Awareness of malocclusion and attitude towards orthodontic treatment among trainee dental surgery technicians in Nigeria

Objective: Malocclusion affects aesthetics, the physical, psychological and social life of a person. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of malocclusion and attitude towards orthodontic treatment among trainee dental surgery technicians in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 68 final year (sixty-eight) trainee dental surgery technicians in Nigeria. The research instrument was a self-administered close ended questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. P value (P<0.05) was regarded as significant. Results: Sixty-one (89.7%) of the respondents were females, while 7 (10.3%) were males. Fifty-seven (83.8%) have heard of the term malalignment of teeth, 53 (77.9%) of the students think malalignment is due to external habits. 61 (89.7%) are aware that few teeth may have to be removed for proper positioning of irregular teeth and 51 (75.0%) were aware that the irregular teeth can be corrected even after 40 years of age. More females were aware of malocclusion and had positive attitude towards orthodontic procedures when compared to the males, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).Conclusion. Majority of the respondents in this study were aware of the term malalignment and had positive attitude towards orthodontic treatment. More females constituted the study population.

Frequency of blood donation and malaria occurrence among blood donors in a tertiary hospital, Nigeria

Context: Malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Transfusion transmitted malaria contributes significantly to the burden of malaria in SSA. The safety of blood transfusion as it relates to frequency of blood donation and malaria occurrence on the part of donors is an aspect that has not been properly investigated hence this study. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the frequency of blood donation and occurrence of malaria among blood donors at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Ethical approval was obtained. One hundred and thirty-three consenting blood donors aged between 18-50 years were recruited for the study. Two milliliter's of blood were collected from each study participant and immediately transported to the laboratory for processing. Giemsa-stained films of the samples were viewed under the oil immersion objective of the microscope. Questionnaires were administered to the study participants to obtain relevant information. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software version 20. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of malaria among the blood donors was 21.1% with the highest rate among commercial donors (33.3%) followed by family donors (12.9%) then voluntary donors (11.9%). Evaluation of the frequency of donation showed that malaria occurred more in recurring donors (77.78%) than first time donors (22.22%).

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women: a multicentre cross-sectional survey in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: effective COVID-19 vaccines for the prevention of severe illness have been available for more than one year now. This study was carried out to ascertain vaccine hesitancy and its associations among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Port Harcourt, a large cosmopolitan town in Nigeria. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional online survey over 2 months among consenting pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the 3 largest obstetric service centers in Port Harcourt to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associations. Results: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 669 (72.2%). Of the respondents, 27 (2.9%) had been infected or had a close family member infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 897 (96.8%) of them had heard of the COVID-19 vaccine; however, only 133 (14.4%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19. The safety of the mother in 260 (32.8%) and the safety of the unborn baby in 114 (14.4%) of the respondents were the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A small proportion of women 7(0.9%) were hesitant on religious grounds. Tertiary education, use of childhood immunization for previous infants delivered, and availability of COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic at no cost to the women, were statistically significant predictors of vaccine uptake among the respondents. Conclusion: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Port Harcourt was 72.2%. Higher academic achievement and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic were predictors of vaccine uptake, while reasons for hesitancy were mostly due to safety concerns for the mother and unborn baby.

Occurrence of high level methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureusin patients from health facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Background:Methicillin resistant S. aureus(MRSA) has become a major public health predicament worldwide. This is owing to its involvement in the evolution of MDR strains and difficulty in therapeutic management of infected patients. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureusamong patients in two health facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:Clinical isolates of patients from University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo and General Hospital, Ikot Abasi (GHIA) were investigated based on the strategic location of the hospitals. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Three hundred clinical samples were collected from male and female in and out-patients of all ages and processed using standard bacteriological methods. Detection of Staphylococcus aureusand MRSAstrains were done according to standard protocols while antibiotic susceptibility testing of MRSAisolates was conducted using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted following the CLSI 2021 guidelines. Results:The prevalence of MRSAstrains in this study was 42.9%. Majority of patients with MRSAwere from UUTH (44%) closely followed by patients from GHIA(40%). High antibiotics resistant rates of MRSAwere recorded for ampicillin (96.6%), ciprofloxacin (73.3%), erythromycin (63.3%) and cotrimoxazole (60%). Gentamicin and ceftriaxone sensitivity rates were 53.3% and 63.4%, respectively. Conclusion:Health facilities in the state should institute effective antimicrobial stewardship, intensify surveillance and screening of Staphylococcus aureusfor MRSAstrains to guard against dissemination of multidrug resistant strains in both hospital and community settings because of the clinical implications.

