Incidence and factors associated with pulmonary embolism among RT-PCR confirmed Covid-19 patients with upfront CT pulmonary angiography in Ethiopia: A nested case-control study

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism is one of the complications of COVID-19, with reported incidence ranging from 3 to 33 % in non-ICU patients to as high as 40% among ICU patients. Since the clinical presentations of COVID-19 and Pulmonary embolism overlap, it is difficult to differentiate between these cases. This study aimed to assess the incidence of pulmonary embolism and associated factors among confirmed Covid-19 Patients in Ethiopia. Methods: A nested case control study was conducted among 131 patients with COVID-19 (40 COVID-19 patients with Pulmonary embolism and 91 COVID-19 patients with no PE) who were on follow up from May, 2021 to May, 2022. Data was summarized using frequencies with percentages. A chi-square test/ Fisher's exact test was run to determine the presence of a significant difference between the exposure variables and the development of PE. To identify factors associated with the development of Pulmonary embolism, a multivariable Binary Logistic Regression model with sensitivity analysis was run. Results: The incidence of PE was 30.5% (95% CI, 22.9% - 37.4%) in the cohort of patients for whom upfront CTPA was performed. The Chi-square/ Fisher's exact test results showed a significantly higher proportion of patients with PE tend to present with shortness of breath, chest pain and anosmia/ageusia than those with no PE. However, in a subsequent regression analysis, only chest pain was found to be significantly associated with the development of PE in COVID-19 patients (AOR= 3.24, 95% CI= 1.10, 9.54, p-value=0.033). Conclusion: The incidence of PE among COVID-19 patients was found to be relatively lower than reports from other countries. Having chest pain was found to be a significant factor that indicates the development of PE, implying that in a setting where performing upfront CTPA is not practical, detailed symptom inquiry could serve as an important clinical criteria.

Particularités du cancer du larynx chez le sujet jeune / Epidemiological and clinical predictive factors of success in septoplasty: Study of 250 patients

Discuter à travers une étude descriptive ainsi qu'une revue de la littérature, les particularités cliniques, démographiques et pronostiques des patients de moins de 45 ans, ayant un cancer du larynx. Materiels et Methodes: Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive portant sur des patients atteints d'un cancer du larynx, âgés de moins de 45 ans suivis dans le service d'ORL et de chirurgie cervico-faciale du CHU Habib Bourguiba Sfax durant la période s'étendant de 1989 à 2018. Resultats: Nous avons trouvé 31 patients avec une prédominance masculine. Un cancer dans la famille a été trouvé dans 16,12% des cas sans corrélation statistique avec le stade avancé de la maladie. Une importante intoxication tabagique a été trouvée (96%). Trois patients avaient une laryngite chronique et un patient une papillomatose laryngée avec des lésions de dysplasie. Les motifs de consultation étaient dominés par la dysphonie (87%). La maladie a été classée en stades avancés dans 70% des cas. Le traitement chirurgical était préconisé chez 87% des patients et la préservation fonctionnelle chez 38,7%. Le taux de survie globale et sans maladie étaient respectivement, à un an de 96% et 84%, à 3 ans de 87% et 76%, et à 5 ans de 77% et 75% Conclusion: Notre travail n'a pas permis de retenir de différence en termes de données cliniques, de l'évolution de la maladie, de l'algorithme thérapeutique ni du pronostic entre les jeunes patients et les plus âgés

Predictors of poor prognosis requiring intubation in COVID-19 patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit: a Congolese observational study Facteurs prédictifs de mauvais pronostic nécessitant une intubation chez les patients COVID-19 admis en unité de soins intensifs: une étude observationnelle congolaise

