Validation of HIV risk screening tool to identify infected adults and adolescents greater than 14 years at community level in Tanzania and Zambia

Introduction: There are several risk factors being used to identify undiagnosed HIV-infected adults. As the number of undiagnosed people gets less and less, it is important to know if existing risk factors and risk assessment tools are valid for use. Methods: Data from the Tanzania and Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) household surveys which were conducted during 2016 was used. We first included 12 risk factors (being divorced, separated or widowed; having an HIV+ spouse; having one of the following within 12-months of the survey: paid work, slept away from home for ≥1-month, having multiple sexual partners, clients of sex workers, sexually transmitted infection, being tuberculosis suspect, being very sick for ≥3-months; ever sold sex; diagnosed with cervical cancer; and had TB disease into a risk assessment tool and assessed its validity by comparing it against HIV test result. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of the tool were assessed. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve comparison statistics was also used to determine which risk assessment tool was better. Results: HIV prevalence was 2.3% (2.0%-2.6%) (n=14,820). For the tool containing all risk factors, HIV prevalence was 1.0% when none of the risk factors were present (Score 0) compared to 3.2% when at least one factor (Score ≥1) was present and 8.0% when ≥4 risk factors were present. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 82.3% (78.6%-85.9%), 41.9%(41.1%-42.7%), 3.2%(2.8%-3.6%), and 99.0%(98.8%-99.3%), respectively. The use of a tool containing conventional risk factors (all except those related with working and sleeping away) was found to have higher AUC (0.65 vs 0.61) compared to the use of all risk factors (p value <0.001). Conclusions: The use of a screening tool containing conventional risk factors improved HIV testing yield compared to doing universal testing. Prioritizing people who fulfill multiple risk factors should be explored further to improve HIV testing yield.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal isolates in children presenting with acute pharyngitis in Lusaka, Zambia

Background. Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (GABHS)-associated pharyngitis can complicate into rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).Objectives. To determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of GABHS isolates in children presenting with acute pharyngitis and assess the utility of Zambian Treatment Guideline (ZTG) criteria as a local clinical scoring system.Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the paediatric outpatient department of the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. The study cohort, comprising children aged 3 - 15 years (n=146), were recruited as presenting with symptoms of pharyngitis. The children underwent a clinical assessment that included a detailed case history, presenting symptoms and a throat swab that was subsequently cultured. Microbial isolates were typed and the antibiotic sensitivity of cultured GABHS to penicillin and erythromycin determined.Results. GABHS were cultured from 22 (15.1%) children within this study. All the GABHS isolates (n=22) were susceptible to penicillin G; however, 19% of isolates displayed reduced susceptibility to erythromycin. None of the ZTG criteria, when used individually, was sufficiently sensitive to detect GABHS pharyngitis among this cohort.Conclusion. The prevalence of GABHS pharyngitis is similar that been described elsewhere. While GABHS remains highly susceptible to penicillin, which is used in the local RHD control programmes, concern remains for children treated with erythromycin owing to the resistance noted in some of the isolates. The ZTG clinical criteria displayed poor sensitivity in identifying GABHS pharyngitis. This has significant implications for effective diagnosis and treatment of pharyngitis and associated complications within this high RHD endemic area

Child and adolescent mental health in Africa: A qualitative analysis of the perspectives of emerging mental health clinicians and researchers using an online platform

Objective: Using a social ecological framework, this study aimed to establish emerging mental health clinicians and researchers' perspectives about child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) in Africa.Method: Perspectives of 17 participants from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia, whose professional backgrounds ranged from psychiatry to speech-language therapy, were collected at an African CAMH conference. Data were gathered using open-ended questions, using an online survey. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis.Results: An adapted social ecological framework highlighted: An increased need for commitment from governments to improve CAMH in Africa; and addressing mental health stigma and discrimination through community awareness. The need for specialised CAMH facilities were identified, particularly in the public health sector. The need for multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary partnerships for advocacy, service delivery, and continuity of care were also identified. Participants emphasised the importance of CAMH awareness, and the role of governments in recognising CAMH needs and using policies to improve CAMH in Africa. Participants were hopeful about the transformation of CAMH on the continent.Conclusion: The participants prioritised government- and community-level awareness to increase the resources and support offered by CAMH services in Africa

Breastfeeding and common childhood diseases in Zambia: does breastfeeding have a protective effect against diarrhea, fever and acute respiratory infections among children in Zambia?

