Quality of life of survivors following road traffic orthopaedic injuries in Rwanda.

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTI) pose a global public health threat, especially in low- and middle-income nations. These injuries typically cause orthopaedic problems that may negatively impair a person's physical and mental health and quality of life. Our study examined the quality of life of road traffic orthopaedic injuries (RTOI) survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional study at five Rwandan referral hospitals, included 369 adult RTOI victims. Two years post-injury, participants completed the European Quality of life 5 Dimension 5 (EQ-5D-5L) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Questionnaire between June 2 and August 31, 2022, with informed consent. Three EQ-5D-5L-VAS scores were used: low (0-40%), fair (41-60%), and excellent (61-100%). We used logistic regression analysis with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI. Results: The RTOI victims had a mean age of 37.5 ± 11.26 years with sex ratio M:F:3:1. Usual activities (66.8%) and mobility (54.8%) were the most affected EQ-5D-5L dimensions. Residence, hospital stay, rehabilitation, and return to work affected mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The EQ-5D-5L/VAS score showed 34.95% poor QoL (0-40%) and 35.50% good QoL. Factors affecting QoL include level of education (OR = 1.66, p < <0.01), type of intervention (OR = 1.22, p = 0.003), rehabilitation (OR = 2.41, p < 0.01) and level of disability (OR = 196.41, p < 0.01). Mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, comfort, anxiety, and depression vary moderately on Shannon's index. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of road traffic orthopaedic injuries (RTOI) on survivors' quality of life in Rwanda, revealing challenges in mobility and daily activities. Factors influencing quality of life include education level, medical intervention type, rehabilitation, and disability degree. The findings emphasize the need for tailored rehabilitation strategies and policy interventions to improve long-term outcomes for RTOI survivors.

Adolescent maternal mortality at a district health services over a five year period in South Africa: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the trend in adolescent maternal deaths and deliveries over a period of 5 years and 9 months (July 2014-March 2020) at the Ekurhuleni Health District in South Africa. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective review and secondary data analysis using data from the District Health Information System and clinical oversight data from the District Clinical Specialist Team. The study population was adolescent pregnant women aged 10-19 years who died at health facilities. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: There was a total of 12 559 adolescent deliveries. Adolescent birth rate was lower than that of sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescent deaths (n = 37) contributed to around 8% of the total maternal deaths. Deliveries (97%) and deaths (98%) were most common among women aged 15-19 years. Six (16%) women had a repeat pregnancy. A total of 21 (57%) had booked for antenatal care. There were few antenatal visits (mean 4 ± SD 2.1). The main three causes of death were hypertension (35%) followed by hemorrhage (24%) and suicide (14%). Postpartum deaths (62%) were significantly (chi-square test, P = 0.02) higher than antepartum deaths (38%). The majority (73%) of newborns were born alive which was significantly (chi-square test, P = 0.002) higher than those which were stillborn (27%). CONCLUSION: The main challenges were the high number of adolescent deliveries, repeat pregnancies, and preventable causes of death. Multidisciplinary collaboration involving obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, school health services, social workers and psychologists is indispensable for comprehensive management, prioritizing pregnancy prevention among this vulnerable group.

Supported self-management in long-term conditions in an African context.

Self-management is an important strategy to improve quality of life, appropriately manage long-term health conditions, and reduce the economic burden of long-term health conditions. However, equitable healthcare access remains an issue, and the focus on 'self' in self-management is problematic. Our review aims to explore the conceptualisation and evolution of supported self-management in an African context and its relevance to physiotherapy. A state-of-the-art review of the literature was undertaken by the authors. The authors knowledge of the subject area and a database search retrieved recent articles exploring patients' and healthcare providers' understanding of supported self-management in Africa. Relevant articles were read, and data summaries of included studies were extracted and tabulated. Findings were organised deductively. Sixteen studies, 11 primary research, and 5 reviews (2016-2023) undertaken in a variety of sub-Saharan countries with healthcare workers (~n = 177) and people (~n = 16 115) living with a mix of non-communicable and communicable conditions were considered in this state-of-the-art review. Self-management perceptions were drawn from Western authors spanning development research and understanding of the concepts in Western thinking. We conclude that imported concepts, such as supported self-management for long-term conditions, should be considered within local health delivery solutions. These should be embedded in an understanding of traditional African health systems. Clinical implications: There is a need to develop locally derived African solutions. Self-management strategies for long-term health conditions should be developed, considering traditional holistic African health systems.

