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

Influences sociales et acceptabilité de la pratique de la planification familiale chez les femmes Port-Bouët II à Yopougon en Côte d'Ivoire / Social influences and acceptability of the practice of family planning among Port-Bouët II women in Yopougon, Côte d'Ivo

Considérée comme une stratégie efficace pour l'amélioration des indicateurs du développement socio-économique et démographique, la pratique de la planification familiale reste encore faible en Côte d'Ivoire. L'objectif de cette recherche estde déterminer les facteurs pouvant contribuerà rehausser le taux d'adhésion des femmes en âge de procréer à la pratique de la planification familiale.L'étude s'est déroulée à Yopougon. 212 femmes âgées de 15 à 45 ans ont été interrogées à l'aide d'un questionnaire.Le logiciel SPSS est sollicité pour le traitement des données notamment le calcul du Khi carré.Les résultats indiquent d'une part quel'avis du partenaire influence significativement la femme dans sa pratique de la planification familiale. D'autre part, les agents de santé constituent la source d'information significative la plus importante et la plus efficace dans la sensibilisation à la pratique du planning familial.

Considered an effective strategy for improving socio-economic and demographic development indicators, the practice of family planning is still low in Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of this research is to determine the factors that can contribute to raising the adherence rate of women of childbearing age to the practice of family planning.The study took place in Yopougon. 212 women aged 15 to 45 were interviewed using a questionnaire. SPSS software is used for data processing, in particular the calculation ofthe Chi square.The results indicate on the one hand that the opinion of the partner significantly influences the woman in her practice of family planning. On the other hand, health workers are the most important and effective source of significant information in raising awareness about the practice of family planning.

La couverture maladie universelle au Sénégal: quand les facteurs socio-économiques expliquent l'adhésion et le recours aux mutuelles de santé à Ziguinchor (Sénégal) / NA

Cet article s'intéresse aux rôlesdes perceptionssocio-économiquesdansl'adhésion et lerecours à la Couverture Maladie Universelle(CMU)à Ziguinchor. En effet, la CMU est un programmenationald'assurance santé lancé en 2013 par le gouvernement du Sénégal. Ce programme s'appuie sur les mutuelles communautaires de santé pour s'étendre et se développer. La CMU offre aux populations exclues du système de protection sociale un accès financier aux soins et structures de santé par le moyen d'une assurance santé subventionnéepar l'Etat.S'appuyant sur une enquête par questionnaire auprès de 150 chefs de ménage, l'étude montre que les facteurs socio démographiques n'ont pas d'effet sur l'adhésion à la Couverture maladie Universelle à Ziguinchor. Au contraire, cette recherche montre d'une part qu'il y a un lien entre l'existence de besoins de soins dans le ménage et l'adhésion et d'autre part, lesdimensions socio-économiquessont très importantes pour l'adhésion et le recours aux services de la Couverture Maladie Universelle.

This article focuses on the roles of socio-economic perceptions in adherence to and use of Universal Health Coverage(UHC)in Ziguinchor. Indeed, the UHCis a national health insurance program launched in 2013 by the government of Senegal. This program relies on community health mutuals to expand and develop. It offers populations excluded from the social protection system financial access to health care and structures through subsidized health insurance.Based on a questionnaire survey of 150 heads of household, the study shows that socio-demographic factors have no effect on adherence to Universal Health Coverage in Ziguinchor. On the contrary, this research shows on the one hand that there is a link between the existence of care needs in the household and adherence and on the other hand, the socio-economic dimensions are very important for adherence. and the use of UniversalHealth Coverage services.