Context and objective In intensive care units (ICU), clinicians have little information to identify COVID-19 patients at high risk of poor prognosis requiring intubation. Considering the clinical and biological parameters of the patients during their admission to ICU, we determined the incidence of a pejorative evolution requiring intubation, and secondarily we searched among the starting parameters, which were predictors of the intubation during follow-up Methods We conducted a monocentric retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted for moderate, severe or critical COVID-19/WHO clinical classification, during the first two waves of the pandemic in Kinshasa/DR Congo. Our primary end point was the incidence of intubation. Potential predictors of intubation were determined by the Cox regression analysis. The relative risk of death was assessed according to treatment with mechanical ventilation. (intubation) Results We included 219 patients (average age of 56.8 ±15.2 years; 75 % men), respectively 37 % in the 1st and 63 % in the 2nd wave of the pandemic.Cumulative incidence of intubation was 24% (1stwave: 26% vs 2nd wave: 24%). One-third of intubations were performed on the first 3 days versus two-thirds beyond the third day. The Cox's regression model showed that among data from the 1st day of ICU admission, those predicting intubation were: age (Hazard ratio: 1.025, CI 95%: 1.005-1.044), obesity (HR: 4.808; CI 95%: 2.660-8.696), corticosteroid therapy (HR: 0.313, CI 95%: 0.102-0.965), ROX index < 4.88 (HR: 2.024, CI 95 %: 1.003-4.080) and black race (HR: 0.502, CI 95%: 0.272-0.928). In total, 54 deaths (25 % of patients) were recorded with a higher relative risk (18.8) in intubated patients. Conclusion A quarter of COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU could worsen and be intubated. The majority of intubations were performed after the third day of admission and mortality was high. The predictors of intubation that have been identified can help anticipate management by being proactive

Vaccination contre la Covid-19: droits des personnes et obligations du Gouvernement Congolais en période d'urgence sanitaire

Cette étude avait pour objectif de mettre en exergue le rapport entre le bénéfice de la couverture vaccinale contre la Covid-19 et les risques individuels et collectifs encourus par la population. A travers le monde, les études ont monté que les campagnes de vaccination ont insufflé une dynamique positive à la lutte contre la pandémie et la courbe de la maladie a fléchi dans les populations vaccinées. Face à ces résultats probants, le législateur congolais doit s'en inspirer pour proposer des instruments juridiques en faveur d'une vaccination obligatoire contre la Covid-19 soumise à tous les citoyens et citoyennes Congolais sans exception. Si tout le monde peut être contaminé, tout le monde peut également faire preuve d'un certain degré de citoyenneté responsable pour réduire les risques de contracter la maladie et ne pas la transmettre à son entourage. La couverture vaccinale contre la Covid-19 est une des mesures de l'incidence de la maladie dans la population et qui ne peut prendre la quasi-totalité de la population qu'en la rendant obligatoire.

Incidence and Predictors of Poor Outcome amongChildhood Tuberculosis in the North of Cameroon

Background. Childhood tuberculosis (TB) has been neglected by TB programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of poor outcome in children with TB in the North region of Cameroon. Methods.It was a retrospective cohort study based on hospital TB registers and treatment TB forms, in all of the 18 functional diagnosis and therapeutic centers (DTC) in the North region. All children aged 0-15years, on anti-TB treatment between 2010-2016 were enrolled. Logistic regression was used to find independent factors associated to poor outcome. Results. Of the 668 children included [321 (48.1%) boys], the median (25th-75thpercentile) age was 11(6-14) years, with 75.9% children aged >5 years. Pulmonary TB was the most common (62.9%) with 34.3% smear-negative pulmonary TB. Extrapulmonary TB (62.1%) was mostly found in children aged 0-5years. HIV/TB coinfection was 10.3%. Incidence (95%CI) of poor outcome was 4.0 %( 2.5-5.5%). Predictors [OR (95%CI)] of poor outcome were: HIV positivechildren [3.995(1.131-14.112), p=0.031], management in peripheral DTC [32.451(4.211-250.099), p=0.001], and transferred in patients from a peripheral zone toward a 3rdor 4thDTC category [4.602(1.092-19.386), p=0.037]. Conclusion.Incidence of poor outcome of childhood TB was quite low in the North region of Cameroon. HIV, peripheral TDC and transferred in patients were predictors of poor outcome. A better management of HIV, retraining DTC personnel and early reference from peripheral DTC would reduce poor outcome among childhood TB.

