Knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B amongst students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Globally, 296 million people were infected by hepatitis B in 2019, with 1.1 million deaths. Africa is one of the endemic regions. Good knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B remain pivotal to the biosafety of medical students. This study sought to determine the levels of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B among students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and the predicting factors associated with this knowledge and awareness. The is with the aim of providing recommendations for improving and sustaining biosafety levels for medical and other health-related students of the University. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted amongst 528 randomly selected medical students of PUMS, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were interviewer-administered to collect socio-demographic information and participants' responses to questions on knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0 and relationships of socio-demographic characteristics and predictive factors with knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B were tested using binary logistic regression analysis with p value for statistical significance set at <0.05. Results: A total of 528 students participated in the study, 202 (38.3%) males and 326 (61.7%) females. Most participants (296, 56.1%) were between 15-19 years of age with mean age of 19 ±2.43 years. The mean (±SD) of participants responses with good knowledge of hepatitis B was 249±121.5 while for good awareness, it was 181±88.3. The percentage average for good knowledge and good awareness was 47.2% and 34.2% respectively, with positive correlation between knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B (r=0.720, p<0.0001). Age was significantly associated with participants percentage average knowledge (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.70-0.84, p<0.0001) and awareness of hepatitis B (OR=0.84, 95%CI 0.78-0.90, p=0.004). No other factor was significantly associated with knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B except Ijaw tribe (OR=0.4, 95%CI 0.24-0.66, p=0.034) and attendance of Federal Government College (OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.24-0.68, p=0.046). Conclusion: The percentage average good knowledge of 47.2% and awareness of 34.2% for hepatitis B in this study are low, although most participants in the study were between the ages of 15-19 years and in their first and second year of study. This gives room for improvement in knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B with progression in age and year of training. Good knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B are central to the biosafety of medical students. It is recommended that the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) review the current medical school curriculum to increase the teaching of medical and health-related students that will impact more on knowledge and awareness of infectious diseases and infection prevention and control.

Awareness of Stroke among University Employees in Kigali, Rwanda: A Cross Sectional Study

Background Awareness of stroke is important for appropriate and timely stroke prevention and management. Objective To assess the level of awareness about the risk factors, signs, and appropriate responses for stroke among university employees in Rwanda. Methods We employed a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional approach. We involved 92 participants, and a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. We computed descriptive statistics and used the Chi-Square test to assess any differences in stroke awareness. Results We found that 12% and 15.2% of the participants were not aware of any risk factor and warning sign of stroke respectively. Regarding the reaction in case a warning sign of stroke was noticed, 9.8% of the participants indicated that they would do nothing or advise the victim to take rest at home. The limited awareness was significantly higher in the administrative than academic employees for both risk factors (p=0.002) and warning signs (p=0.006), but not for the appropriate responses to stroke (p=0.426). Conclusion A significant proportion of the participants were not aware of any stroke risk factor, warning sign and appropriate responses. It is important to conduct further similar studies and implement stroke education interventions in university communities

Unplanned pregnancy among female students at universities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Unplanned pregnancy has adverse effects including unsafe and illegal abortions causing maternal morbidity and mortality. Despite the adverse impact of unplanned pregnancy on women's personal life, their families, and society, there is a dearth of knowledge on unplanned pregnancy in institutions of higher education and training in South Africa. As a result, the objective of this study was to assess unplanned pregnancy and underlying factors among unmarried female students in universities in Eastern Cape. This was a cross-sectional survey of 1269 unmarried female students from universities in Eastern Cape selected using multistage cluster sampling. The study found that the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was 12.31%, Health Science student (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI [0.17, 0.99], p < 0.001) were less likely to experience unplanned pregnancy. Being financially supported by a family (AOR: 0.17, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.43], p< 0.001) and being aged less than or equal to 18 years during the first sexual intercourse (AOR: 6.32, 95% CI: [2.57, 15.54], p < 0.001) were associated with unplanned pregnancy. Rural residence (AOR=3.93; 95% CI: (1.21, 12.84), p <0.001), not using contraceptives (AOR=10.63; 95%CI: 5.29, 21.37, p < 0.001) and having divorced parents (AOR=1.99; 95%CI: 1.14, 3.94), p < 0.001) were associated with unplanned pregnancy compared to their counterparts, respectively. The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy is high among unmarried female students in universities in Eastern Cape. Unplanned pregnancy was influenced by age at first sexual intercourse, non-use of contraceptives, divorced parents, the field of study, and the source of financial support. Universities and stakeholders should work together to support reproductive health programmes to prevent unplanned pregnancy. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 29-37).