Modelling COVID-19 vaccination status and adherence to public health and social measures, Eastern Mediterranean Region and Algeria

Objective: To study the link between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination status and adherence to public health and social measures in Members of the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Algeria. Methods: We analysed two rounds of a large, cross-country, repeated cross-sectional mobile phone survey in June­July 2021 and October­November 2021. The rounds included 14 287 and 14 131 respondents, respectively, from 23 countries and territories. Questions covered knowledge, attitudes and practices around COVID-19, and demographic, employment, health and vaccination status. We used logit modelling to analyse the link between self-reported vaccination status and individuals' practice of mask wearing, physical distancing and handwashing. We used propensity score matching as a robustness check. Findings: Overall, vaccinated respondents (8766 respondents in round 2) were significantly more likely to adhere to preventive measures than those who were unvaccinated (5297 respondents in round 2). Odds ratios were 1.5 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.3­1.8) for mask wearing; 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3­1.7) for physical distancing; and 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0­1.4) for handwashing. Similar results were found on analysing subsamples of low- and middle-income countries. However, in high-income countries, where vaccination coverage is high, there was no significant link between vaccination and preventive practices. The association between vaccination status and adherence to public health advice was sustained over time, even though self-reported vaccination coverage tripled over 5 months (19.4% to 62.3%; weighted percentages). Conclusion Individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 maintained their adherence to preventive health measures. Nevertheless, reinforcement of public health messages is important for the public's continued compliance with preventive measures.

Compliance and perception towards COVID-19 preventive protocols among hospital staff in a tertiary health facility, Southwest Nigeria

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigeria was challenged by the existing weak health sector and the frontline health workers for COVID-19 pandemic response are exposed to the pathogen. One militating factor undermining the control and prevention of COVID-19 in Nigeria was poor compliance to preventive measures. This study assessed the compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols among healthcare workers in Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study and subjects were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection was done using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire over a period of five months (JuneOctober, 2021). Data was analyzed using IBM, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 and p value was set at <0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance. Results: Majority (60.1%), of the respondents got information on COVID-19 protocols through seminars and workshops. However, more than a quarter (28.8%) of the respondents said the use of available PPE was suboptimal. More than one-third, (35.8%), of respondents believe the protocols are too strict. There is, however, good perception (93.3%), but relatively lower compliance (58.7%) of COVID-19 protocols among the staff. Age, marital status and sex were associated with compliance towards COVID-19 protocols in this study (P<0.05). Identified significant predictors (p<0.05) of compliance include age (AOR=1.944), female sex (AOR=7.829). Conclusion: Most respondents had good knowledge of availability, perception of effectiveness, but relatively lower compliance with the COVID-19 protocols in this facility. The government or hospital authority make sure that necessary steps to further boost compliance are taken

Factors influencing adherence to asthma control measures among patients in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi Kenya

BACKGROUND :Asthma is an obstructive respiratory disease characterized by wheezing, chest tightness, cough and shortness of breath that is evidenced by expiratory airflow limitation. Patient awareness of asthma control measures is key in ensuring compliance with asthmatic drugs. The main aim of the study was to assess determinants of adherence to asthma control measures among adult asthmatic clients attending chest clinics in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHOD We employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design involving asthmatic patients interviewed at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The study participants had to have been diagnosed with asthma for at least three months preceding the study, attend the chest clinic and consent to participate in the study. We pretested the study tools at Mbagathi county hospital on 11 asthmatic patients. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 110 study participants and data was collected using a modified questionnaire and lung function test between March to June 2018. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0. The Chi-square test was used to establish the association between independent variables and asthma adherence control measures at a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Our findings report a response rate of 89% (98). The majority (58.2%) of participants were females. On average 57.1% had good adherence to asthma control measures. Control of asthma was poor, with well-controlled being 27.5%, moderately controlled at 53.1% and poorly controlled at 19.4%, respectively P (0.003). Respondents with adequate knowledge were 56.1% and positive attitude with 71.2%. There was a significant association between adherence to asthma control measures and participants' attitude (P-value=0.000), knowledge (P-value=0.000), level of education (P-value=0.000), level of asthma control (P-value=0.003). Environmental factors were cleaning carpets/curtains (P-value=0.001), type of fuel (P-value=0.003), and use of carpet (Pvalue=0.014). CONCLUSION Adherence to asthma control measures was suboptimal resulting in a generally poor asthma control. Adequate knowledge was associated with a positive attitude. Adherence was strongly associated with attitude, knowledge, education and asthma control.

Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications in Kidney Transplant Patients at Three Centers in Khartoum State, Sudan: A Cross-sectional Hospital Study

Background: Graft survival post-kidney transplantation is of paramount importance to patients and nephrologists. Nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy can be associated with deterioration of renal function and graft rejection. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence to immunosuppressive medications in kidney transplant patients at three centers in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based survey, 277 post-kidneytransplant patients were recruited. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS v.23. Our scoring method was calculated based on Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) related to immunosuppressive medications and was expressed as questions in the questionnaire; every correct answer was given one mark, then the marks were gathered and their summation was expressed. Results: Overall, 33% ,45%, and 22% of the studied participants reported high, medium, and low adherence, respectively. The major factor for nonadherence was forgetfulness affecting 36.1% of those who did not adhere. The cost of the immunosuppressive medications did not negatively affect any of the participants' adherence (100%). However, a significant association was seen between adherence and occupational status, duration of transplantation, shortage of immunosuppressants, recognizing the name of immunosuppressant, side effect, and forgetfulness (P-values = 0.002, 0.01, 0.006 , 0.000, 0.022, and 0.000, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association with occupational status, side effects, and forgetfulness.

Evaluation of patients' compliance to recall visits after tooth extraction at the Dental Centre, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH): A two-year retrospective study

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to evaluate the level of patients' compliance with recall / follow-up visits attending the dental Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).Methods: This study adopted a descriptive retrospective study of case notes retrieved from the medical records department of the dental Centre, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The period under study covers 2019 to 2021. The data was collected by means of 1232 questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages. Results: The result showed that the participants in the age bracket of 18-40 years of age (277) complied better to recall visit in comparison with the study age distributions which are 41-65 years (218) and age above 65 years (188). As per the influence of gender on compliance of patients with post-extraction recall visits, it was observed that the male participants (288) responded better to the recall visits compared to the female participants (251). The Relationship between distance away from the hospital and compliance of patients with post-extraction recall visits was also evaluated, and it was observed that the patients closer to the hospital within 5km (442) complied better to recall revisit in comparison to the participants who were within 10km (224) from the hospital as well as the participants that were 10km & above (17). Finally, the influence of interval between procedure and recall visit was also evaluated, and the result revealed that the participants that were given 7 days of recall revisit (663) complied better compared with the participants who were given 14days duration for recall revisit (478). Conclusion: The data from this study highlighted the possible need for a paradigm shift in patient-doctor interphase especially as it concerns recall visits. Compliance to recall appointment by the patients depends largely on age, gender, distance from hospital and interval between procedures and is mainly responsible for the noncompliance of patients to recall visit

Outcomes of tuberculosis treatment in a tertiary health facility in north-central Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern despite being a curable and preventable disease. The treatment of TB using a cocktail of drugs over a period of six months under the directly observed treatment short-course strategy has led to a reduction in cases but is plagued by some challenges that leads to unsuccessful or poor outcomes, which can ultimately result in spread of infections, development of drug resistance and increase in morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study are to determine outcomes of TB treatment in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria and the factors that may be associated with the outcomes. Methodology: This was a retrospective study using the medical records of patients who were registered for TB treatment over a five-year period between 2016 to 2020. Data from TB registers including demographic and relevant clinical information, and treatment outcomes, were extracted into a structured data extraction format, and analysed with SPSS version 21.0 software package. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted, and Chi square test was used to determine association between TB outcomes and independent variables at 95% confidence interval and p<0.05 was considered as the significant value. Results: Records of 1,313 patients were studied, 744 (56.7%) were males while 569 (43.3%) were females. The age range of the patients was ≤ 1 year - 96 years, with a mean age of 30±16.7 years. Most were pulmonary TB cases (88.8%, n=1,166), newly diagnosed (95.5%, n=1254), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative at the time of TB diagnosis (63.7%, n=837). Eight hundred and seven (61.5%) patients had successful treatment, and 34% (n=446) had unsuccessful outcomes made of 'loss to follow-up' 25.8% (n=339), deaths 7.8% (n=102) and treatment failure 0.4% (n=5), while 2.3% (n=30) were transferred out and 2.3% (n=30) removed from TB register. Treatment success rate was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary TB (p=0.0024), residents in Lafia LGA (p=0.0005), those treated in 2016 (p=0.0006) and bacteriologically confirmed cases (p<0.0001), while death rate was significantly lower among patients who were HIV-negative at the time of TB diagnosis (p<0.0001). Conclusion: TB treatment success rate in this study fell short of the WHO average rate. High rates of 'loss to followup' and deaths in this study is a wake-up call to all stakeholders in the facility and the State to put in place measures to reduce poor outcomes of TB treatment.