Mortalité à long terme des survivants d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques à Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso / Long-term mortality of ischaemic stroke survivors in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contexte et objectif. La survie à long terme des accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques (AVCI) reste un défi majeur. L'objectif de ce travail était d'analyser la mortalité à long terme des survivants d'AVCI. Méthodes. Il s'est agi d'une cohorte rétrospective portant sur les patients hospitalisés du 1er janvier 2017 au 31 décembre 2019, sortis vivants du service de neurologie au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô Sanou de Bobo-Dioulasso après un AVCI. Nous avons recouru aux méthodes de Kaplan Meier et la regression de Cox pour décrire respectivement la survie et les prédicteurs de la mortalité. Résultats. Au total, 87 patients dossiers ont été colligés. L'âge moyen était de 61,2 ans (±13,7). Le sex-ratio M/F était de 1,23/1. L'hypertension artérielle était le principal facteur de risque cardiovasculaire (65,5 %). Les antécédents de cardiopathies étaient présents chez 6 patients. La conscience était normale chez 82 patients et les complications de décubitus ont été observées chez 20 patients au cours de l'hospitalisation. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 15,8 jours. La mortalité cumulée en post hospitalisation était de 40,2 % à 4 ans. Les facteurs prédictifs de la mortalité étaient l'âge > 60 ans (p=0,008; HRa= 3,05 ; IC 95 % : 1,33-6,99), le score de Glasgow>9 (p<0,001; HRa = 0,09; IC 95 % : 0,02-0,31) et l'absence de complication de décubitus (p=0,009; HRa = 0,34; IC95 % : 0,15-0,76). Conclusion. Dans ce contexte, la mortalité à long terme des AVCI est élevée. Le renforcement du suivi vis-à-vis des groupes spécifiques pourrait contribuer à réduire considérablement cette mortalité à long terme.

Context and objective. Long-term survival from ischaemic stroke remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term mortality of stroke survivors at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, discharged alive from the neurology service after ischaemic stroke. We used Kaplan Meier and Cox regression methods to describe survival and predictors of mortality, respectively. Results. A total of 87 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 61.2 years (±13.7). The sex ratio M/F was 1.23. Hypertension was the main cardiovascular risk factor (65.5%). A history of heart disease was present in 6 patients (6.9%). Consciousness was normal in 82 patients (94.2%) and decubitus complications were observed in 20 patients (23%) during hospitalisation. The average length of hospital stay was 15.8 days. Cumulative post-hospital mortality was 40.2% at 4 years. Factors predictive of mortality were age >60 years (p=0.008; aHR= 3.05; 95%CI: 1.33-6.99), Glasgow score>9 (p<0.001; aHR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02-0.31) and absence of decubitus complication (p=0.009; aHR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.15-0.76). Conclusion. In this context, long-term mortality in ischaemic stroke is high. Closer monitoring of specific groups could help to reduce considerably this long-term mortality.

Need for standardization and compliance to treatment protocols for COVID-19 within the African Region of the World Health Organization

COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of global health and brought about new issues in global health security and economy. The World Health Organization published guidelines for clinical management of COVID-19 four months after declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic. Scholarly reviews and studies from member states within WHO AFRO reveals significant deviation from the WHO published protocols on COVID-19. Assessment of national treatment protocols of 30 of 47 WHO AFRO member states showed widespread inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents for patients, which may worsen the global and concerning threat of antimicrobial resistance. There is need for adopting interventions that optimize antimicrobial use in the context of pre- and post-pandemic preparedness to ensure long-term effectiveness and sustainability for antimicrobials. Treatment guidelines are to be adopted or adapted depending on best clinical evidence available. Non-compliance with guidelines might lead to mismanagement of infectious diseases with attendant negative consequences including antimicrobial resistance and misdirection of critical resources and supplies amongst others.

La pandémie de COVID-19 a changé le visage de la santé mondiale et a soulevé de nouveaux problèmes en matière de sécurité sanitaire et d'économie mondiale. L'Organisation mondiale de la santé a publié des lignes directrices pour la gestion clinique du COVID-19 quatre mois après la déclaration du COVID-19 comme pandémie. Les revues scientifiques et les études des États membres de l'OMS AFRO révèlent un écart significatif par rapport aux protocoles publiés par l'OMS sur le COVID-19. L'évaluation des protocoles nationaux de traitement de 30 des 47 États membres de l'OMS AFRO a révélé une utilisation inappropriée et généralisée d'agents antimicrobiens chez les patients, ce qui pourrait aggraver la menace mondiale et préoccupante de résistance aux antimicrobiens. Il est nécessaire d'adopter des interventions qui optimisent l'utilisation des antimicrobiens dans le contexte de la préparation pré et post-pandémique afin de garantir l'efficacité et la durabilité à long terme des antimicrobiens. Les directives thérapeutiques doivent être adoptées ou adaptées en fonction des meilleures preuves cliniques disponibles. Le non-respect des directives pourrait conduire à une mauvaise gestion des maladies infectieuses avec des conséquences négatives qui en découlent, notamment la résistance aux antimicrobiens et une mauvaise orientation des ressources et fournitures essentielles, entre autres.