Screening for eye diseases in a University community in Southwest Nigeria

Background ­ University, a subset of the general population, will expectedly have common ocular problems as prevalent in the population. Knowing these problems as done through screening and health education during WSD activities in 2017 thus raise awareness for their prevention. This study was aimed at determining the types of eye defects in a university community. Methodology ­ A descriptive cross-sectional survey utilizing purposive serial selection to examine inhabitants of a university community. Socio-demographic information and detailed ocular examinations were carried out. Data analysis using SPSS Version 20 and cross tabulations with statistical significance derived using paired sample t-test at p values < 0.05 were done. Results ­ With n=140, 79(56.4 %) were males. Mean age was 26.7 + 11.5years. Majority were staffs (77.1%) with 62.1% having tertiary education. Normal vision was reported in (92.9%), while 5.7% had visual impairment with 1.4% uniocular blindness. Common ocular findings were allergic conjunctivitis (12.9%), glaucoma suspects (10.0%), Pterygium (3.6%), glaucoma/corneal opacity (2.1% respectively), and optic atrophy (1.4%). Conclusion ­Disorders seen were mostly avoidable. Incorporating eye health services into University Healthcare will control their occurrence allowing optimal job performance.

Avaliação das práticas de higiene nos serviços de restauração da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane / Evaluation of hygiene practices in the food services of the Eduardo Mondlane University Mondlane University (UEM)

O presente trabalho tinha como objectivo avaliar as práticas de higiene associadas aos factores de riscos de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar nos serviços de restauração da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane. O estudo foi realizado nos serviços de restauração da UEM de Maputo e Inhambane. Foram inqueridos, através de um questionário de perguntas semi-estruturadas, 37 trabalhadores com a categoria de cozinheiros e auxiliares de cozinha, foram visitadas as instalações e tiraram-se algumas fotografias por meio de uma máquina fotográfica digital da marca SAMSUNG. 80% dos inquiridos tinha escolaridade básica; 48% eram do sexo feminino e 52% masculino, a idade dos inquiridos variava de 22 a 57 anos e o tempo de serviço de 3 a 31 anos. Segundo os resultados do estudo os inquiridos têm consciência da necessidade de implementação das práticas correctas de higiene no decurso das suas actividades de modo a prevenir as doenças de origem alimentar. Contudo, foram observadas práticas que constituem factores de risco para a ocorrência de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar. Os factores de risco observados estavam relacionados a prática incorrectas de armazenamento, higiene pessoal e geral, manipulação das sobras de alimentos, acondicionamento de lixo e controle de pragas. Conclui-se que a falta de observância de práticas correctas de higiene nos serviços de restauração concorre para o surgimento de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar. Recomenda-se a implementação de programas educativos integrados regulares no sector, supervisão permanente e encorajamento de mudanças de comportamento na manipulação de alimentos.