Compliance with WHO recommended measures against Covid-19 among a Nigerian population

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Mobile Phone-based intervention to promote un-interrupted HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Keeping HIV-infected adults away from the health care system during the COVID-19 travel restrictions, presents a challenge to HIV treatment adherence. Methods: This study focused on the initial two phases where Phase 1 designed a Makerere College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-based application; and Phase 2 piloted patient enrolment onto the application and determined the feasibility of remote follow-up of patients receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results: A off/online user application, MakCHS Health app, was developed. Overall, 112 patients [(66(59%) female] receiving ART at Mulago ISS clinic, Kampala, were enrolled onto the MakCHS Health app. Up to 89 (80%) utilized the app to access medical help. Patients' medical queries included needs for drug refills, missed taking HIV medication, medical illnesses, access to COVID-19 vaccination and other personal needs that required clinicians' attention. Conclusion: Piloting a MakCHS Health application for patient follow-up was feasible and well-received by HIV treatment providers and patients receiving ART. We recommend scale up of the application to enroll all patients receiving long-term treatment for HIV/AIDS, and subsequently expand to. other HIV treatment programs in similar settings

Barriers and facilitators to adherence for antiretroviral therapy the perspectives of patients from a wellness center in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Introduction. Patients' non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment remains a public health concern in many developing countries, especially in South Africa. Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of patients' ART adherence in one health care facility in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was employed to collect data using a semi-structured interview guide through individual in-depth interviews among twenty (20) purposively selected patients. The thematic analysis approach was used to generate themes from the data. Results: A majority of the participants were female (n=12, 60%), married (n=13, 65%), and employed (n=12, 60%). Barriers to ART adherence include insufficient medical staff at the health center and waiting time being too long. Facilitators included service providers' positive attitude, clear instructions for taking medication, benefits of adhering to ART, and dangers of defaulting treatment. Conclusion: Barriers and facilitators for adherence included several factors related to the health system, health care workers, and the patients. Achievement of optimal adherence to ART requires the commitment of both patients and providers

Awareness and Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures among OralHealth Care Workers in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Some studies have been conducted worldwide onthe preparedness of dentists and even dental students for infectionprevention and control with regard to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemicbut very few studies have been done among other Oral Health CareWorkers (OHCWs). The purpose of this study was to assess theknowledge and practices of dental health care workers in Nigeria oninfection prevention and control with regards to COVID-19.METHODS: This was a descriptive study on the knowledge andpractices regarding infection control protocols and procedures withregard to the COVID-19 pandemic among dental personnel in Nigeria.A validated self-administered questionnaire was utilised for datacollection. Bivariate analysis was done with a Chi-squared test todetermine the association between the participants age, gender,profession and place of practice with knowledge and practicesregarding COVID 19 infection. Statistical significance in associationswas inferred at P-value < 0.05.RESULTS: The majority of the OHCWs (77.4%) had good knowledgeabout infection prevention and control, and regulations regardingCOVID-19, but most of them (58.5%) displayed poor practices withregard to infection prevention and control regulations related toCOVID-19. Male respondents (68.8%), those aged between 55­64(83.3%) years and Dental therapists (71.4%) had a higher proportionof those with good practices with the male gender and profession(Dental Therapist) being significantly associated with good practices.(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Our study identified a high rate of knowledge butlow compliance with infection prevention and control guidelinesregarding COVID-19. Better compliance with recommended infectioncontrol and waste management practices for all OHCWs and continuingeducation programs promoting infection control awareness are vitalto improving the practices of these OHCWs