Refus et hésitation vis-à-vis de la vaccination anti-COVID-19 à Douala, Cameroun / Refusal and hesitation regarding vaccination against COVID-19 in Douala, Cameroon

Introduction: la vaccination est l'une des stratégies recommandées par l'organisation mondiale de la santé pour réduire le poids de la COVID-19. Cependant, de nombreux pays africains comme le Cameroun présentent de faibles couvertures vaccinales anti-COVID19. Cette étude avait pour objectif d'étudier les raisons de refus de la population de la ville de Douala vis-à-vis de la vaccination contre la COVID-19. Méthodes: l'étude était transversale et analytique et conduite dans la ville de Douala du 10 Février au 31 Mai 2022. Les participants étaient âgés d'au moins 21 ans résidant dans la ville de Douala étaient interviewés. Les mesures d'association entre les variables d'intérêt ont été effectuées à l'aide des tests de Chi-deux et de Fisher avec un intervalle de confiance 95%. Résultats: au total, 1555 personnes avaient été inclues dans l'étude. Seulement 168 (11%) étaient vaccinées. La proportion de refus vaccinal était importante 711 (45,7%), 640 participants soit 41,1% hésitaient alors que 204 personnes soit 13,2% étaient favorable à la vaccination anti-COVID-19. Les raisons principales de refus de vaccination anti-COVID-19 étaient la crainte des effets indésirables 406 (44,8%), le manque d'information sur les vaccins 331 (36.5%) et le manque de confiance 302 (33,3%). Les facteurs associés au refus vaccinal étaient la religion (p=0,026) et le niveau d'étude (p=0,002). Conclusion: cette étude avait révélé la faible couverture vaccinale anti-COVID-19 à Douala avec une proportion importante de refus et hésitation vaccinale. Les stratégies de communications devraient tenir compte des raisons et facteurs associés au refus.

Introduction: vaccination is one of the strategies the World Health Organization recommends to reduce the burden of COVID-19. However, many African countries like Cameroon have low COVID-19 vaccination coverage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons for the refusal of the population of the city of Douala to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study in Douala from February 10 to May 31, 2022. Participants, aged at least 21 years and residing in the city of Douala, were interviewed. Associations between the variables of interest were measured using Chi-square and Fisher tests, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: a total of 1555 people were included in the study. Only 168 (11%) had been vaccinated. The proportion of vaccine refusal was high, with 711 (45.7%) refusing, 640 participants (41.1%) hesitating, and 204 people (13.2%) being in favor of COVID-19 vaccination. The main reasons for refusing anti-COVID-19 vaccination were fear of adverse effects (406; 44.8%), lack of information about vaccines (331; 36.5%), and lack of confidence (302; 33.3%). Factors associated with vaccine refusal were religion (p=0.026) and level of education (p=0.002). Conclusion: this study revealed low COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Douala, with a significant proportion of refusal and hesitation towards vaccination. Communication strategies should take into account the reasons and factors associated with refusal.

Mortalité des personnes infectées par le VIH sous traitement antirétrovirale au centre Walé de 2017 à 2021: le Rôle des inégalités sociales / NA

Bien que le rôle des facteurs cliniques/biologiques associés à la mortalité ait déjà été exploré chez les patients infectés par le VIH sous traitement antirétroviral, peu d'attention a été accordée jusqu'à présent au rôle potentiel de la vulnérabilité sociale. Il s'agit d'une étude de cohorte rétrospective de 2017 à 2022. Les données ont été collectées à partir des dossiers de 292 patients. Les analyses statistiques ont été réalisées à l'aide du logiciel R version 4.2.2. Le modèle de Cox a été utilisé pour identifier les facteurs sociodémographiques associés à la mortalité.La prévalence des décès était de 33 %. Le taux brut de mortalité était de 24,42 pour 100 personnes-années. La durée médiane de suivi était de 9 mois avec IQR:[4 ;26], le sex-ratio H/F était de 0,9. En analyse multivariée, les variables significativement associées à la mortalité étaient : ne pas aller à l'école (HR=3.2,IC95% =[2,4.5],p=3.5e-5), vivre dans une zone rurale(HR=2.94,IC95%=[2,4.5],p=3.5e-5), chômeur (HR=2.94,IC95%=[2,4.5], p=3.5e-5), la non-participation à des activités associatives (HR=2.94 , IC95%=[2,4.5],p=3.5e-5), la non-participation à la vie de la communauté (HR=2.94 , IC95% =[2,4.5],p=3.5e-5) et le fait d'être célibataire, divorcé ou veuf (HR=2.94 ,IC95% =[2,4.5], p=3.5e-5). La vulnérabilité sociodémographique reste un facteur prédictif majeur de la mortalité chez les patients traités aux ARV. Il existe un réel besoin d'interventions innovantes ciblant les individus présentant de multiples sources de vulnérabilité sociale, afin de s'assurer que les inégalités sociales ne continuent pas à entraîner une mortalité plus élevée.

