage gingival est souvent utilisé dans le traitement traditionnel des parodontopathies

Socio-cultural beliefs and practices influencing institutional delivery service utilization in three communities of Ethiopia: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: The influence of socio-cultural factors on institutional birth is not sufficiently documented in Ethiopia. Thus, this study explores socio-cultural beliefs and practices during childbirth and its influences on the utilization of institutional delivery services. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in three regions of Ethiopia through eight focus group discussions (with women) and thirty in-depth interviews with key informants which included health workers, community volunteers, and leaders. The data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: The study identified six overarching socio-cultural factors influencing institutional birth in the study communities. The high preference for traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and home as it is intergenerational culture and suitable for privacy are among the factors. Correspondingly, culturally unacceptable birth practices at health facilities (such as birth position, physical assessment, delivery coach) and inconvenience of health facility setting to practice traditional birth rituals such as newborn welcoming ceremony made women avoid health facility birth. On the other hand, misperceptions and worries on medical interventions such as episiotomy, combined with mistreatment from health workers, and lack of parent engagement in delivery process discouraged women from seeking institutional birth. The provision of delivery service by male health workers was cited as a social taboo and against communities' belief system which prohibited women from giving birth at a health facility. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple socio-cultural factors and perceptions were generally affected utilization of institutional birth in study communities. Hence, culturally competent interventions through education, re-orientation, and adaptation of beneficial norms combined with women friendly care are essential to promote health facility birth

Dysménorrhée chez les élèves et étudiantes à Yaoundé : facteurs associés et aspects socioculturels

Introduction.: la dysménorrhée est une situation fréquente chez les femmes en âge de procréer. Elle affecte la qualité de vie des filles et est la principale cause d'absentéismes scolaires chez les adolescentes. Notre étude avait pour objectif d'analyser les facteurs associés à la dysménorrhée et les aspects psychosociaux de la dysménorrhée chez les élèves et étudiantes à Yaoundé. Méthodologie. L'étude était transversale analytique, réalisée dans 2 établissements secondaires et un établissement supérieur de la ville de Yaoundé, du 1er Décembre 2017 au 30 Juin 2018 soit une durée de 6 mois. Étaient incluses toutes les élèves et étudiantes âgées de 15 ans et plus, ayant leurs menstruations et au moins un niveau d'instruction de la classe de seconde. L'échantillonnage était stratifié en grappe de 2 niveaux dans l'un des établissements et consécutif dans un autre. Le rapport de côte a été utilisé pour rechercher les associations entre les variables et la valeur P ˂ 0,05 était considérée significative. Résultats. Parmi les 1059 participantes, 800 avaient des dysménorrhées soit une prévalence de 75,5%. La moyenne d'âge était de 18,88 ± 3,62 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 15 à 45 ans. Les facteurs de risque de la dysménorrhée étaient : indépendamment associés aux dysménorrhées étaient les antécédents familiaux de dysménorrhée [OR (IC à 95%) : 4,20(3,02-5,83)] et le stress [OR (IC à 95%) : 2,16(1,55-3,02] ; tandis que la durée des règles ≤ 3 jours [OR (IC 95%) : 0,31(0,12-0,82)] est un facteur protecteur. La dysménorrhée était considérée comme un sujet tabou par 23,6 % des participantes. Conclusion. Les antécédents familiaux de dysménorrhée et le stress sont des facteurs de risque de la dysménorrhée. Certaines personnes affectées préfèrent ne pas en parler. Nous recommandons de sensibiliser les femmes sur la dysménorrhée et les aider à lutter contre le stress

Exploring factors influencing integration of traditional and medical male circumcision methods at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Eastern Cape: A socio-ecological perspective

Background: Medical male circumcision (MMC) and traditional male circumcision (TMC) are reportedly having negative and positive outcomes in the Eastern Cape province. Researchers show contradictory remedies; some advocate for abolishment of TMC and others call for the integration of both methods. Aim: This study aimed to explore factors influencing the integration of TMC and MMC at different socio-ecological levels.Setting: The study was conducted at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. Methods: An explorative qualitative study design, using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs), was employed in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. A framework analysis approach was used to analyse the data, and the themes were developed in line with the socio-ecological model. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data as important in influencing the integration of TMC and MMC methods. These included: (1) individual factors, related to circumcision age eligibility and post-circumcision behaviour; (2) microsystem factors, related to alcohol and drug abuse, peer pressure, abuse of initiates, and family influence; (3) exosystem factors, related to financial gains associated with circumcision and the role of community forums; and (4) macrosystem factors, related to stigma and discrimination, and male youth dominance in circumcision practices. Conclusion: Male circumcision in this area is influenced by complex factors at multiple social levels. Interventions directed at all of these levels are urgently needed to facilitate integration of the TMC and MMC methods