Background: This paper aimed at answering two specific questions: does breastfeeding reduce the occurrence of ARIs, Fever and Diarrhea in children who are breastfeeding; and is the occurrence of these common childhood diseases affected by duration (period) of breastfeeding? Data source and Method: Secondary analysis of the 2013 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) was applied by using the children recode dataset (ZMKR61FL). Analysis was done at three levels: Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate (Binary and Multinomial Logistics regressions). Results: Results in this paper show that breastfeeding does not protect children against Diarrhea (OR 1.3; 1.1-1.4) but does so against Fever and ARIs (OR 0.9; 0.8-1.0). Children whose mothers were employed were more likely to suffer from all the three disease outcomes compared to those not employed (OR Diarrhea 1.2; Fever 1.5; ARIs 1.2). Conclusion: Diarrhea seems to be more pronounced in children who are breastfeeding than those not breastfeeding, especially those breastfed beyond 6 months

Too young to be a wife! analysis of the factors influencing child marriages and its influence on the preferred number of children among women in Zambia

Context/Background: Zambia has one of the highest rates of child marriages in the world. This study sought to establish the determinants of child marriage in rural and urban areas of Zambia, and to determine the influence of child marriage on fertility preferences of women in Zambia.Data source and methods: The study utilized data from the 2013-2014 Zambia Demographic Health Survey. Data was analysed using the Binary Logistic and Poisson regression models.Results: Timing of conception, age at first sex, region of residence, education level of respondent and their partners, and family size were significant predictors of child marriages in urban areas. In rural areas, region of residence, age at fist sex, education level of respondent and their partners, and family size had significant influence on child marriages. The study further found that women who got married below the age of 18 preferred a higher number of children.Conclusion: The study established that various factors influence child marriages in urban and rural Zambia and in turn child marriages influence the preferred number of children. The findings suggest a multipronged approach to addressing the root cause of the problem

Social and economic barriers to adherence among patients at Livingstone general hospital in Zambia

Background: Zambia is one of the countries hardest hit by the HIV (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic with a national HIV prevalence estimated at 14% among those aged 15­49 years in 2012. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been available in public health facilities in Zambia since 2003. By early 2016, 65% of the 1.2 million Zambians living with HIV were accessing ART. While access to ART has improved the lives of people living with HIV globally, the lack of adherence to ART is a major challenge to treatment success globally. Aim: This article reports on social and economic barriers to ART adherence among HIV patients being attended to at Livingstone General Hospital in Zambia.Setting: Livingstone General Hospital is located in the Southern province of Zambia, and had over 7000 patients enrolled for HIV care of whom 3880 patients were on ART.Methods: An explorative, qualitative study was conducted with 42 patients on ART where data were collected through six focus group discussions (3 male and 3 female groups) and seven in-depth interviews. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: Economic factors such as poverty and unemployment and the lack of food were reported as major barriers to adherence. Furthermore, social factors such as traditional medicine, religion, lack of family and partner support, and disclosure were also reported as critical barriers to adherence to ART.Conclusion: Interventions to improve adherence among ART patients should aim to redress the socio-economic challenges at community and individual levels

Social and economic barriers to adherence among patients at Livingstone General Hospital in Zambia