Incidence and follow-up of persistent lung perfusion abnormalities as a result of suspected air trapping or microthrombosis in non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients during the early half of the pandemic ­ experience in a tertiary institution in South Africa

Available clinical data have revealed that COVID-19 is associated with a risk of pulmonary microthrombosis and small airway disease, especially in patients with severe disease. These patients present with persistent pulmonary symptoms after recovery, with ventilation and perfusion abnormalities present on several imaging modalities. Few data are available on the occurrence of this complication in patients who earlier presented with a milder form of COVID-19, and their long-term follow-up. Objective. To assess the incidence of persistent lung perfusion abnormalities as a result of suspected air trapping or microthrombosis in non-hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The long-term follow-up of these patients will also be investigated. Methods. This was a retrospective study conducted at the nuclear medicine department of Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein. We reviewed the studies of 78 non-hospitalised patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection referred to our department from July 2020 to June 2021 for a perfusion-only single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) study or a ventilation perfusion (VQ) SPECT/CT study. All 78 patients were suspected of having pulmonary embolism, and had raised D-dimer levels, with persistent, worsening or new onset of cardiopulmonary symptoms after the diagnosis of COVID-19. Results. Seventy-eight patients were studied. The median (interquartile range) age was 45 (41 - 58) years and the majority (88.5%) were females. Twenty-two (28.2%) of these patients had matching VQ defects with mosaic attenuation on CT. All 9 of the patients who had follow-up studies had abnormalities that persisted, even after 1 year. Conclusion. We confirm that persistent ventilation and perfusion abnormalities suspicious of small airway disease and pulmonary microthrombosis can occur in non-hospitalised patients diagnosed with a milder form of COVID-19. Our study also shows that these complications remain present even 1 year after the initial diagnosis of COVID-19.

Catastrophic health expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To estimate the incidence of, and trends in, catastrophic health expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods :We systematically reviewed the scientific and grey literature to identify population-based studies on catastrophic health expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa published between 2000 and 2021. We performed a meta-analysis using two definitions of catastrophic health expenditure: 10% of total household expenditure and 40% of household non-food expenditure. The results of individual studies were pooled by pairwise meta-analysis using the random-effects model. Findings : We identified 111 publications covering a total of 1 040 620 households across 31 sub-Saharan African countries. Overall, the pooled annual incidence of catastrophic health expenditure was 16.5% (95% confidence interval, CI: 12.9­20.4; 50 datapoints; 462 151 households; I2 = 99.9%) for a threshold of 10% of total household expenditure and 8.7% (95% CI: 7.2­10.3; 84 datapoints; 795 355 households; I2 = 99.8%) for a threshold of 40% of household non-food expenditure. Countries in central and southern sub-Saharan Africa had the highest and lowest incidence, respectively. A trend analysis found that, after initially declining in the 2000s, the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa increased between 2010 and 2020. The incidence among people affected by specific diseases, such as noncommunicable diseases, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, was generally higher. Conclusion :Although data on catastrophic health expenditure for some countries were sparse, the data available suggest that a non-negligible share of households in sub-Saharan Africa experienced catastrophic expenditure when accessing health-care services. Stronger financial protection measures are needed.

The spatial relationship between tuberculosis and alcohol outlets in the township of Mamelodi, South Africa

Background: The availability of alcohol in society is known to increase the risk of a range of negative health outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this research is to determine if there is a spatial association between tuberculosis and alcohol outlets in Mamelodi, South Africa. We also aim to examine whether the socio-economic characteristics of the neighbourhood in which an alcohol outlet was located was related to the magnitude of tuberculosis in the immediate vicinity of the alcohol outlet. Methods: Location quotient analysis is used to compare the extent of tuberculosis within a series of buffer intervals (100m, 200m, 300m) immediately surrounding alcohol outlets with tuberculosis across the township of Mamelodi as a whole. Results: The density of tuberculosis around alcohol outlets in Mamelodi at all buffer distances was found to be substantially higher than across the township as a whole. These findings indicate that the risk of tuberculosis in Mamelodi is higher around alcohol outlets. Alcohol outlets located in more deprived areas of Mamelodi were significantly associated with higher density of tuberculosis relative to alcohol outlets located in more affluent neighbourhoods. Conclusion: Despite alcohol outlets forming an integral part of the urban landscape in townships in South Africa, they may facilitate the transmission of tuberculosis.