The objective of the present study was to assess the practices of hygiene associated to the risks of foodborne diseases at restauration services of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM). The study took place at services of restauration of UEM of Maputo and Inhambane; the data was collated using a questionnaire, with semi-structure questions. The questionnaire was submitted to 37 works namely cookers and auxiliaries of cookers, the installations were visited and some photography was taken using a SUMSUNG digital camera. 80% of the enquired has basic education; 48% were female and 52 were male; the age of the enquired varied from 22 to 57 years and the period of time of work varied from 3 to 31 years. According to the results of the study the inquired was aware about the need of the implementation of correct practices of hygiene during the work in order to avoid the foodborne diseases. However, was observed practices which constitute risk factor to the occurrence of foodborne diseases. The risk factors observed were related to storage, general and personal hygiene and handle of leftover, waste and pest control. It was concluded that the lack of correct practices of hygiene in the service of restauration constitute risk factor for the occurrence of foodborne diseases. It recommends the implementation of regular program of education, permanent supervision and encouraging of change of behaver in the handle of food.

Engaging students to improve sexual and reproductive health: a report of the university leadership for change initiative in Niger

Few development projects have addressed the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of university students in West Africa or sought to promote student leadership to extend SRH benefits to others. This report presents results from the Evidence-to-Action Project's University Leadership for Change Initiative in Niger which had the goal to begin filling this gap. The Initiative used an innovative behavior change methodology with students at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger and subsequently expanded it to three additional universities by applying ExpandNet scale-up approaches. 200 students trained as peer leaders reached almost 8,000 youths with SRH information and counseling, student leaders and university clinic staff distributed nearly 80,000 condoms and the project achieved national policy change through its collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovations. The report concludes with key lessons about the benefits of student engagement and creativity in this effort

Knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS and its socio-demographic determinants among undergraduates in a Southern Nigeria University

Background: Globally, young people are at increased risk of the infection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aims to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its sociodemographic determinants among university undergraduate students. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 296 full-time undergraduates of the University of Benin using semistructured self-administered questionnaires. Results: The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The modal age group was 20-24 years (55.7%). Respondents reported multiple sources of information, with television as the major source of information (72.9%). Almost all (98.0%) of the respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS while 65.5% knew their HIV status. The majority (91.9%) of the respondents knew that a virus causes HIV/AIDS and 97.3% had correct knowledge of the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS. Correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and cure was reported by 88.5% and 62.5% of the respondent, respectively. The overall mean knowledge score is 8.1. There was no statistically significant difference in the self-knowledge of respondent's HIV status among young people aged less than 25 years compared with those 25 years and above (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 0.02-16.02, p 0.683) and sex (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.58-1.65, p 0.006). Conclusion: This study revealed an overall good knowledge of HIV/AIDS among university undergraduates. However, there were some knowledge gaps in the self-knowledge of HIV status as well as the cause and modes of transmission of HIV which may potentially influence risky behaviours. There should be sustained efforts by all stakeholders on HIV education and testing at various ecological levels

Knowledge and attitude of undergraduates towards blood donation: a cross sectional study of the University of Benin, Benin City

Background: Blood is an essential but scarce therapeutic element. The youth constitute an important age group that can contribute significantly to donor blood availability in health institutions. Their knowledge and attitude towards blood donation may influence their disposition to blood donation practices. Objective: The study seeks to determine the knowledge, attitude and blood donation practices among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. Methodolgy: This is a cross sectional study, conducted at the University of Benin, Benin City. Two hundred pretested questionnaires on knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation were distributed among consenting undergraduate students across different faculties of the university. Data was analyzed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS IBM) version 20. Result: A total of 155 (79.5%) males and 40 (20.5%) females (M:F of approximately 3.8:1) completed the questionnaires. Their modal age group was 16 ­ 20 years. Sixty eight (34.9%) had good knowledge of blood donation process, 43 (22.1%) had average knowledge and 84 (43.0%) had poor knowledge. Repeat donation rate was 11.3% among the respondent. The practice of blood donation was significantly associated with good knowledge of blood donation process (p = 0.001). Blood donation was higher in those between the age groups of 21 ­ 25 years. Conclusion: Good knowledge of blood transfusion is below average. Blood donation practices is low among undergraduate students of the University of Benin and there is high disposition to family replacement donation

Staffing levels at KwaZulu-Natal district hospitals: is the University of KwaZulu-Natal training for the needs of the province?