Behavior modifying myths practices and effect on health seeking behavior among pregnant Yoruba women, south western Nigeria ­ a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Cultural practices and beliefs influence and underpin the behavior of women during pregnancy and childbirth; this behavioral change could influence the health-seeking behavior as well as the outcome of pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the behavior modifying myths among pregnant Yoruba women and their sources. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 pregnant Yoruba women attending the antenatal clinics of Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was undertaken. Consent was sought verbally. RESULTS: The age of the respondents ranged from 15-45 years with a mean age of 27 years (±3.5). Most of the women were married n=239 (95.6%) and primarily Christian n=184 (73.6%). 127 (50.8%) of the women had a tertiary education while only 13 (5.2%) had no formal education. 41 (16.3%) of the respondents being primigravida. Six myths were identified with food taboos being the most common. These were being practiced by 61.2% of the respondents. The reasons given for modifying their behavior varied from warding off ghosts to the delivery of a well-formed child. The most frequent source of information were their relatives (42.4%). CONCLUSION: The practice of the myths was neither influenced by educational status nor religion. The majority of these practices do not have a deleterious effect and did not influence health-seeking behavior or outcome of pregnancy based on the reasons adduced for the practice

The effect of beliefs about breast cancer on stage and delay to presentation: results from a prospective study in urban South Africa

Background: The disparity in breast cancer survival in Africa is often linked to poor education and awareness leading to late diagnosis and subsequent reduced survival. This study was designed to explore the relationship of attitudes and beliefs held regarding breast cancer to the stage and delay to diagnosis in South Africa. This study provies an epidemiological analysis of the spectrum of disease and outcomes of primary amputation for diabetic foot sepsis in a regional rural hospital.Methods: Women attending an open-access breast unit over 14 months with newly-diagnosed breast cancer answered a survey regarding their fears and beliefs of breast cancer care. Questions addressed demographic, socioeconomic and educational factors linked to delay, and documented time taken to care. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify factors associated with advanced stage at presentation and delay greater than six months. Results: Of the 233 participants the median (IQR) age was 56 years (46­65). The most common stage at presentation was Stage 3 (55%), with 30.5% presenting with T4 tumour at presentation. Most women believed cancer could be beaten (90.0%), and their families would support them (92.8%). They disagreed that cancer was a curse (93.8%), punishment (90.5%) or that alternative therapies or traditional healing would cure their cancer (75.3% and 85.5% respectively). On univariate analysis, age under 45 years and transport difficulties predicted advanced stage at presentation. No socio-economic factors or beliefs increased the risk of delay to presentation. Conclusion: Participants' beliefs about their new breast cancer were most commonly appropriate, and showed a low level of fatalism, in contrast to other studies in Africa. Whilst raising awareness may be important, efforts to increase awareness alone may not directly prevent the likelihood of late or advanced diagnosis in this population

Practice of hot abdominal compression among parturient women at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: The postpartum period is an important period of excitement with the arrival of the newborn. The body then starts physiological adaptations to revert to the pregnancy states. These physiological adaptations can be associated with some cultural practices like hot abdominal compress (HAC) which may have harmful effects such as hot water burns, abdominal wrinkling and darkening. This study assessed the practice of HAC among mothers seen at the postnatal clinic of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 290 postpartum women recruited consecutively at the postnatal clinic in UCH between 1st December 2015 and 29th February 2016. Data collection was by pretested self-administered questionnaire and was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. p value was set at < 0.05. Results: The participants' mean age was 31.88 (SD+ 5.1 years), 97.2% of the women had ANC in formal setting and 53.8% had vaginal delivery. Of the 290 participants, 264 (91.0%) were aware of HAC and 51.7% practiced HAC. The return of uterus to normal size (34.7%) and mothers' encouragements (24.7%) were the commonest reason for practice of HAC. Mothers' and mothers-in-law' assisted with HAC in 46.2% and 36.6% of cases, respectively. More vaginally-delivered women practiced HAC (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that practice of postpartum HAC is high and the reasons for the practice are more of tradition and cultural beliefs. There is need for more studies to better understand this culturally deep-rooted practice

Practice of hot abdominal compression among parturient women at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: The postpartum period is an important period of excitement with the arrival of the newborn. The body then starts physiological adaptations to revert to the pregnancy states. These physiological adaptations can be associated with some cultural practices like hot abdominal compress (HAC) which may have harmful effects such as hot water burns, abdominal wrinkling and darkening. This study assessed the practice of HAC among mothers seen at the postnatal clinic of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 290 postpartum women recruited consecutively at the postnatal clinic in UCH between 1st December 2015 and 29th February 2016. Data collection was by pretested self-administered questionnaire and was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. p value was set at < 0.05. Results: The participants' mean age was 31.88 (SD+ 5.1 years), 97.2% of the women had ANC in formal setting and 53.8% had vaginal delivery. Of the 290 participants, 264 (91.0%) were aware of HAC and 51.7% practiced HAC. The return of uterus to normal size (34.7%) and mothers' encouragements (24.7%) were the commonest reason for practice of HAC. Mothers' and mothers-in-law' assisted with HAC in 46.2% and 36.6% of cases, respectively. More vaginally-delivered women practiced HAC (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that practice of postpartum HAC is high and the reasons for the practice are more of tradition and cultural beliefs. There is need for more studies to better understand this culturally deep-rooted practice