COVID 19 en RDC: Synthèse de la riposte -incidence -guérison et décès en RDC / NA

Introduction : La maladie à CIVD 19 a été déclarée par l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) 'urgence de santé publique de portée internationale' le 30 janvier 2020 [1] et 'pandémie' le 11 mars 2020 Son impact bnégatif est visible dans tous les secteurs de la société humaine jusqu'à remettre en cause la résilience des systèmes sanitaires mondiaux. L'Afrique a enregistré son premier cas de Covid-19 en Egypte et la RDC dans la ville province de Kinshasa au mois de Mars 2020. Cette synthèse vise à décrire la fréquence, de traitement et la proportion de décès en RDC. Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale basée sur une revue documentaire ayant couvert la période du Mars 2020 au 31 Mars 2021. Les données ont été collectées à la division provinciale de la sante, du sitrep de la République Démocratique du Congo et le site l'OMS. Résultats : En RDC, la guérison et le décès des cas de COVID 19 ont été observées respectivement dans 90% et 2,6 % des cas. Conclusion: En RDC, la guérison et le décès des cas de COVID 19 ont été observées respectivement dans 90% et 2,6 % des cas. Conclusion : La RDC reste le pays de l'Afrique centrale ayant enregistré plus de décès lié à la Covid 19. Nous pensons qu'il est important de réévaluer notre stratégie de riposte contre la Covid - 19. La couverture des mesures promotionnelle et préventive est faiblement observée dans notre pays.

Eye cancers at the guinness eye center Onitsha, Nigeria

Objectives: To describe the hospital incidence and pattern of ocular and adnexal cancers at the Guinness Eye Center, Onitsha. Materials and Methods: The case files of all new patients seen with ocular and adnexal tumors at the Guinness Eye Center, Onitsha, between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed. Those with histological diagnosis of malignancy were selected and analyzed. Information obtained included age, sex, disease duration, diagnosis and co-morbidity. Results: There were 85 patients (0.1% of all the new patients), made up of 42 males and 43 females. The median age was 5 years; range: 5 months­70 years. The commonest cancers were retinoblastoma, 45 patients (52.9%) and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, 30 (35.3%). Twenty eight (93.3%) squamous cell carcinoma patients were HIV-positive. No child had squamous cell carcinoma. All retinoblastoma patients were aged ≤6 years. Conclusions: The incidence of ocular and adnexal cancers at the Guinness Eye Center, Onitsha, was low with retinoblastoma and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma accounting for most of the cancers. While retinoblastoma would most likely be suspected in a child with ocular tumor, young adults with squamous cell carcinoma should be evaluated for HIV infection. Since these lesions threaten sight and life, the public should be educated on the early signs of the diseases and the need to report to hospital early

Incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of ectopic pregnancy in the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals in Cameroon

Introduction: ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy in our environment. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of ectopic pregnancy in the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: this was a retrospective nested case control study carried out from December 2006 to December 2016. A ratio for control vs cases of 3:1 was obtained. Any pregnancy implanted outside the normal uterine cavity was considered as an ectopic pregnancy. Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables and Pearson's Chi-square test for categorical variables. The association between EP and the demographical and clinical variables was estimated using logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p-values<0.05.Results: a total of 247 cases of EP were registered out of 17221 deliveries giving an incidence of 1.43% in ten years. History of pelvic inflammatory disease (OR = 3.10, CI (1.76-5.44), p < 0.001), previous EP (OR = 10.22, CI (2.61-14.82), p < 0.001), History of induced abortion (OR = 2.68, CI (3.32-9.73), p< 0.001), history of adnexa surgery (OR = 4.37, CI (2.17-10.32), p < 0.001) and history of appendectomy (OR = 2.16, CI (0.99-6.64) p< 0.001), were also found to be associated with increased risk of EP. More than five percent (5.52%) of the patients were in shock at presentation. Diagnosis was confirmed mainly by use of ultrasound (78.53%) and treatment was principally by laparotomy (97.55%) with salpingectomy (95.60%). Most (90.18%) of ectopic pregnancies were ruptured at presentation. Only 2.45% of cases were manage medically with the use of methotrexate. Conclusion: the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in our environment is within the global range (hospital-based incidence of 1.43%) and is rising. Late presentation, lack of modern diagnostic and management tools have made laparotomy with salpingectomy the principal method of management of ectopic pregnancy in our environment

Prise en charge des patients nécessitant une réintervention cardiaque valvulaire: Expérience du service de cardiologie du CHU d'Oran / Management of patients requiring a reintervention of the heart valve: Experience of the cardiology department of University Hospital Center of Oran