Background: Zambia is one of the countries hardest hit by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic with a national HIV prevalence estimated at 14% among those aged 15­49 years in 2012. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been available in public health facilities in Zambia since 2003. By early 2016, 65% of the 1.2 million Zambians living with HIV were accessing ART. While access to ART has improved the lives of people living with HIV globally, the lack of adherence to ART is a major challenge to treatment success globally. Aim: This article reports on social and economic barriers to ART adherence among HIV patients being attended to at Livingstone General Hospital in Zambia. Setting: Livingstone General Hospital is located in the Southern province of Zambia, and had over 7000 patients enrolled for HIV care of whom 3880 patients were on ART. Methods: An explorative, qualitative study was conducted with 42 patients on ART where data were collected through six focus group discussions (3 male and 3 female groups) and seven in-depth interviews. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: Economic factors such as poverty and unemployment and the lack of food were reported as major barriers to adherence. Furthermore, social factors such as traditional medicine, religion, lack of family and partner support, and disclosure were also reported as critical barriers to adherence to ART. Conclusion: Interventions to improve adherence among ART patients should aim to redress the socio-economic challenges at community and individual levels

A community-based intervention for improving utilization of medical services by rape survivors in refugee camps in Zambia

Background: Rape is the most common form of violence in conflict and refugee situations but because of the associated stigma few cases are reported. This study assessed the outcome of an intervention targeted at women groups on the utilization of medical services by rape survivors in refugee camps in Zambia.Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental community-based intervention study was carried out in two refugee camps allocated into intervention and comparison areas. The intervention was participatory education sessions for women groups. Data was collected using the clinic records and the main outcome was the number of rape survivors who utilized and completed medical services provided at the camp clinics. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out with level of significance set at 5%.Results: The proportion of the rape survivors who accessed medical care within 72 hours increased significantly from 41.2% to 84.8% in the intervention area but from 31.1% to 38.9% in the comparison area, (p=0.005). Those who completed their medical treatment and the follow-up visits increased significantly from 42.8% to 94.8% in intervention area but reduced from 38.5% to 21.4% in the comparison area, (p=0.002). Being resident in the intervention area predicted the utilization of medical services, [OR: 3.15; 95%CI: 1.955-5.681], p=0.002. Conclusion: Community-based intervention using participatory women's group discussion had a significant impact on increasing the utilization of medical services by rape survivors and should be considered for scaling up as a key intervention for increasing utilization of medical services for rape survivors especially in refugee situations

A community-based intervention for improving utilization of medical services by rape survivors in refugee camps in Zambia

Background: Rape is the most common form of violence in conflict and refugee situations but because of the associated stigma few cases are reported. This study assessed the outcome of an intervention targeted at women groups on the utilization of medical services by rape survivors in refugee camps in Zambia. Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental community-based intervention study was carried out in two refugee camps allocated into intervention and comparison areas. The intervention was participatory education sessions for women groups. Data was collected using the clinic records and the main outcome was the number of rape survivors who utilized and completed medical services provided at the camp clinics. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out with level of significance set at 5%. Results: The proportion of the rape survivors who accessed medical care within 72 hours increased significantly from 41.2% to 84.8% in the intervention area but from 31.1% to 38.9% in the comparison area, (p=0.005). Those who completed their medical treatment and the follow-up visits increased significantly from 42.8% to 94.8% in intervention area but reduced from 38.5% to 21.4% in the comparison area, (p=0.002). Being resident in the intervention area predicted the utilization of medical services, [OR: 3.15; 95%CI: 1.955-5.681], p=0.002. Conclusion: Community-based intervention using participatory women's group discussion had a significant impact on increasing the utilization of medical services by rape survivors and should be considered for scaling up as a key intervention for increasing utilization of medical services for rape survivors especially in refugee situations

Implementation research: reactive mass vaccination with single-dose oral cholera vaccine, Zambia