Epidemiology of urinary tract infections in the children in zagazig university children's hospital

Background: The most common bacterial infection among children is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Early diagnosis and good treatment of UTI is very important as the risk of renal damage is increased in children below the age of five years which result of morbidity. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children attending Pediatric outpatient clinic in Zagazig University Children's Hospital. Also to determine related risk factors, isolate the organisms that cause UTI in children and antibiotics susceptibility patterns. Methods: This Cross sectional descriptive study, was conducted on 600 children, (377 males and 223 females) from two to seven years old attending to pediatric outpatient clinic ZUH , All patient groups were exposed to full medical history, physical examination, Dipstick analysis by using both nitrite and leukocyte esterase detector, Microscopic examinations and urine culture for positive cases.Results: The prevalence of UTI between children included in the current study was (7%). LE positive were 56 (9.3%), Nitrite positive were 47 (7.8%) and both LE and Nitrite positive were 17 (2.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of UTI was 7 % in our study, E - Coli was detected to be the most common organism, Cefotaxime and Amikacin were detected to be the most common antibiotic sensitive to the isolates

Du maternage dans l'enfance au langage du corps chez l'adulte: une analyse psychopathologique de la structuration de la personnalité en milieu Fon au Bénin / NA

Le corps joue un rôle primordial dans la relation avec l'autre et tient une place importante dans l'écoute chez l'Africain. Ce travail met en exergue l'hyperstimulation qui est faite du corps de l'Africain pendant les différentes étapes de la structuration de la personnalité. A travers la multiplicité de ses expressions, le corps investi va manifester un désir profond d'écoute. Il s'agit d'une écoute qui ne se limite pas à la simple perception sensorielle mais une écoute doublée d'un décodage de ce qui est au-delà du dicible, une écoute des mots mais aussi des maux. Ce type de communication est décrit à travers deux cas cliniques suivis au CNHU-HKM de Cotonou en 2017. Il s'est agi de deux jeunes adolescentes qui ont utilisé leurs corps pour exprimer les maux sur lesquels elles n'arrivaient pas à mettre des mots. Le corps est aussi le lieu de projection de la souffrance et de pratiques thérapeutiques : corps malade, corps soumis à des thérapies traditionnelles, des rites initiatiques. Il est important que le thérapeute sache décrypter les langages la plupart du temps codés du corps, en se référant aux valeurs vitales, esthétiques, et fonctionnelles qui lui sont rattachées pour mieux le soigner.

The body plays an essential role in the relationship with the other and holds an important place in the African's listening. This work highlights the hyperstimulation of the African's body during the different stages of personality structuring. Through the multiplicity of its expressions, the invested body will manifest a deep desire to listen. It is a listening that is not limited to a simple sensory perception but a listening coupled with a decoding of what is beyond the dicible, a listening of words but also of evils. This type of communication is described through two clinical cases monitored at CNHU-HKM Cotonou in 2017. These were two young teenage girls who used their bodies to express the ailments on which they could not put words. The body is also the place where suffering and therapeutic practices are projected: the sick body, the body subjected to traditional therapies, initiation rites. It is important that the therapist knows how to decipher the most commonly coded languages of the body by referring to the vital, aesthetic and functional values associated with it in order to better care for it.

Critical appraisals and cultural acceptance of the dead donor rule: A revisit of the contemporary transplantation era

Transplantation remains one of the most rapidly expanding surgical specialties. Harvesting organs plays a crucial step in this highly complex surgical and communication process, and the moment at which vital organs can be donated depends on the declaration of end-of-life. This declaration must be performed by medical practitioners on the basis of clear standardized criteria of death confirmation, within competent local and regional jurisdictions, and with the use of confirmatory tests as indicated to ascertain the irreversibility of end-of-life. The current medically and legally accepted definition of death in most societies challenges the traditional and societal understandings of the process of end-of-life. Significant criticisms and cultural oppositions to transplantation still exist, and there is an ongoing debate about the role and the status of transplantation as surgical and medical sciences continue to evolve. By discussing the social acceptance and common understanding of end-of-life determination, we aim to highlight the current knowledge on transplant ethics with respect to the balance between the need to protect the potential organ donor and the need to donate organs at their utmost viability. No report has been done on social acceptance of transplantation in Rwanda or other Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMIC); though, as emphasis on organ transplantation evolves, we also aim to highlight the need for clear directions towards new transplantation regulations. Technical and non-technical critical arguments and moral acceptance are juxtaposed with the elucidated ethical and deontological principles to support the contemporary concept of the dead donor rule