Although the role of clinical/biological factors associated with mortality has already been explored in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy, little attention has so far been paid to the potential role of social and demographic vulnerability. This is a retrospective cohort study from 2017 to 2022. Data were collected from the records of 292 patients. Statistical analyses were performed using R software version 4.2.2. The Cox model was used to identify sociodemographic factors associated with mortality. The prevalence of death was 33%. The crude mortality rate was 24.42 per 100 person-years. Median follow-up was 9 months with IQR: [4 ;26], sex ratio M/F was 0.9. In multivariate analysis, variables significantly associated with mortality were: not going to school (HR=3.2 , IC95% =[2,4.5], p=3.5e-5), living in a rural area (HR=2.94,IC95% =[2,4.5], p=3.5e-5), unemployed (HR= 2.94 , IC95% =[2,4.5], p=3. 5e-5), non-participation in associative activities (HR=2.94 ,IC95% =[2,4.5], p=3.5e-5), non-participation in community life (HR= 2.94 , IC95% = [2,4.5],p=3.5e-5) and being single, divorced or widowed (HR=2.94 ,IC95%=[2,4.5], p=3.5e-5). Socio-demographic vulnerability remains a major predictor of mortality in patients treated with ARVs. There is a real need for innovative interventions targeting individuals with multiple sources of social vulnerability, to ensure that social inequalities do not continue to lead to higher mortality.

Cellulite diffuse cervico-thoracique d'origine dentaire compliquée de pyothorax: à propos d'un cas au centre hospitalier universitaire Tenganogo (Burkina Faso) / Cervico-thoracic cellulitis of dental orgin complicated with pyothorax: about a case at the teaching hospital of Tenganogo (Burkina Faso)

Introduction: Les cellulites diffuses cervico-faciales sont des infections à extension rapide des loges cellulo-graisseuses de la face, le plus souvent d'origine dentaire. Elles sont graves et potentiellement mortelles. Nous rapportons un cas de cellulite diffuse cervico-thoracique compliquée de pyothorax. L'objectif de cette observation est de montrer les difficultés thérapeutiques de ce cas rare dans un pays sous médicalisé. Observation: il s'est agi d'un patient de 30 ans sans antécédents pathologiques particuliers admis dans le mois de Mai 2022 aux urgences médico-chirurgicales du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Tenganogo pour détresse respiratoire associée à une tuméfaction cervico-thoracique avec nécrose cutanée. Cette symptomatologie était consécutive à une odontalgie de la 36 qui évoluait depuis deux semaines avec notion d'automédication. Le diagnostic de cellulite diffuse cervico-thoracique d'origine dentaire a été posé. Devant la détresse respiratoire avec un syndrome d'épanchement pleural liquidien, la réalisation d'une radiographie thoracique de face a mis en évidence une pleurésie unilatérale gauche de grande abondance dont la ponction suivie du drainage a ramené 3500cc de liquide purulent nauséabond. Un prélèvement bactériologique a été effectué et le patient a bénéficié d'un traitement fait d'une bi-antibiothérapie probabiliste par voie injectable (amoxicilline 1g + acide clavulanique 125mg/8H et métronidazole 500mg/8H), d'une réanimation énergique associée à un drainage cervico-thoracique sous anesthésie générale. L'évolution a été favorable marquée par une bonne ré-expansion pulmonaire à la radiographie de contrôle au bout de deux semaines de traitement. Conclusion : les cellulites diffuses cervico-faciales sont des affections graves, redoutables et constituent de véritables urgences médicochirurgicales

Introduction: Cervico-facial diffuse cellulitis is a rapidly spreading infection of the cellulo-fatty loges of the face, most often of dental origin. They are serious and potentially fatal. We report a case of cervicothoracic diffuse cellulitis complicated by pyothorax. The objective of our study was to report our expérience in the management of this condition. Observation : this was a 30-years old patient with no particular pathological history admitted in May 2022 to the medical-surgical emergency room of the Tenganogo University for respiratory distress associated with a cervico-thoracic swelling with skin necrosis. This symptomatology was consecutive to an odontologia of tooth 36 which has been evolving for two weeks with the notion of self medication in whom the diagnosis of cervicothoracic diffuse cellulitis of dental origin was made. In front of the respiratory distress with syndrome of liquid pleural effusion, the realization of a thoracic radiolography of face showed a unilateral left pleurisy of great abondance whose drainage function brought back 3500 of nauseating purulent liquid. A bacteriological sampling was carried out and the patient benefited from a treatment made of a probabilistic biantibiotitherapy by injectable way (amoxicillin 1g + clavulanic acid 125mg/8h and metronidazol 500mg/8H), of an energetic resuscitation associated with an excision cervico-thoracic drainage under general anesthesia. The evolution was favorable. Conclusion: diffuse cervico-facial cellulitis are serious, dreadful affections and constitue real medical and surgical emergencies.

