Respiratory health of women selling cassava, corn and soybean flour in Lumbumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory complaints in Congolese women selling grain flours in Lubumbashi. The study enrolled 370 women, including 183 cassava, corn and soybean flour selling women (exposed group) and 187 tax collectors in municipal markets (control group) in Lubumbashi, DRC. A standardized respiratory health questionnaire was used, and a lung function test performed with the use of peak flow-meters. The prevalence of respiratory complaints was markedly higher in dust-exposed women than controls. In addition, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was significantly lower in the exposed group than in controls (342.46 ± 65.62 vs. 410.89 ± 70.91, respectively ; P<0.05). After adjustment for age and education level, women involved in cassava, corn and soybean flour selling business were more likely to develop respiratory complaints ad disorders as compared to controls.

Is Nulliparity a Risk Factor for Poor Obstetrical and Neonatal Outcomes in Rwandan District Hospital ? A Prospective Observational Study at Muhima District Hospital

Introduction: Nulliparity and multiparity are associated with different obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. The latter are well documented in the literature. What is not yet documented is whether such findings apply to Rwandan parturients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the established differences in obstetrical and neonatal outcomes between nulliparas and non-nulliparas apply to Rwandan parturients.Methodology: It was a prospective; cross-sectional; analytical and case control study. Data were systematically collected from 608 parturients (300 nulliparas as study group and 308 multiparas as control; gestational age ? 28 weeks) at Muhima district hospital (Kigali City) from April 13th 2009 up to July 13th 2009. X2 test was used to compare observed proportions; and Student's t test to compare means.Results: The rate of spontaneous labour was significantly higher in multiparas than in nulliparas (96;7 vs 91;7; p = 0;008); and nulliparas had a significantly higher rate of induction of labour (8;2 vs 3;2 ; p = 0;008). The rate of cesarean delivery (28 vs 10;7; p 0;001) and the one of assisted vaginal delivery (1;6 versus 0;3 ; p 0;001) were significantly higher in nulliparas than in multiparas. Among indications of cesarean delivery; cephalo-pelvic disproportion (7versus 0;6; p