Introduction - Les cardiopathies valvulaires demeurent fréquentes malgré l'amélioration des conditions sanitaires qui ont permis la réduction de l'incidence du rhumatisme articulaire aigu (RAA). Les indications chirurgicales et interventionnelles se sont élargies et nous opérons aujourd'hui à des stades précoces voire asymptomatiques. Une réintervention chirurgicale valvulaire est nécessaire dans environ 15% des cas au cours de l'évolution d'une valvulopathie opérée. L'objectif de notre étude est de déterminer la fréquence des réinterventions valvulaires et d'identifier les principales indications de ces réinterventions. Méthodes - Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive, portant sur 45 patients, admis au service de cardiologie du Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) d'Oran, de janvier 2011 à juillet 2013, et présentant une valvulopathie déjà opérée nécessitant une autre réintervention chirurgicale valvulaire. Résultats - La moyenne d'âge est de 41 ans, 73% des patients sont des femmes et 27% des hommes (Sex ratio de 0,37). La plupart de nos patients sont symptomatiques (dyspnée stade II de la NYHA). Les réinterventions intéressent la valve mitrale dans 69% des cas, la valve aortique dans 37% des cas et la valve tricuspide dans 35%. Nous avons constaté l'importance des insuffisances aortiques et tricuspides négligées lors de la première intervention (31% et 62% respectivement). Le délai moyen entre les deux interventions, tout type confondu, est de 21 ans. Conclusion - Les réinterventions cardiaques peuvent survenir au cours de l'évolution d'une valvulopathie. Une bonne évaluation cardiaque initiale des valvulopathies lors d'une chirurgie portant sur la valve mitrale ou aortique est indispensable pour pallier au problème d'une réintervention pour des valvulopathies négligées.

Background - Valvular heart disease still common despite improved health conditions that have reduced the rheumatic fever incidence. Surgical and interventional indications have expanded and today we operate at early stages, sometimes even an asymptomatic stage. Valvular reoperation is required in 15% of cases during the evolution of an operated valve disease. The aim of our study is to determine the frequency of valvular reoperations and identify the main indications of these reinterventions. Methods - This is a retrospective study included 45 patients who were admitted to the cardiology department of University Hospital center of Oran, from January 2011 to July 2013 and who had previously operated valvular disease requiring another surgical valvular reoperation. Results - The mean age is 41 years. 73% of patients are women and 27% are men. 95% of patients are symptomatic (NYHA dyspnea stage II). Reinterventions affected the mitral valve in 69% of cases, the aortic valve in 37% cases and the tricuspid valve in 35%. We reporte the importance of neglected aortic and tricuspid regurgitation during the first intervention (31% and 62% respectively). The average time between the two interventions, all types combined, is 21 years. Conclusion - Cardiac reoperations may occur during the course of valvular heart disease. A good initial cardiac evaluation before surgery on the mitral or aortic valve is essential to overcome the problem of neglected valvular disease reoperation.

Incidence of hypoglycaemia in late preterm and term infants born to women with diabetes mellitus

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder affecting pregnant women and is associated with adverse outcomes in their offspring, including hypoglycaemia. The incidence and factors associated with development of hypoglycaemia in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) from developing countries such as South Africa are not well known. Objectives. To determine the incidence of hypoglycaemia and factors associated with its development in IDM. Methods. Medical records of mothers diagnosed with DM, and their infants who were term and/or late preterm and admitted to the neonatal unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, were retrieved and reviewed. Maternal characteristics, type and management of diabetes, infant characteristics and glucose measurements were captured for analysis. Results. Over the 2-year period, 234 infants were born to diabetic mothers (median age 33 years) and 207 met the diagnostic criteria and were admitted for monitoring of blood glucose using the hemoglucotest. Among the mothers with DM, 56% had gestational diabetes; ~19% of IDM were large for gestational age (LGA) and 10% were macrosomic. Hypoglycaemia occurred in 39% of IDM, and 85% of the infants were diagnosed within the first 6 hours of life. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal characteristics, including type of maternal diabetes and its management between hypoglycaemic and normoglycaemic infants. Hypoglycaemic infants were more likely to be LGA (28.2% v. 12.8%; p=0.009). Conclusion: Hypoglycaemia is a common finding in IDM. It presents early (within the first 6 hours of life) and rarely beyond 24 hours after birth. The only characteristic found to be associated with development of hypoglycaemia in IDM was a neonate being LGA