Intoxication par tortue de mer vue au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Antanambao, Toliara, Madagascar / Poisoning by sea turtle at the Antanambao University Hospital, Toliara, Madagasca

Le chélonitoxisme est une intoxication collective par consommation de la chair, de la peau et des viscères de la tortue marine. Elle est peu fréquente. Notre objectif était de décrire l'aspect épidémio-clinique et thérapeutique de l'intoxication par tortue de mer. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'un rapport de cas effectué au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Antanambao Toliara, Madagascar après une intoxication collective dans la commune rurale de Soalara Sud, Toliara. Résultats : Nous avons colligé 70 patients qui ont ingéré une tortue adulte du genre Eretmochelys imbricata. Les signes cliniques étaient du type chélonitoxisme. Parmi les 70 cas, 8 patients ont été hospitalisés. L'âge des patients intoxiqués variait de 2 ans à 65 ans avec un âge moyen de 20 ± 14 ans. La tranche d'âge entre 10-20 ans était la plus touchée (44%). Les hommes représentaient 54% des patients avec un sex ratio de 1,18. Cinquante-huit pourcent ont eu leurs premiers signes 24 heures après l'intoxication et 81% des patients ont été vus au CHU entre 24 et 48 heures. Les signes cliniques du chélonitoxisme sont polymorphes : 86% ont présenté une asthénie, 91% des nausées, 25% des vomissements, 71% des céphalées et 21% des stomatites. A l'issue de l'hospitalisation, 99% des malades ont été guéris et un patient est décédé. Les traitements étaient symptomatiques. Conclusion : L'intoxication par tortue de mer est généralement bénigne. La prise en charge est symptomatique.

Traumatismes abdominaux graves aux urgences du «Trauma Center¼ de Libreville: Aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostiques et évolutifs / Severe abdominal trauma in the emergency room of the Trauma Center Libreville: Epidemiological, diagnostic and evolutionary aspects

Les traumatismes abdominaux représentent environ 15-20 % des lésions observées en traumatologie. L'objectif est de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostiques et évolutifs des traumatismes abdominaux graves admis aux urgences du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Owendo (CHUO) au Gabon. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective transversale et descriptive. Elle s'est déroulée sur une période de vingt quatre mois de 2020 à 2021 aux urgences du CHUO. Seuls les patients présentant une pathologie abdominale traumatique classée grave ont été inclus. Les variables de l'étude étaient : l'âge, le genre, le mécanisme du traumatisme, la prise en charge pré hospitalière, les signes cliniques, le bilan paraclinique réalisé, le traitement chirurgical et l'évolution. Les données ont été analysées par le logiciel Microsoft Excel© Pro version 2019. Résultats : durant cette période, 4,6% (n=105) des patients présentaient un traumatisme abdominal dont 66,7% (n=70) avaient un traumatisme abdominal grave. L'âge moyen des patients était de 29,8 + 13,8 ans. Dans 70% des cas (n=49), les accidents de la voie publique étaient le principal mécanisme étiologique, puis secondairement les agressions avec 11,4% des cas. En per opératoire, les lésions spléniques représentaient 60% (n=42) des cas. La mortalité brute était de 20% (n=14). Les décès étaient survenus chez 64,2% de patients au cours des quarante-huit premières heures. Conclusion : A Libreville, les accidents de la voie publique représentent le principal pourvoyeur des traumatismes abdominaux graves. Ces urgences restent encore responsables d'une forte mortalité au Gabon

The impact of COVID-19 on HIV treatment of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Background: Adolescents living with HIV are a key population who are susceptible to poor health. The global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and widespread national COVID-19 restrictions has disrupted health service delivery and HIV support services, affecting treatment adherence among adolescents with HIV. Aim: This study aimed to review the available literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV treatment of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Method: Seven online databases were searched for articles published between 2020 and 2022 that focused on the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. A data charting extraction form and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA) flowchart were used for screening and reporting the articles in this review. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Five overarching themes emerged from the articles in this review, which highlighted the mental, social, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the impact of the reallocation of healthcare services and challenges to accessing HIV care services on the antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence of adolescents living with HIV. Conclusion: The global COVID-19 pandemic affected adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa in many ways, but very little research has been done to describe the various ways in which the physical and mental well-being of adolescents were impacted.