Objective:To describe the implementation and feasibility of an innovative mass vaccination strategy ­ based on single-dose oral cholera vaccine ­ to curb a cholera epidemic in a large urban setting.Method:In April 2016, in the early stages of a cholera outbreak in Lusaka, Zambia, the health ministry collaborated with Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Health Organization in organizing a mass vaccination campaign, based on single-dose oral cholera vaccine. Over a period of 17 days, partners mobilized 1700 health ministry staff and community volunteers for community sensitization, social mobilization and vaccination activities in 10 townships. On each day, doses of vaccine were delivered to vaccination sites and administrative coverage was estimated.Findings:Overall, vaccination teams administered 424 100 doses of vaccine to an estimated target population of 578 043, resulting in an estimated administrative coverage of 73.4%. After the campaign, few cholera cases were reported and there was no evidence of the disease spreading within the vaccinated areas. The total cost of the campaign ­ 2.31 United States dollars (US$) per dose ­ included the relatively low cost of local delivery ­ US$ 0.41 per dose.Conclusion:We found that an early and large-scale targeted reactive campaign using a single-dose oral vaccine, organized in response to a cholera epidemic within a large city, to be feasible and appeared effective. While cholera vaccines remain in short supply, the maximization of the number of vaccines in response to a cholera epidemic, by the use of just one dose per member of an at-risk community, should be considered

Rapid assessment of institutional research ethics capacity: a case study from Zambia / Evaluación rápida de la capacidad institucional de investigación ética: un estudio de caso en Zambia / Avaliação rápida da capacidade institucional de ética em pesquisa: um estudo de caso na Zâmbia

Abstract: Recently, there has been a remarkable increase in biomedical research being conducted in low and middle-income countries. This increase has brought attention to the need for high quality research ethics systems within these countries and a greater focus on research ethics training. Though most programs tend to concentrate on training individuals, less attention has focused on institutions as the target of such training. In this paper we demonstrate a rapid approach to evaluating institutional research capacity. The method adapts the Octagon Model, which evaluates institutional research ethics using eight domains: basic values and identity, organization of activities, implementation, relevance, proper skills, financing and administration, target groups, and working environment. The framework was applied to the University of Zambia in order to conduct a baseline assessment of university research ethics capacity. Internal and external assessments were conducted. The domains of working environment and proper skills scored highest, while relevance, target groups and identity scored lower. Consistent with previous work, a systems approach to evaluating institutional research development capacity can provide a rapid assessment of an institutional bioethics program. This case study reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the university's research ethics program and provides a framework for future capacity growth.

Resumen: Recientemente, ha habido un notable aumento en la investigación biomédica en países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Este aumento ha llamado la atención sobre la necesidad de sistemas éticos de investigación de alta calidad en estos países y un mayor enfoque en la formación en ética de la investigación. Aunque la mayoría de los programas tienden a concentrarse en la formación de los individuos, menos atención se ha centrado en las instituciones como objetivo de dicha formación. En este trabajo se demuestra un enfoque rápido para evaluar la capacidad de investigación institucional. El método adapta el modelo Octagon, que evalúa la ética institucional de la investigación utilizando ocho dominios: valores básicos e identidad, organización de actividades, implementación, relevancia, habilidades adecuadas, financiamiento y administración, grupos objetivo y ambiente de trabajo. El marco se aplicó a la Universidad de Zambia, con el fin de realizar una evaluación inicial de la capacidad de ética de la investigación universitaria. Se realizaron evaluaciones internas y externas. Los ámbitos del entorno de trabajo y de las competencias apropiadas obtuvieron el puntaje más alto, mientras que la relevancia, los grupos objetivo y la identidad obtuvieron calificaciones más bajas. De acuerdo con trabajos previos, un enfoque sistémico para evaluar la capacidad de desarrollo institucional de la investigación puede proporcionar una evaluación rápida de un programa institucional de bioética. Este estudio de caso revela las fortalezas y debilidades del programa de ética de la investigación de la universidad y proporciona un marco para el futuro crecimiento de la capacidad.