Factors associated with viral non-suppression among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Objectives: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a public health issue with more than 25 million deaths since 1990. As of 2019, Nigeria has a national prevalence of 1.4% among 15-49 years and about 1.9 million people living with HIV, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. This study assessed the factors responsible for unsuppressed viral load among patients accessing care at Federal Medical Centre HIV Clinic in Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria.Methods: The study design was descriptive cross-sectional. Data was collected using the qualitative method; an In-depth interview was conducted among 20 virally unsuppressed HIV patients currently on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) at Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta. The participants were purposively selected. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Although almost all the participants were aware of HIV, their knowledge of HIV was inadequate. Non-adherence to drugs, side effects of medications, the psychological effects of the disease, forgetfulness, and combination of anti-retroviral drugs with local herbs and alcohol were the associated factors of viral non-suppression among the patients.Conclusion: Scaling up psychological care services using Short Message Services (SMS) to improve viral suppression is, therefore, strongly recommended.

Predictors of Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV Patients attending Selected Comprehensive Care Centres in Kericho County, Kenya

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is undoubtedly the only proven remedy known to improve the health outcomes and reduce AIDS-related mortality. However, just like other chronic diseases, HIV presents significant challenges in achieving and maintaining adherence to medication. The effectiveness of HAART solely depends on adherence. For maximum medication benefits, a nearperfect adherence levels of >95% is required yet data from different studies indicate that few, if any patients have achieved perfect adherence. The main objective of the study was to the determine predictors of adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV patients attending selected comprehensive care centres in Kericho County. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted, involving 280 HIV patients (≥ 15 years) on HAART from three selected Comprehensive Care Centres in Kericho County, Kenya. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, respectively. Purposive sampling was used to select the three health facilities while systematic sampling was used for participant selection. Adherence was measured using viral load. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between adherence to HAART and various independent variables. Results were considered to be significant at p < 0.05). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Seventy six percent (76%) of the respondents had optimal adherence while 24% had sub-optimal adherence. More females than males were on treatment. Use of HAART alternatives was a risk factor for sub-optimal adherence (p=0.011). Having someone/tool to remind of when to take medication and disclosure of HIV positive status to spouse were found to significantly promote adherence to HAART with p=0.034) and p=0.048, respectively. African Journal of Health Sciences Volume 34, Issue No.4, July- August 2021 465 RECOMMENDATIONS Several studies have been done on the socio-demographic and socio-economic factors associated with adherence to HAART. Findings from this study indicate that attitudes and practices towards HAART have significant effects on adherence hence more research should be done on attitudes and practice aspects of adherence

Causes de réhospitalisation pour insuffisance cardiaque dans le service de cardiologie du CHU de Brazzaville (République du Congo) / The causes of rehospitalization for heart failure in the department of cardiology at the university hospital of Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo)