Medication adherence and health-related quality of life amongst HIV patients receiving care at umuebule cottage hospital, etched, Rivers State

HIV treatment is available, free, and accessible for individuals who are infected. The study is aimed at determining the levels of medication adherence and health related quality of life (HRQOL) among HIV patients receiving care at Umuebule Cottage Hospital, Etche, Rivers State.Method: This cross-sectional study recruited 430 adult clients who have been on ART for at least one year using a convenient sampling method. An average of 10 patients visits the facility on clinic days. After explaining the purpose of study and obtaining consent,patients who met the eligibility criteria were recruited on each clinic day for a period of 12 weeks, until the sample size was reached. Data was collected using semi-structured interviewer administered validated questionnaire; Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MMAS-8) and WHO-Quality of Life-BREF(WHOQOL-BREF), after a pilot study on 30 PLHIV from Okomoko general hospital, Etche. Data was analyzed with IBM-SPSS Version 25. The mean age of respondents was 35.9±10.9 years, 59.3% of the respondents' last viral load was suppressed, 19.1% had low level viremia, while (21.6%) were virally unsuppressed. Medication adherence levels were observed to be good (67.7%), poor (32.3%) respectively, while HRQOL of respondents were found to be poor (56.9%) and good (43.1%).Conclusion:A significant proportion of the respondents adhere to their medication whereas most of them had poor HRQOL. There is need for hospital management to collaborate with social welfare organizations to support PLHIV to set up means of earning to enable them to provide their basic needs for improved HRQOL

Communicable and non-communicable diseases diagnosis and treatment service availability at primary health care Units during COVID-19 outbreak in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a substantial global health challenge, resulting in an annual death toll of over 15 million individuals aged 30 to 69. Ethiopia, categorized as COVID-19 vulnerable, grapples with NCD treatment challenges. This study aims to assess disease service availability at primary health units in Ethiopia during the pandemic. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2021 across regions, encompassing 452 facilities: 92 health centers, 16 primary hospitals, 344 health posts, and 43 districts. Facility selection, based on consultation with regional health bureaus, included high, medium, and low performing establishments. The study employed the WHO tool for COVID-19 capacity assessment and evaluated services for various diseases using descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Results reveal service disruptions in the past year: hospitals (55.6%), health centers (21.7%), districts (30.2%), and health posts (17.4%). Main reasons were equipment shortages (42%), lack of skilled personnel (24%), and insufficient infection prevention supplies (18.8%). While tuberculosis treatment was fully available in 23% of health posts and malaria services in 65.7%, some health centers lacked HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular, mental health, and cervical cancer services. Most communicable and noncommunicable disease diagnoses and treatments were fully accessible at primary hospitals, except for cervical cancer (56.3%) and mental health (62.5%) services. CONCLUSION: Significant gaps exist in expected services at primary health units. Improving disease care accessibility necessitates strengthening the supply chain, resource management, capacity building, and monitoring systems.

Facteurs associés à la non-observance des personnes vivant avec le VIH à la thérapie antirétrovirale / Factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV

Le VIH est un fléau le plus meurtrier de l'histoire et les antirétroviraux demeurent une panacée. Cette étude cherche à identifier les facteurs associés à l'inobservance des personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) à la thérapie antirétrovirale (TARV). Méthodes L'étude transversale analytique a été menée au sein de la structure ActionsCommunautaires SIDA/ Avenir Meilleur pour les Orphelins. Elle a ciblé les PVVIH éligibles. L'échantillonnage non probabiliste du type occasionnel a été utilisé par la technique d'interview. Les analyses bivariée et multivariée ont été utilisées ainsi que la régression logistique par le logiciel SPSS version 16.0. Résultats 72 PVVIH ont été interviewées dont l'âge moyen était de 44 ans, avec un sex ratio de 2 femmes pour 1 homme. L'observance thérapeutique était de 55,6 %. Les facteurs associés à l'inobservance sont l'anxiété (51,4%), le stress, la mauvaise relation avec le soignant (44,4%), l'oubli (37,5%), la démotivation sexuelle (20,8%), la conscience personnelle (19,4%) et le manque de confidentialité (13,9%). Conclusion L'inobservance à la thérapie antirétrovirale constitue une problématique dans le contexte de la RDC. Il est important d'insister sur l'éducation thérapeutique dans le succès de la thérapie antirétrovirale

Medication Adherence, Barriers to Adherence and Treatment Satisfaction with Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria

The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in controlling Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease has been quite effective in ensuring that infected people can enjoy healthy, long, and productive lives. Medication adherence is an essential part of patient care, especially among patients with HIV, as it greatly determines the effectiveness of treatment. Few studies have explored factors influencing medication adherence and treatment satisfaction among adults, with little focus on adolescents. Objectives: To assess medication adherence, treatment satisfaction and factors influencing adherence to ART medication among adolescents living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among diagnosed and registered adolescents aged 10-19 years living with HIV and receiving treatment at eight selected antiretroviral centres in Lagos state, Nigeria. A total of 203 adolescents were recruited in stages, and data were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Results: There was a low level of adherence as only 59/203 (29.1%) of the respondents adhered to ART. Depression, perceived stigma, being away from home, side effects of drugs, pill burden, and forgetfulness were some factors identified as barriers to adherence. The respondents were most satisfied with the effectiveness of the medication and least satisfied with the side effects. Conclusions: Medication adherence among adolescents was relatively low; the level of satisfaction with ART medication is an entity that significantly impacts adherence