Background: Universities have a social responsibility to ensure that they select and train healthcare professionals (HCPs) who can meet the healthcare needs of local communities. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) contributes to the training of HCPs working in district hospitals (DHs) in KwaZulu-Natal Province, and the impact that the funding source for their training has on DH staffing.Methods: This was an observational descriptive study, with all doctors, dentists, dental therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and radiographers working at DHs in KZN in November 2016 being invited to participate. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire.Results: A total of 514 HCPs working in 29 DHs participated in the study; over half (57%) of the South African medical graduates had trained at UKZN, as had 62% of pharmacists, 64% of physiotherapists and 92% of dental therapists. Some 87% of the HCPs had worked in DHs for five years or less, 65% planned to leave in the near future, and 29% planned to leave at the end of 2016.Discussion: UKZN plays a significant role in training for the short-term needs of DHs in KZN. Much of the workforce is young and transient, which has implications for service provision and expanding the teaching platform to DHs. The lack of long-term staff retention suggests that UKZN needs to continually monitor the selection of students, as well as the content and context of the training, if it is to contribute to the province's long-term staffing needs

Influence of door handles on the proliferation of microorganisms of public health importance in university of Benin Staff Offices

The aim of this research was to determine the role of door handles in the proliferation of microorganisms in staff offices within University of Benin, Benin City. Isolation and characterization of isolates was carried out using standard methods. The results of this study showed that surfaces of door handles of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Microbiology and Chemistry Departments had high bacterial count, which ranged from 6.17 ± 0.75 × 104 cfu/cm2 - 7.45 ± 0.67 × 104 cfu/cm2, while Geology, Physics and Adult Education had low counts (3.31 ± 0.64 × 104 cfu/cm2 - 3.55 ± 0.80 × 104 cfu/cm2). The bacterial isolates were: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Citrobacter sp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus pyogenes, Corynebacterium sp., Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris, while the fungal isolates were Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. and Mucor sp. The most predominant bacterial isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (25.22%), while Citrobacter sp. (1.74%) was the least. Plasmid profile revealed plasmid fragments in all the bacterial isolates, with most of the isolates, being multi-drug resistant. Results showed that door handles harbor pathogenic organisms. Therefore, everyone is encouraged to have good personal hygiene, use of hand-sanitizers, hand-washing before and after the use of door handles and routine surface disinfection of door handles in order to prevent cross-contamination

A peer evaluation of the community-based education programme for medical students at the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences: A southern African Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) collaboration

Background. The University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences (UZCHS), Harare, which has a long tradition of community-based education (CBE), has not been evaluated since 1991. An innovative approach was used to evaluate the programme during 2015.Objectives. To evaluate the CBE programme, using a peer-review model of evaluation and simultaneously introducing and orientating participating colleagues from other medical schools in southern Africa to this review process.Methods. An international team of medical educators, convened through the Medical Education Partnership Initiative, worked collaboratively to modify an existing peer-review assessment method. Data collection took the form of pre-visit surveys, on-site and field-visit interviews with key informants, a review of supporting documentation and a post-review visit.Results. All 5 years of the medical education curriculum at UZCHS included some form of CBE that ranged from community exposure in the 1st year to district hospital-based clinical rotations during the clinical years. Several strengths, including the diversity of community-based activities and the availability of a large teaching platform, were identified. However, despite the expression of satisfaction with the programme, the majority of students indicated that they do not plan to work in rural areas in Zimbabwe. Several key recommendations were offered, central to which was strengthening the academic co-ordination of the programme and curriculum renewal in the context of the overall MB ChB curriculum.Conclusion. This evaluation demonstrated the value of peer review to bring a multidimensional, objective assessment to a CBE programme

Improvement of medical education through the establishment of a medical chief resident position in Rwanda