Retentissement des pleurésies exsudatives sur les activités professionnelles

La pleurésie est une affection fréquente en Afrique, d'origine souvent infectieuse. Le but de notre travail était d'évaluer le retentissement de la pleurésie sur les activités professionnelles. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale, réalisée dans un service de médecine physique et réadaptation fonctionnelle, sur une durée de 9 mois. Etaient inclus les patients présentant une pleurésie avec ou sans atteinte parenchymateuse, menant une activité professionnelle. Les données pleuropulmonaires, l'état psychiatrique, et les capacités professionnelles ont été étudiés. 25 patients ont été inclus, d'âge moyen de 37,4ans et le sex-ratio de 2,1. Les travailleurs de force était plus représentés (60 %). Le syndrome d'épanchement pleural persistait dans 60% des cas. (60%). L'anxio-dépression était associée chez 92% des patients. Les autres signes associés à la pleurésie sont les réveils nocturnes (56%), la somnolence diurne (40%) et la fatigue (40%). Une répercussion sur les activités professionnelles (48% ) a été notée. Les facteurs déterminants de cette reprise d'activités sont la douleur(p=0,04), l'existence de céphalées matinales (p=0,03), les réveils nocturnes (p=0,09) et la rééducation (p=0,034). Conclusion : La limitation de ces conséquences professionnelles de la pleurésie, nécessite une prise en charge de la douleur sur tous ces aspects et de l'état psychologique

Global stability analysis of the disease-free equilibrium state of a mathematical model of trypanosomiasis

The global stability analysis represents a compound failure, mechanism which provides lower calculated factors of safety. In this research, the global stability analysis was used to propose a mathematically model of the transmission dynamics and control of Trypanosomiasis, known as African sleeping sickness. We obtained the Disease-free equilibrium state and present graphical profile of some of the compartments

The influence of marital status on HIV infection in an HIV hyperendemic area of rural South Africa, 2000­2017

Marital status is one of the factors whose impact on HIV infection has always been studied but contradictory findings have been reported. The drastic changes in marriage patterns in South Africa influences the role of marital status on HIV infection. This study aims to give evidence-based information on the association between marital status and HIV infection in a hyperendemic HIV area in rural South Africa. This study was conducted on longitudinal data collected from the African Health Research Institute (AHRI) based in northern rural KwaZulu-Natal from 2000 to 2017 using multivariable Cox regression. The multivariable Cox regression results found marital status to be a significant factor of HIV infection. Compared to those who were married, the risk of HIV infection was approximately two times in those who were never married while those who were widowed presented as much as twice the risk of HIV infection. In addition, less educated participants were at more risk of HIV infection than those with tertiary education. Furthermore, as expected, the risk of HIV infection increased with age (20­24 HR: 3.05 (2.32­4.02); 25­34 HR: 3.98 (3.12­5.07) and 35­49 HR: 4.36 (3.36­5.67). Women were more susceptible to HIV infection than men were. This study found marital status to be an influential factor of HIV infection together with other socio-economic and demographic factors. This finding will help guide policy makers on empowerment programmes and policies targeting HIV and other health related issues in rural South Africa

Retrospective case-series analysis of haematological malignancies in goldmining areas of South Africa

Background. South Africa (SA)'s high levels of environmental contamination of mine tailings from uranium and its decay products, coupled with remarkably short distances between mine tailings and residential areas, raise concern about whether there is an association between environmental uranium exposure and risk of cancer, including haematological malignancies. Objectives. We reviewed information on cases from the central hospital offering cancer diagnostics and treatment in a major mining area of SA to describe their basic clinical and demographic characteristics, as part of assessing whether a cancer epidemiological study in this area would be feasible.Methods. Basic clinical, demographic and residential information on patients with haematological malignancy diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 was collected retrospectively from the patient files at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg.Results. In total, 1 880 patients aged 18 - 94 years were identified. Referral from distant provinces was not uncommon, but >80% lived within 50 km of the hospital. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounted for 44% of the haematological malignancies, followed by leukaemia with 26%. HIV status was known for 93% of the patients, of whom 47% were HIV-positive.Conclusions. Caution is required when interpreting spatial distributions of patients, given inaccuracies in residential addresses and referral patterns to the hospital, and with HIV and other infections probable important confounders. Our study therefore shows that active case recruitment is required for accurate assessment of residential information. However, some findings on spatial distributions in the study warrant the continuation of efforts to develop a study protocol to investigate the possible link between uranium exposure in mining areas and haematological malignancies in residents. Disproportionately high incidence rates of haematological malignancies observed in specific districts would be relevant for further investigation