Caractéristiques épidémio-cliniques et évolutives des dysthyroïdies autoimmunes au centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koudougou Maga (CNHU-HKM) de Cotonou / Epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary characteristics of autoimmune dysthyroidism in the National University Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) Of Cotonou

Objectif : Etudier les caractéristiques épidémio cliniques et évolutives des dysthyroïdies auto immunes dans le service d'endocrinologie diabétologie du CNHU-HKM. Matériel et méthode d'étude : Il s'agit d'une étude transversale descriptive et analytique ayant porté sur les patients reçus en consultation pour une pathologie thyroïdienne dans le service d'endocrinologie diabétologie sur une période de 10 ans. Ont été inclus les patients ayant au moins une TSH anormale et les anticorps anti thyroïdiens positifs. Résultats : Sur la période d'étude, nous avons enregistré 2883 consultants, 347 avaient une pathologie thyroïdienne, dont 69 cas de dysthyroïdie auto-immune répartis en 54 cas de maladie de Basedow et 15 cas de maladie de Hashimoto. Les dysthyroïdies auto immunes représentaient donc 2,39 % des consultations et 19,89% des thyroïdopathies. Les fréquences de la maladie de Basedow et de la maladie de Hashimoto étaient respectivement de 1,87% (54 cas) et 0,52% (15 cas) parmi les consultations. Les dysthyroïdies auto immunes étaient plus fréquentes dans les tranches d'âge de 30 à 40 et 40 à 50 ans. Les manifestations les plus fréquentes de la maladie de Basedow étaient l'asthénie (94,4%), l'amaigrissement (87,0%) et la tachycardie (85,2%) . Quant à la maladie de Hashimoto les principales manifestations étaient représentées par une asthénie (86,66%), un goitre (66,6%) et une prise de poids (60%). Le titre initial élevé des anticorps anti R-TSH, l'hypothyroïdie iatrogène ont été retrouvés comme des facteurs associés au suivi prolongé de la maladie de Basedow au-delà de 18 mois. Conclusion : Les dysthyroïdies auto-immunes sont des affections fréquentes dominées par la maladie de Basedow. Leur évolution sous traitement est influencée par des facteurs cliniques, biologiques et échographiques.

Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary characteristics of autoimmune dysthyroidism in the endocrinology-diabetes department of the CNHU-HKM. Material and method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of patients seen for thyroid pathology in the endocrinology diabetology department over a 10-year period. Patients with at least one abnormal TSH and positive anti-thyroid antibodies were included. Results: Over the study period, we recorded 2883 consultants, 347 of them having thyroid diseases, including 69 cases of autoimmune dysthyroidism divided into 54 cases of Graves' disease and 15 cases of Hashimoto's disease. Autoimmune dysthyroidism represented 2.39% of consultations and 19.89% of thyroid disorders. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease accounted for 1.87% (54 cases) and 0.52% (15 cases) of consultations respectively. Autoimmune dysthyroidism was more frequent in the 30-40 and 40-50 age groups. The most frequent symptoms of Graves' disease were asthenia (94.4%), weight loss (87.0%) and tachycardia (85.2%). In Hashimoto's disease, the main symptoms were asthenia (86.66%), goiter (66.6%) and weight gain (60%). High initial R-TSH antibody levels and iatrogenic hypothyroidism were found to be factors associated with extended follow-up of Graves' disease beyond 18 months. Conclusion: Autoimmune dysthyroidism is a frequent condition, with Graves' disease predominating. Their evolution under therapy is influenced by clinical, biological and ultrasonographic factors.

Attitudes and treatment practices of mothers regarding teething

Background: Generally, mothers are saddled with early childcare responsibilities. Therefore, their attitude, practice, and care toward events occurring in early childhood including teething are important. Objective: To evaluate the attitudes and treatment practices of mothers regarding teething, Materials and Methods: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized in selecting the participants for this study. Socio-demographics, attitudes, and treatment practices of mothers regarding teething were obtained via an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. IBM SPSS, Version 21.0. was used for data analysis. The level of significance was set at p= 0.05 Results: A total of 120 mothers participated in the study. The participants in the age group of 20-30 years were in the majority. A majority (86.7%; n=104) strongly agreed that mothers have a role to play in the management of teething. On the other hand, less than half (41.7%; n=50) strongly agreed that doctors have a role to play in the management of teething. Of the 103 mothers who practice self-medication, over 85% (85.4%; n=87) use teething syrup, 63.1% (n=65) sometimes use antibiotics, 80.6% (n=82) use analgesics, and 68.0% (n=70) always use herbal mixtures. The study further revealed a negative grade for attitude and a fair grade for practice Conclusion: Though the attitude level of mothers towards teething in this study was more negative, their treatment practices were nonetheless fair. We recommend educational programs that aim to improve the observed areas of negative attitudes and practices of the study population.