Resumo: Recentemente, tem havido um notável aumento na investigação biomédica em países de renda baixa e média. Este aumento tem chamado a atenção para a necessidade de sistemas éticos de pesquisa de alta qualidade nesses países e um maior foco na formação em ética em pesquisa. Embora a maioria dos programas tende a se concentrar na formação dos indivíduos, menos atenção centrou-se em instituições como objetivo dessa formação. Este trabalho demonstra uma aproximação rápida para avaliar a capacidade de pesquisa institucional. O método adapta o modelo Octagon, que avalia a ética institucional de pesquisa usando oito domínios: valores básicos e identidade, organização das atividades, implementação, pertinência, competências adequadas, financiamento e administração, os grupos-alvo e ambiente de trabalho. O quadro foi aplicado para a Universidade da Zâmbia, a fim de fazer uma primeira avaliação da capacidade de ética em pesquisa universitária. Foram realizadas avaliações internas e externas. Os campos do ambiente trabalho e competências adequadas, obtiveram a maior pontuação, enquanto a relevância, grupos-alvo e identidade obtiveram qualificações inferiores. De acordo com trabalhos anteriores, uma abordagem sistêmica para avaliar a capacidade dedesenvolvimento institucional de pesquisa pode fornecer uma avaliação rápida de um programa institucional de bioética. Este estudo de caso revela os pontos fortes e pontos fracos do programa de ética em pesquisa da Universidade e fornece uma estrutura para o crescimento futuro da capacidade.

Management of acute seizures in children: a review with special consideration of care in resource-limited settings

Introduction:We sought to review recent evidence-based guidelines and where applicable, primary data to ex-trapolate insights into the appropriate management of acute seizures in children in resource-limited settings.Methods:PubMed and Google scholar searches were conducted with attention to publications from the last three to five years, including a focused search for acute seizure management guidelines relevant to resource limited settings. Since all guidelines to date, except the World Health Organization's, assume ready access to invasive ventilation and advanced diagnostic testing, guidelines and primary data were used to propose managementappropriate for resource-limited settings where respiratory suppression from treatment presents a major challenge in management.Results:Acute seizures are among the commonest medical emergencies encountered in the African settings.Seizure management must occur simultaneously with the diagnostic assessment, which should include addres-sing life threatening causes (e.g. hypoglycaemia, malaria) and with attention given to the most likely aetiology ina particular region or setting. For ongoing seizures, initial treatment with benzodiazepines is indicated. There is evidence of efficacy for several agents and delivery modes. Longer-acting antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should beon hand if acute seizures fail to respond to two doses of benzodiazepines. There is little direct evidence comparing the relative efficacy of different long-acting AEDs for acute seizure management in African children.Findings suggest that generalising data from Western settings, where different aetiologies and risk factors for seizures prevail, may be inappropriate.Discussion: Though treatment options and diagnostics may be dictated by available medications andcapacity, it is possible for virtually any healthcare setting to develop a relevant and feasible local guideline for seizure management. Clear specifications on when to refer to a higher level of care should be part of the care plan

The negative impact of poverty on the health of women and children

This article is based on "The Negative Impact of Poverty on the Health of Women and Children" and discusses the association between poverty and poor health. Poverty is high on the international development agenda. World conferences and summits have paid attention to the increasing levels of poverty of billions of the world's peoples. The poor die in young age and they usually suffer from communicable diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. They are not only at risk from diseases of the poor but they also suffer from lifestyle health problems that are often found among affluent communities. Unfortunately, in many communities, the most affected are women and children

Clinical management of children with fever: a cross-sectional study of quality of care in rural Zambia

Objective:To evaluate current practices and standards of evaluation and treatment of childhood febrile illness in Southern Province, Zambia.Methods:From November to December 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of facilities and health workers and we observed the health workers' interactions with febrile children and their caregivers. The facility survey recorded level of staffing, health services provided by the facility, availability and adequacy of medical equipment, availability of basic drugs and supplies and availability of treatment charts and guidelines. The health worker survey assessed respondents' training, length of service, access to national guidelines and job aids for managing illnesses, and their practice and knowledge on management of neonatal and child illnesses. We also conducted exit interviews with caregivers to collect information on demographic characteristics, chief complaints, counselling and drug dispensing practices.Findings:This study included 24 health facilities, 53 health workers and 161 children presenting with fever. Facilities were insufficiently staffed, stocked and equipped to adequately manage childhood fever. Children most commonly presented with upper respiratory tract infections (46%; 69), diarrhoea (31%; 27) and malaria (10%; 16). Health workers insufficiently evaluated children for danger signs, and less than half (47%; 9/19) of children with pneumonia received appropriate antibiotic treatment. Only 57% (92/161) were tested for malaria using either rapid diagnostic tests or microscopy.Conclusion:Various health system challenges resulted in a substantial proportion of children receiving insufficient management and treatment of febrile illness. Interventions are needed including strengthening the availability of commodities and improving diagnosis and treatment of febrile illness