Factors influencing survival outcomes in patients with stroke in Zimbabwe: A 12-month longitudinal study.

Background: In this longitudinal study, we aimed to determine factors influencing survival outcomes among patients with stroke over a 12-month period. The investigation sought to uncover influential determinants to enhance the precision of prognostic assessments and inform targeted interventions for individuals affected by strokes. Methods: Employing a longitudinal study design, participants were observed for 12 months from baseline, censoring survivors at the endpoint. The dataset originated from a comprehensive study involving stroke patients treated at three referral hospitals in Zimbabwe: Parirenyatwa, Sally Mugabe, and Chitungwiza Central Hospital. The primary outcome variable, the duration of survival until death, was measured in days from the initiation of stroke treatment. Gompertz parametric regression analysis was utilized for data modeling following Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model diagnostics. Results: In our study, 188 stroke patients were enrolled at baseline. However, 51 patients were excluded from the analysis due to either missing information or loss to follow-up. Among the remaining 137 patients who were tracked over a 12-month period, 42% were censored, and 58% were deceased. Individuals utilizing 'Free Service (older than 65/pensioners/retirees)' hospital bill payment methods showed a decreased risk of death (HR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.80), suggesting a protective effect compared to cash paying patients. Those with a secondary school level education displayed a significantly lower risk of death (HR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.69) compared to those without formal education. Age was a significant factor, with individuals aged 45-65 and those over 65 years showing higher adjusted hazard ratios (HR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.80, 13.25; HR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.92, 15.95, respectively) relative to those below 45 years of age. Housing status revealed a protective effect for those residing with parents/relatives (adjusted HR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.66), while individuals with a 'Very severe' functional outcome showed an increased hazard (adjusted HR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.12, 21.33). Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate that hospital bill payment methods, housing status, educational attainment, functional outcome, and age significantly affect survival outcomes among stroke patients. This highlights the need to consider socio-demographic and clinical variables in the development of prognostic assessments and targeted interventions for individuals recovering from stroke.

Prevalence and levels of disability post road traffic orthopaedic injuries in Rwanda.

Background: Prolonged disability resulting from road traffic injuries (RTIs) contributes significantly to morbidity and disease burden. A good understanding of the prevalence and the level of disability of orthopaedic injuries in developing countries is crucial for improvement; however, such data are currently lacking in Rwanda. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and levels of disability of 2 years post-road traffic orthopaedic injuries in Rwanda. Method: A multicentre, cross-sectional study from five Rwandan referral hospitals of 368 adult RTI victims' sustained from accidents in 2019. Between 02 June 2022, and 31 August 2022, two years after the injury, participants completed the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) Questionnaire for the degree of impairment and the Upper Extremity Functional Scale and Lower-Extremity Functional Scale forms for limb functional evaluation. Descriptive, inferential statistics Chi-square and multinomial regression models were analysed using R Studio. Results: The study's mean age of the RTOI victims was 37.5 (±11.26) years, with a sex ratio M: F:3: 1. The prevalence of disability following road traffic orthopedic injury (RTOI) after 2 years was 36.14%, with victims having WHODAS score > 25.0% and 36.31% were still unable to return to their usual activities. Age group, Severe Kampala Trauma Score and lack of rehabilitation contributed to disability. The most affected WHODAS domains were participation in society (33%) and life activities (28%). Conclusion: The prevalence and levels of disability because of RTOI in Rwanda are high, with mobility and participation in life being more affected than other WHODAS domains. Middle-aged and socio-economically underprivileged persons are the most affected. Contribution: This study showed that a good rehabilitation approach and economic support for the RTI victims would decrease their disabilities in Rwanda.

The development of items for a physiotherapy clinical programme evaluation tool.

Background: Evaluating a physiotherapy clinical education programme is challenging, given its complex and multidimensional nature, resulting in a paucity of research on the topic. Objectives: The objective of our study, which was part of a larger study, was to identify items that could be included in a tool to evaluate a physiotherapy clinical education programme in South Africa. Method: A qualitative study utilising focused group discussions including academics, clinical educators and clinicians was undertaken. A broad script that delved into clinical education experience was used. An inductive thematic content analysis using MaxQda version 2018.2 was undertaken; the data were coded, and similar foci were categorised and subcategorised. This process led to the identification of themes. Both triangulation of the data (member checks, field note comparison, observer reflection and verification of the data) and assuring the data's trustworthiness (credibility, dependability and confirmability) were undertaken. Results: Fourteen focus group discussions were held countrywide. Three themes emerged from the data. A macro theme included all governance issues, a meso theme included all structural issues and a micro theme included all aspects related to clinical experience. Conclusion: The complex nature of clinical physiotherapy education and its diversity can be seen in these emerging themes. All the categories and subcategories making up these themes must now be considered in the next step of developing this tool. Clinical implications: Quality assurance and minimal training standards may be ensured.