Prolapsus muqueux de l'urêtre de la petite fille: diagnostic et traitement / Girl mucosal urethral prolapse: diagnosis and treatment

Defi ned as circumferential eversion of the epithelium of the distal urethra, mucosal prolapse of the urethra occurs in the girl child. The diagnosis is clinical but may be overlooked or confused with other conditions. Treatment remains controversial. The aim was to describe the anatomical and therapeutic aspects. Methods. This was a retrospective and descriptive study over 5 years. Age, time of admission and circumstances of occurrence were analysed. Clinical aspects were based on the length of the prolapse (small less than 1 cm, medium: between 1 and 2 cm, large more than 2 cm), the colour of the prolapse and the presence or absence of bleeding. The treatment was medical (hormonal) and surgical in case of failure of hormonal treatment. The evaluation of the results was based on the occurrence of recurrence and urinary incontinence. The average follow-up was 18 months. Results. Twenty-one patients were included in the study with a mean age of 6.5 years. The mean time to onset was 12.4 days. Vulvar bleeding was the reason for consultation in n=9 patients. The prolapse was large in 12 patients, medium in 9 patients and small in 3 patients. The prolapse was violaceous in 15 patients. Medical

Éclampsie en réanimation polyvalente: facteurs déterminants du décès / Eclampsia in polyvalent intensive care unit: determinants of death

Contexte et objectif . L'éclampsie étant une cause majeure de mortalité maternelle, notre objectif était de décrire l'évolution et identifi er les facteurs prono stics des éclampsies admises en réanimation. Méthodes. Etude rétrospective, analytique portant sur les cas d'éclampsie admis du 01 janvier 2015 au 31 décembre 2019. Les données étudiées étaient d'ordres épidémio-clinique, thérapeutique et évolutif. L'analyse a été réalisée à l'aide du test de Fisher au seuil de signifi cativité 5%. Résultats. Soixante-douze (72) dossiers ont été retenus et la prévalence était de 5,46%. L'âge moyen était de 23,87 ans ± 1,52. Les crises étaient survenues en anté partum à 52,78%. Une césarienne a été réalisée dans 65,28% des cas. Les anticonvulsivants les plus utilisés étaient le phénobarbital (51,39%), le sulfate de magnésium (38,89%) et le diazépam (26,39%). La ventilation mécanique a été indiquée dans certains cas : 38,89%. Nous avons observé des complications dans 59,72% des cas dont les plus fréquentes étaient le syndrome d'hémolyse, de cytolyse hépatique et de thrombopénie (30,56%), l'état de mal convulsif (25%) et l'insuffi sance rénale aigüe (19,44%). La mortalité était de 12,5%. Les facteurs de mauvais pronostic étaient la ventilation mécanique et la présence de certaines complications. Les facteurs améliorant le pronostic étaient l'éclampsie du post partum et le sulfate de magnésium. Conclusion. Les complications étaient fréquentes, la mortalité élevée et les facteurs pronostics concernaient la période de survenue des convulsions, le type de complications associées et les moyens de prise en charge

Context and objective. Eclampsia being a major cause of maternal mortality, our objective was to describe the evolution and identify the prognostic factors of eclampsia admitted to intensive care. Methods. R0etrospective, analytical study of cases of eclampsia admitted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. The data studied were epidemiologicalclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary. The analysis was carried out using Fisher's test at the 5% signifi cance level. Results. 72 fi les were retained and the prevalence was 5.46%. The mean age was 23.87 years ± 1.52. The seizures had occurred antepartum in 52.78%. A caesarean section was performed in 65.28% of cases. The most used anticonvulsants were phenobarbital (51.39%), magnesium sulphate (38.89%) and diazepam (26.39%). Mechanical ventilation was indicated in some cases: 38.89%. We observed complications in 59.72% of cases, the most frequent of which were hemolysis syndrome, hepatic cytolysis and thrombocytopenia (30.56%), convulsive status epilepticus (25%) and insufficiency acute renal (19.44%). Mortality was 12.5%. The poor prognostic factors were mechanical ventilation and the presence of certain complications. The factors improving the prognosis were postpartum eclampsia and magnesium sulphate. Conclusion. Complications were frequent, mortality high and the prognostic factors concerned the period of onset of the seizures, the type of associated complications and the means of management.