Depressive Symptoms Are Negatively Associated with Glucose Testing and Eating Meals on Time among Individuals with Diabetes in Zambia

BACKGROUND: Depression is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and mortality among individuals living with diabetes, and impaired self-care behaviors may play a mediating role. In Africa, this association is not very well known. In this study, we examined the associations between depressive symptoms and different aspects of diabetes self-care in Zambian individuals with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 157 individuals with diabetes mellitus participated. The sample was drawn from four city hospitals in Zambia. Diabetes self-care was assessed using the diabetes self-care inventory, and depression was assessed using the major depression inventory. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent of the sample had type 1 diabetes mellitus. Variations in self-care activities and behaviors were reported as least adhered to by individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, in adolescent and adult patients. Regression analysis indicated that there was no association between total diabetes self-care and the depression total score. However, depression was associated with poor glucose testing and not eating meals on time by patients with diabetes. CONCLUSION: Some variance on poor self-care was explained by demographic characteristics, specifically age, body mass index, and to some extent, socioeconomic status. Recognition and successful treatment of depression in patients with diabetes might help to optimize self-care behaviors, especially glucose testing and eating meals on time. However, this hypothesis needs further testing.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and the determinants of vaccination among health care workers in selected health facilities in Lusaka district, Zambia: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver and causes both acute and chronic disease. It is transmitted through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids. It is an occupational hazard for healthcare workers and can be prevented by the administration of a vaccine. It is recommended that healthcare workers be vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases including hepatitis B. The study objective was to determine the prevalence and determinants of hepatitis B vaccination among healthcare workers in selected health facilities in Lusaka. METHODS: The study took place in seven health facilities across Lusaka district in Zambia. A total sample size of 331 healthcare workers was selected of which; 90 were nurses, 88 were doctors, 86 were laboratory personnel and 67 were general workers. A self-administered structured questionnaire was given to a total of 331 healthcare workers. Investigator led stepwise approach was used to select the best predictor variables in a multiple logistic regression model and all analyses were performed using STATA software, version 12.1 SE (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). RESULTS: Only 64(19.3%) of the healthcare workers were vaccinated against hepatitis B, with 35 (54.7%) of these being fully vaccinated and 29 (45.3%) partially vaccinated. Analysis showed that; age of the healthcare worker, sharp injuries per year and training in infection control were the variables that were statistically significant in predicting a healthcare worker's vaccination status. CONCLUSION: It is reassuring to learn that healthcare workers have knowledge regarding hepatitis B and the vaccine and are willing to be vaccinated against it. Health institutions should bear the cost for vaccinating staff and efforts should be made for appropriate health education regarding hepatitis B infection and its prevention. Establishment of policies on compulsory hepatitis B vaccination for healthcare workers in Zambia is recommended.

Comparison of therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to provide a basis for clinical practice. METHODS: Data from 83 patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty were retrospectively analyzed. The 83 patients were divided into a drainage blood reinfusion group (DR group, n = 45) and a temporary clamping drainage group (CD group, n = 38). In the DR group, postoperative drainage blood was used for autotransfusion. In the CD group, closed drainage was adopted, and the drainage tube was clamped for 2 h postoperatively followed by patency. The postoperative drainage amount, hemoglobin level, rate and average volume of allogeneic blood transfusion, swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and range of active knee flexion were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total drainage volume was higher in the DR group than in the CD group (P = 0.000). The average volume of postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (P = 0.000) and the decrease in the hemoglobin level 24 h after total knee arthroplasty (P = 0.012) were lower in the DR group than in the CD group. Swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and the range of active knee flexion were improved in the DR group compared with the CD group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with temporary clamping drainage, drainage blood reinfusion after total knee arthroplasty can reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion volume and is conducive to early rehabilitation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. .