But: Identifier les causes de réhospitalisation pour insuffisance cardiaque (IC) Patients et méthode: cette étude transversale a été menée entre avril 2014 et mars 2015 dans le service de cardiologie du centre hospitalier universitaire de Brazzaville (République du Congo). Ont été inclus, les patients ayant des antécédents d'hospitalisation pour IC. Résultats: Quatre-vingt-onze patients, 54 femmes (59,3%) ont été inclus. Le sexe-ratio était de 0,7. La fréquence de réhospitalisation pour IC était de 19%. L'âge moyen était de 62 ± 16 ans (extrêmes: 24-89 ans). Le nombre moyen de réadmissions était de 2 ± 0,8 (extrêmes: 1 à 5), les réhospitalisation fréquentes (supérieur à 3) étaient de 33 (36,2%). Les patients présentaient un statut socioéconomique faible dans 59 cas (64,8%), et une hypertension artérielle dans 40 cas (43,9%). L'examen physique a retrouvé : une insuffisance cardiaque globale 77 cas (84,6%), une insuffisance cardiaque droite exclusive 5 cas (5,5%). Les causes de l'insuffisance cardiaque étaient: la cardiopathie hypertensive 40 cas (43,9%), la cardiomyopathie dilatée 28 cas (30,8%) et les valvulopathies 9 cas (10%). Les principales causes de réhospitalisation étaient: les écarts du régime hyposodé 64 cas (70,3%), la mauvaise observance du traitement 56 cas (61,5%), la grippe 15 cas (16,5%), la fibrillation atriale 12 cas (13,2%), débit de filtration glomérulaire réduite 12 cas (13,2%). La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 11 ± 6,4 jours (extrêmes: 2-29). Le décès a été enregistré dans 5 cas (5,5%). Conclusion: L'absence de respect pour un régime pauvre en sodium et une mauvaise adhésion au médicament ont été les principales causes de réhospitalisation pour IC à Brazzaville. À cet égard, il est nécessaire de promouvoir l'éducation thérapeutique et d'améliorer l'accès au traitement.

Background: to identify the causes of readmission for heart failure (HF) Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2014 to march 2015 in the department of cardiology, University Hospital of Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo). We had included, the patients who had a history of hospitalization for HF. Results: Ninety-one patients, 54 women (59.3%) were included. Sex-ratio was 0.7. The frequency of readmission for HF was 19%. The mean age was 62±16 years (range: 24-89). The average number of readmission was 2±0.8 (range: 1-5), the history of readmission ≥ 3, were 33 (36.2%). The patients were low socio-economic status in 59 cases (64.8%). In examination, patients were in congestive HF (n=77, 84.6%), right-sided HF (n=5). The causes of HF were: hypertensive heart disease (n=40, 43.9%), dilated cardiomyopathy (n=28, 30.8%), and valvular heart disease (n=9). The main causes of readmission were: excessive salt intake (n=64, 70.3%), poor drug-adherence (n=56, 61.5%), influenza (n=15, 16.5%), atrial fibrillation (n=12, 13.2%), reduced estimate glomerular filtration rate (n=12, 13.2%). The average length of hospitalization was 11±6.4 days (range: 2-29). The death was recorded in 5 cases (5.5%). Conclusion: No respect of low sodium diet and poor drug adherence, were the most causes of readmission for HF at Brazzaville. In regard of this facts, promoting therapeutic education is needed, and increasing access to treatment

Information behaviour and medication adherence among hypertensive and diabetic patients in tertiary care Teaching Hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria

This paper examined the relationship between use of information and medication adherence among hypertensive and diabetic patients in tertiary care teaching hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria. It also explored the factors that influence hypertensive and diabetic patients' choice of information sources. The research is a descriptive survey that used a questionnaire to collect data. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting four diabetic and hypertension clinics in University of Lagos Teaching Hospital. The convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the patients. Participants comprised 134 hypertensive and diabetic patients. Data were collected at the clinics. Result shows that majority of the respondents 52.3. % and 23.1% either very highly utilized or highly utilized healthcare personnel such as doctors, pharmacists and nurses as their major sources of information. While 16.4 % and 19.4% of the respondents either very highly utilized or highly utilized pharmacy stores as information sources. The main factors that influence their choice of information source were credibility and relevance of the source (70.9%) and easy access to information source (53.0%). Majority of the respondents (40.3%) reported that their level of adherence to medication was good while 32.1% reported that their level of adherence to medication was very good. The study also found that there is a strong positive relationship between information sources use and attitude towards medication adherence (rho=0.726, P (0.031) <0.05). The findings may enhance understanding of the influence of information source use and medication adherence. It can also assist medical professionals and medical librarians in meeting the information needs of hypertensive and diabetic patients.