Background: The Chief Medical Resident (CMR) role is a well established, one-year position that has existed in the United States (US) for many years. Through collaboration between Yale University Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Program and the University of Rwanda/College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Internal Medicine Residency Program in Rwanda began a collaborative training program for Rwandan medical chief residents two years ago. Aims:This paper describes the selection and collaborative training process of the new Rwandan CMRs in teaching hospitals in Rwanda. We also report on evaluation of the role, its impact, and evolving challenges from the perspectives of the current residents through a quantitative survey. Methodology: A survey was directed to residents of the Internal Medicine residency training program. The survey was conducted at the two tertiary teaching sites in Rwanda: Butare University Teaching Hospital (CHUB) and Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) where chief residents are assigned. On a Likert scale, a group of continuing residents were asked to grade items assessing a change in several educational aspects. The second group of residents, which consisted of first-year residents, was mainly asked questions directed at describing their perception on the chief resident role. Results: In total, 38 residents out of the 40 at the two tertiary hospitals took the survey. Of the 38 residents who took the survey,74% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed on the statement about improvement in educational conferences. 69.6 % of residents noted an improvement in medical education due to having a chief resident in the program. An overall improvement of the residency training program was observed by 78.3% of our study participants. In general (73.7%), residents perceive chief residents as their role model, with first-year residents (100%) being the most enthusiastic about this statement. Conclusion: The chief resident role establishment has made a positive impact in medical education in Internal Medicine/ University of Rwanda. Chief residents play a big role in medical education and are regarded as role models by their fellow residents

Five decades lead in biomedical research: University of Khartoum tops Sudanese universities in PubMed articles

Introduction: University of Khartoum (U of K) is the largest and oldest university in Sudan (1). The recent rankings of international and local universities made by Webometrics Ranking of world Universities initiative in 2017 have placed University of Khartoum as number one University in Sudan and 1970 in rank Worldwide. This ranking system is based mainly on research activity and publications. Using PubMed we obtained data on all PubMed-indexed articles (from 1966 to 2016) affiliated to the four oldest and most established Sudanese universities: University of Khartoum, University of Gezira, Omdurman Islamic University, and Al-Neelain University.Methods: Using R Statistical environment, we compiled a unified dataset from multiple resources including PubMed data and impact factor data. This unified dataset was then used to calculate multiple article and authorship metrics including total number of articles and annual averages. We also applied text mining techniques to from indexed abstracts in order to explore the prevailing trends and research focus of some the most prolific authors and to visualize this trends though word clouds.Results: Since the earliest date of PubMed indexing in 1966, the University of Khartoum is by far the most affiliated Sudanese university in PubMed. Approaching 300 articles in 2016, the number of PubMed indexed articles has shown a promising rising trend over the past decade. Our results clearly indicate lead of University of Khartoum in published biomedical research. This trend is promising and shows the attention shift towards research activities among the major Sudanese universities in general and University of Khartoum in particular

Medical and dental students' attitude and practice of prevention strategies against hepatitis B virus infection in a Nigerian university

Introduction: medical and dental students are a high-risk group for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection which is an occupational hazard for them and a leading cause of death globally. Prevention strategies include vaccination and observance of standard precaution. However, available reports claim utilization of the prevention strategies is low. This study evaluated the attitude of the students towards HBV vaccine and cross-infection practices.Methods: this study was a cross-sectional study carried out at the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Using the convenience sampling method, anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the first 120 participants that volunteered to participate in the study. Data analysis was done using IBM's Statistical Package (SPSS) version 20 software. Statistical level of significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: over eighty percent (83.2%) of the participants had at least a dose of the HBV vaccine while 79.65% completed the three doses. Majority (94.7%) of the students that did not receive the vaccine cited their busy schedule as the reason for their failure to be vaccinated. Taking every patient as a contagious disease risk (86.5%), washing hands after contact with patients' body fluids (82.1%) and wearing gloves before touching mucous membranes and non-intact skin (74.1%) were the most practiced universal standard precaution items.Conclusion: the uptake rate of HBV vaccination and practice of standard precaution among the students are commendable. However, there is need for improvement considering the level of HBV infection in Niger