A survey to assess the extent of public-private mix DOTS in the management of tuberculosis in Zambia

Background: Involving all relevant healthcare providers in tuberculosis (TB) management through public-private mix (PPM) approaches is a vital element in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Stop TB Strategy. The control of TB in Zambia is mainly done in the public health sector; despite the high overall incidence rates. Aim: We conducted a survey to determine the extent of private-sector capacity; participation; practices and adherence to national guidelines in the control of TB. Setting: This survey was done in the year 2012 in 157 facilities in three provinces of Zambia where approximately 85% of the country's private health facilities are found. Methods: We used a structured questionnaire to interview the heads of private health facilities to assess the participation of the private health sector in TB diagnosis; management and prevention activities. Results: Out of 157 facilities surveyed; 40.5% were from the Copperbelt; 4.4% from Central province and 55.1% from Lusaka province. Only 23.8% of the facilities were able to provide full diagnosis and management of TB patients. Although 47.4% of the facilities reported that they do notify their cases to the National TB control programme; the majority (62.7%) of these facilities did not show evidence of notifications. Conclusion: Our results show that the majority of the facilities that diagnose and manage TB in the private sector do not report their TB activities to the National TB Control Programme (NTP). There is a need for the NTP to improve collaboration with the private sector with respect to TB control activities and PPM for Directly Observed Treatment; Short Course (DOTS)

Analysis of the study skills of undergraduate pharmacy students of the University of Zambia School of Medicine / 보건의료교육평가

It aimed to compare the study skills of two groups of undergraduate pharmacy students in the School of Medicine, University of Zambia using the Study Skills Assessment Questionnaire (SSAQ), with the goal of analysing students' study skills and identifying factors that affect study skills. A questionnaire was distributed to 67 participants from both programs using stratified random sampling. Completed questionnaires were rated according to participants study skill. The total scores and scores within subscales were analysed and compared quantitatively. Questionnaires were distributed to 37 students in the regular program, and to 30 students in the parallel program. The response rate was 100%. Students had moderate to good study skills: 22 respondents (32.8%) showed good study skills, while 45 respondents (67.2%) were found to have moderate study skills. Students in the parallel program demonstrated significantly better study skills (mean SSAQ score, 185.4+/-14.5), particularly in time management and writing, than the students in the regular program (mean SSAQ score 175+/-25.4; P<0.05). No significant differences were found according to age, gender, residential or marital status, or level of study. The students in the parallel program had better time management and writing skills, probably due to their prior work experience. The more intensive training to students in regular program is needed in improving time management and writing skills.

Trends in All-Cause Mortality during the Scale-Up of an Antiretroviral Therapy Programme: a Cross-Sectional Study in Lusaka; Zambia

Objective To follow the trends in all-cause mortality in Lusaka; Zambia; during the scale-up of a national programme of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods Between November 2004 and September 2011; we conducted 12 survey rounds as part of a cross-sectional study in Lusaka; with independent sampling in each round. In each survey; we asked the heads of 3600 households to state the number of deaths in their households in the previous 12 months and the number of orphans aged less than 16 years in their households and investigated the heads' knowledge; attitudes and practices related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Findings The number of deaths we recorded - per 100 person-years - in each survey ranged from 0.92 (95confidence interval; CI: 0.78-1.09) in September 2011; to 1.94 (95CI: 1.60-2.35) in March 2007. We found that mortality decreased only modestly each year (mortality rate ratio: 0.98; 95CI: 0.95-1.00; P = 0.093). The proportion of households with orphans under the age of 16 years decreased from 17 in 2004 to 7 in 2011. The proportions of respondents who had ever been tested for HIV; had a comprehensive knowledge of HIV; knew where to obtain free ART and reported that a non-pregnant household member was receiving ART gradually increased. Conclusion :The expansion of ART services in Lusaka was not associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality. Coverage; patient adherence and retention may all have to be increased if ART is to have a robust and lasting impact at population level in Lusaka