Compliance to maternal care guidelines is high in patients with complications compared to patients without complications. The tip of an iceberg? A retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND: Rwanda achieved Millennium Development Goal Five (MDG5) and continues to register improvements in maternal health. Maternal death audit revealed that a great number of deaths were due to preventable causes in hospitals.OBJECTIVE: To identify preventable causes of severe maternal outcomes linked to poor guideline utilization in hospitals.METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Data were collected for 196 controls (discharged without complications) and 100 cases with severe maternal outcomes (dead or discharged after complications) between 2016 to 2018 at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital in Musanze, Northern Province, Rwanda. Medical case files were reviewed, and outcomes were compared.RESULTS: Guideline utilization in diagnosis during ward rounds was 59% and 54% respectively. Correct guideline utilization [76% vs. 51%, OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.69-6.28)], noting of vital signs [65% vs. 22%, OR: 6.50, 95% CI: 3.55-11.96), lab results [76% vs. 48%, OR: 3.59, 95% CI: 2.09-6.21)] and regular ward rounds [76% vs. 39%, OR: 4.81 95% CI: 2.64-8.89)] were statistically different between the two groups.CONCLUSION: Guideline utilization was noted in complicated cases compared to patients without complications, post discharge mortality of 59% could be improved by putting guidelines in place, and attention to the details. There is a need for nationwide medical record review and implementation of a standardized guideline

Adherence to dietary recommendation and associated factors among diabetic patients in Ethiopian teaching hospitals

Introduction: dietary management is considered to be one of the cornerstones of diabetes care. Improvement of dietary practice alone can reduce glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by an absolute 1 to 2% with the greatest impact at the initial stages of diabetes. Methods: data from Hospital based cross sectional study were used to assess the level of dietary adherence and its determinants among diabetic patients. The morisky 8 item medication adherence scale was used to develop 10 item tool for evaluation of dietary adherence. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify factors which affect dietary adherence and variables with P vale < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: more than half of 303 participants (55.7%) were found to be non-adherent to the recommended dietary approach. Gathering with family and friends and eating out were the major reasons for not being compliant with the recommended regimen. Attending diabetic nutrition education (AOR=2.8 95% C 1.97, 5.61) and having the disease for more than 10 years (AOR 2.9 95% CI 1.32, 5.84) were statistically significant with adherence to dietary recommendation.Conclusion: non-adherence to recommended dietary practice was observed in more than fifty percent of patients; it is therefore a major public health problem. Attending diabetic nutrition education and length of diabetes greater than 10 years were the factors associated with adherence to dietary recommendation. This findings indicate that it is important to design strategies to help patients understand their dietary regimens and improve their adherence

Factors associated with adherence to ARV treatment in people living with HIV/AIDS in a rural area (Koula-Moutou) in East Gabon

The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of socio-clinical factors on adherence to antiretroviral treatment in people living with HIV/AIDS in Koula-Moutou (a rural area of Gabon). Two adherence assessment methods based on patient declaration and compliance with pharmacy visits were used to determine qualitative and quantitative aspects of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The quantitative (82.2%) and qualitative (79.5%) adherences to ART declared by patients were higher than those obtained through pharmacy visit assessment methods (15.8% and 45.2%, respectively). Moreover, the declarative and pharmacy visit compliance methods showed fair agreement (quantitative Kappa = 0.317; qualitative Kappa = 0.311). A better quantitative or qualitative declarative adherence was associated with a lower level of education (P = 0.05 and P = 0.025 respectively). This study reported for the first time the factors influencing adherence to ART in a rural area of East Gabon. We recommend further investigations in a large cohort to better assess the impact of socio-clinical factors on ART adherence in a vulnerable group of patients