Occupational hazards encountered by library personnel in universities in south-south, Nigeria

Occupational hazards affect personnel safety and health in the work environment. This study investigated the occupational hazards encountered among library personnel in two universities in South South Nigeria; Delta State University, Abraka and Niger Delta University, Ammasoma. 182 library personnel participated in the study. Simple percentages and mean were used to answer the research questions while t-test was used in analysing the hypotheses. Findings revealed that library personnel encounter occupational hazards in the process of performing their duties. There was no significant difference in report of occupational hazards encountered by male and female library personnel in the process of performing their duties. It was recommended that library personnel should be adequately remunerated because they encounter occupational hazards when rendering information services to members of the university community for teaching, learning and research work. Key Words: Occupational Hazards, Library Personnel, University Libraries, Occupational Safety.

Incidence and Clinical Features of Bleeding Peptic Ulcers in Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: -Experience of Moroccan University Hospital Unit

Introduction: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has been recognized as the leading cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB). This study aims to report general features of bleeding peptic ulcers in patients who benefit of urgent endoscopy in our department after an acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Results: A total of 1809 patients were explored for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in our unit since 2003 to 2008. Gastroduodenal peptic ulcers were the most frequent diagnosed etiology. They present 38% of all reported causes of bleeding (n=527) (table I). 25% were located at duodenal mucosa (n= 347) and 13% were gastric ulcers (n=180). No esophageal ulcers were reported. Incidence of both duodenal and gastric ulcers decreases during the last years. Conclusion: In our department; incidence of bleeding peptic ulcer disease is decreasing but they continue to be the first cause of AUGIB

Temporal distribution of baseline characteristics and association with early mortality among HIV-positive patients at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

The first six months of HIV care and treatment are very important for long-term outcome. Early mortality (within 6 months of care initiation) undermines care and treatment goals. This study assessed the temporal distribution in baseline characteristics and early mortality among HIV patients at the University College Hospital; Ibadan; Nigeria from 2006-2013. Factors associated with early mortality were also investigated. This was a retrospective analysis of data from 14 857 patients enrolled for care and treatment at the adult antiretroviral clinic of the University College Hospital; Ibadan; Nigeria. Effects of factors associated with early mortality were summarised using a hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval obtained from Cox proportional hazard regression models. The mean age of the subjects was 36.4 (SD=10.2) years with females being in the majority (68.1%). While patients' demographic characteristics remained virtually the same over time; there was significant decline in the prevalence of baseline opportunistic infections (2006-2007=55.2%; 2011-2013=38.0%). Overall; 460 (3.1%) patients were known to have died within 6 months of enrollment in care/treatment. There was no significant trend in incidence of early mortality. Factors associated with early mortality include: male sex; HIV encephalopathy; low CD4 count ( 50 cells); and anaemia. To reduce early mortality; community education should be promoted; timely access to care and treatment should be facilitated and the health system further strengthened to care for high risk patients

Profie and Economic Impact of Motorcycle Injuries Treated at a University Referral Hospital in Kigali; Rwanda