Research from Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries will Benefit Global Health and the Physiotherapy Profession, but it Requires Support.

Disparities in research publications are common in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation fields.1 A small proportion of published research arises from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs),1,2 home to 85% of the world's population. Systems-level, institutional-level, and individual-level factors contribute to these disparities. With urgent and unified actions, global health and the standard of physiotherapy research in LMICs can be improved and strengthened. In this editorial, we will discuss the challenges encountered by researchers from LMICs in conducting and publishing high-quality research and propose potential strategies to address these challenges.

Factors affecting social integration after road traffic orthopaedic injuries in Rwanda.

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) leading to long-term disability present a significant public health challenge, causing immense personal and societal consequences. Every year, 50 million people are hurt, 1.2 million die, 30% are permanently disabled, and 14% cannot return to work due to road traffic accidents. However, in many developing countries, information on the social integration of patients post-RTI remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to social integration following road traffic-related orthopedic injuries (RTOI) in Rwanda. Methodology: A multicenter, cross-sectional study included 369 adult Road traffic orthopedic injuries (RTOI) victims from five Rwandan referral hospitals. Participants completed the IMPACT-S Questionnaire between 2 June 2022, and 31 August 2022, two years after the injury. It measured social integration in terms of activities and paricipation. We used logistic regression statistical analysis with a significance level of p < 0.05 to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences and Medicine at the University of Rwanda College of Medicine ethically authorized this study. Participants signed a written consent form before participating in the study. The data was kept private and was used only for this study. Results: The study's findings indicated that the mean age of RTOI victims was 37.5 ± 11.26 years, with a notable male predominance over females. Of the participants, 5.69% were unable to resume normal life activities. The overall mean score on the IMPACT-S scale was moderate, at 77 ± 17. Specifically, participants achieved an average score of 76 ± 16 for "activities" and a higher average of 84 ± 16 for "participation." Certain factors were associated with poor social integration compared to others, including belonging to the age group above 65 years (OR = 8.25, p = 0.02), female sex (OR = 3.26, p = 0.02), lack of rehabilitation (OR = 3.82, p = 0.01), and length of hospital stay >15 days (OR = 4.44, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The majority of RTOI victims in Rwanda achieved successful reintegration into society; nevertheless, their mobility and community engagement were more significantly impacted compared to other aspects assessed by the IMPACT-S scale. The study emphasized the importance of early management, effective rehabilitation, and prompt patient discharge from the hospital in facilitating a successful return to everyday life after road traffic-related orthopedic injuries.

A tool to evaluate physiotherapy clinical education in South Africa.

Background: Physiotherapy clinical education is complex. The dynamic learning milieu is fluid and multidimensional, which contributes to the complexity of the clinical learning experience. Consequently, there are numerous factors which impact the clinical learning experience which cannot be measured objectively - a gap which led to the development of our study. Objectives: To develop, validate, and test the reliability of an assessment tool that evaluates the effectiveness and quality of physiotherapy clinical education programmes. Method: A mixed methods approach in three phases included physiotherapy academics, clinical educators, and clinicians throughout South Africa. Phase One was a qualitative study: focus group discussions determined items and domains of the tool. Phase Two established the content and construct validity of the tool, a scoring system and a name for the tool, using the Delphi method. In Phase Three, factor analysis reduced the number of items, and the feasibility and utility of the tool was determined cross-sectionally. Results: The Vaneshveri Naidoo Clinical Programme Evaluation Tool (VN-CPET) of 58 items and six domains was developed and found to be valid, reliable (α = 0.75) and useful. The six domains of VN-CPET include governance; academic processes; learning exposure; clinical orientation; clinical supervision and quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion: The Vaneshveri Naidoo Clinical Programme Evaluation Tool is a valid, reliable and standardised tool, that evaluates the quality and effectiveness of physiotherapy clinical education programmes. Clinical implications: This tool can objectively evaluate the quality and effectiveness of physiotherapy clinical education programmes in South Africa, and other health science education programmes, both locally and globally, with minor modification.