Cultural competence: a framework for promoting voluntary medical male circumcision among VaRemba communities in Zimbabwe

Almost a decade after the formal introduction of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) as an important technology for HIV prevention, its implementation is still fraught with acceptability challenges. This is especially true among ethnic groups where male circumcision is conducted as a rite of passage into adulthood. In this article we question why VMMC is being met with resistance despite widespread awareness of its promise to reduce HIV incidence in a culturally circumcising community in Zimbabwe. In-depth and key informant interviews were conducted with selected VaRemba initiation graduates and surgeons respectively in Mposi area in Mberengwa to explore why VMMC has not been readily accepted in their community. Findings suggest that male circumcision among VaRemba is not only the removal of prepuce but comprises a secretive and rich curriculum rooted in their culture and identity. Such a conceptualisation renders some social and programmatic impediments for VMMC uptake. To scale up VMMC uptake among VaRemba, we argue for a reorganisation and adaptation of VMMC services in a culturally competent way that accounts for local conceptions of circumcision and respect for the cultural beliefs and practices of VaRemba communities

Mixed results: the protective role of schooling in the HIV epidemic in Swaziland

Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence in the world. It is recognised that young women, especially adolescents, are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and bear a disproportionate burden of HIV incidence. The HIV data from Swaziland show the location of the epidemic, which is particularly high among adolescent girls and young women. This paper is based on research in Swaziland, commissioned because of the perception that large numbers of children were dropping out of the school. It was assumed that these "dropouts" had increased risk of HIV exposure. This study carried out a detailed analysis using the Annual Education Census Reports from 2012 to 2014 produced by the Ministry of Education. In addition, this topic was explored, during fieldwork with key informants in the country. While HIV prevalence rises rapidly among young women in Swaziland, as is the case across most of Southern Africa, the data showed there were few dropouts. This was the case at all levels of education ­ primary, junior secondary and senior secondary. The major reason for dropping out of primary school was family reasons; and in junior and senior secondary, pregnancy was the leading cause. Swaziland is doing well in terms of getting its children into school, and, for the most part, keeping them there. This paper identifies the students who face increased vulnerability: the limited number of dropouts; repeaters who consequently were "out-of-age for grade"; and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The learners who were classified as repeaters and OVC greatly outnumbered the dropouts. We argue, on the basis of these data, for re-focussed attention and the need to develop a method for tracking children as they move across the vulnerable groups. We acknowledge schooling is protective in reducing children's vulnerability to HIV, and Swaziland is on the right track in education, although there are challenges

Incidence hospitalière des hémopathies malignes de l'enfant à Brazzaville

Objectif. L'épidémiologie des hémopathies malignes chez l'enfant au Congo n'est pas connue. L'objectif de cette étude est de rapporter le type et la distribution des hémopathies malignes chez l'enfant à Brazzaville. Matériels et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale descriptive réalisée dans le Service d'hématologie Clinique du CHU de Brazzaville au Congo sur une période de 10 ans (du 1er janvier 2006 au 31 décembre 2015). Nous avons analysé tous les dossiers des enfants hospitalisés, âgés de 0 à 14 ans portant le diagnostic d'hémopathie maligne. Les hémopathies malignes étaient définies comme des proliférations monoclonales de cellules hématopoïétiques selon la classification de l'OMS. Résultats. Trente cas d'hémopathies malignes ont été diagnostiquées durant la période d'étude. Il s'agissait de leucémies aigues n=23 (76,67%), de lymphomes n=6 (20%) et de leucémie myéloïde chronique n=1 (3,33%). Les leucémies aigues étaient de type lymphoblastique dans 17 cas et myéloblastique dans 6 cas. Une prédominance masculine était observée dans toutes les hémopathies malignes sauf pour la leucémie myéloïde chronique. Les hémopathies malignes étaient plus fréquentes dans la tranche d'âge de 7 à 14 ans (63,33%). Conclusion. Les hémopathies malignes à Brazzaville atteignent surtout l'enfant d'âge scolaire de sexe masculin. Il s'agit avant tout de leucémie aigue lymphoblastique ou plus rarement myéloblastique.