Background: Motorcycle injuries constitute a major public health problem in developing countries; leading to significant disability and straining healthcare resources. We aim to present the basic epidemiology of motorcycle injuries presenting to an urban referral hospital in Rwanda and to evaluate patient outcomes and associated costs arising from injuries sustained on motorcycles. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of motorcycle injury patients presenting to Kigali Teaching University Hospital from January-December; 2011. Patients were identified through review of ward registers and trauma registries and stratified into 3 groups based upon length of stay. A representative sample of 269 patients was randomly selected from each group for financial analysis. Data were collected from patient medical; police; and financial records as well as patient interviews. Cost analysis was based upon the standard road accident cost conceptual framework. Data were collected using Epi data 3.1; Excel and analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: A total of 269 motorcycle accident files were examined. Males were more affected than females with sex ratio F:M;1:6.72.Youths were more involved in motorcycle accident (53.2) than other age group(16-30 years) .The majority of Motorcycles victims were motorcyclists; (30.86); businessmen (20.45) and students (11.53). Motorcycle-vehicle (41.61) was the fist cause of motorcycle injuries then motorcycle-pedestrian (30.86). Helmet use was 92.75. Head injuries and fractures were the predominant diagnoses (82.15). About 46.7 had pre-hospital care. The mean hospital stay was 15.43 days; and 38.3 spent more than 15 days in hospitalization. Permanent disability was confirmed in 11.5 (n=31); and mortality was 10.4 (n=28). The total economic cost was estimated at US$1;236;207.31 with 39.40 (US$487;030.30) due to loss of labor and 21.76 due to direct medical costs (US$269;000.84). Conclusions: Motorcycle injuries create a substantial disability and cost burden in Kigali; Rwanda. Prevention and early treatment should be promoted to decrease the morbidity and financial burden

Outcome after Small Incision Cataract Surgery (Sics) and Phacoemulsification at Kigali University Teaching Hospital

Purpose: To determine the visual outcome and complications related to small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification at Kigali University Teaching Hospital. Methods: A retrospective study carried out on 644 eyes of 390 patients from January 2008 to January 2014 at KUTH. All patients with senile cataract operated with SICS or phacoemulsification at KUTH were included. Records on all examinations including visual acuity; refraction; biometry; slit lamp biomicroscopy and fundoscopy from the period before surgery up to 6 months post-operatively were obtained. Results: The final BCVA of 6/18 or more at 6-months after surgery was 90 on the RE and 82.6 on LE as compared to the pre-operative BCVA of 14.2 on the RE and 12.5 on the LE. Both types of surgery had similar post-operative outcome; respectively at 1; 3 and 6 months post-operatively (p=0.09; 0.19 and 0.12). The most common treatable complications were minimal hyphema and corneal edema; with a complete healing during the fist week of steroid treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the complications rate between both types of surgery (P=0.28). Conclusion: Small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification had similar visual outcomes post-operatively; however phacoemulsification provided better UCVA at 3 months after surgery. Hyphema and corneal edema were the most common treatable complications that healed at the fist week after cataract surgery

Things may not be as Expected: Surprising Findings when Updating Work Load at the Wits Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical)

Objectives. To compare numbers of applications to the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) for clearance by the full committee during 2011 - 2013; to see the proportion of clinical Master's applications in 2013 and to look for the influence of eight variables in applications reviewed from January to June 2013.Methods. A retrospective extraction of data from committee minutes (2011-2013) and application forms (January - June 2013) was done. Statistical analysis was completed using SAS for Windows (version 9.4). Variables examined were committee decision; choice of research method; supervision or not; supervisors' research degree; supervisors' publication group; university administrative entity; registered degree and month of approval after first review.Results. Total numbers were 685 (2011); 845 (2012; a 23.4% increase from 2011) and 769 (2013; a 9.0% decrease on the previous year). In 2013; 22% of applications were for clinical Master's degrees required by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for specialist registration. A number of cross-tabulations of variables are presented. Logistic regression analysis (Proc Catmod) showed that three variables significantly influenced the committee's initial review decision; namely school (p=0.03); applicants' registered degree (p=0.01) and the research method chosen (p=0.03). The month of committee approval was also significantly affected by school (p=0.002). Preferred research methodologies for supervised and independent research applications differed within and between schools.Conclusion. A predicted continuous increase in number of applications from 2011 to 2013 did not happen for unknown reasons. Research method; school; and registered degree significantly influenced the committee's decision at the initial review of applications. For clinical Masters; and other Masters; a supervisor's degree had no effect on the committee's decision at the initial review of applications; however undergraduate and honours applicants having supervisors without a research degree had more than double the approval rate at first review than when supervisors had either a Doctorate or a Master's (p=0.008). Supervisors' possession of a research degree did not increase approval rate of applications nor did a supervisor's publication grouping