Malawi Medical JournalPub Date : 2025-07-11eCollection Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v37i2.9
Joshua Feyi-Waboso, Chisom Chukwunonye
{"title":"Can working with traditional healers be a key aspect of blindness prevention in Malawi?","authors":"Joshua Feyi-Waboso, Chisom Chukwunonye","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.9","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this literature review is to highlight information on the use of traditional eye medicine (TEM) within Malawi.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The papers included in the review were sourced from PubMed, African journals online (AJOL) and African Index Medicus (AIM). The search terms 'Traditional healers in Malawi' 'Traditional Eye care in Malawi' and 'Traditional medicine in Malawi' were used and studies were selected from 1990 through to August 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There is a need to strengthen blindness prevention in Malawi. Due to the already well-established use of traditional healers in the rural regions, it has been suggested that collaborating with them rather than working independently of them will be a better approach to tackling vision impairment. There are multifactorial apprehensions on the part of biomedical practitioners to work with traditional healers which range from a genuine concern that healers practice in a way that may be harmful to patients, to a lack of knowledge of the actual practices of traditional healers. More research needs to be done on how to bridge the gap between the two groups to tackle vision impairment in Malawi.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"115-119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malawi Medical JournalPub Date : 2025-07-11eCollection Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v37i2.10
{"title":"Profile Interview: Thengo Kavinya talks to Dr Yamikani Chimalizeni on his career.","authors":"","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/mmj.v37i2.10","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"120-121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145634995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malawi Medical JournalPub Date : 2025-07-11eCollection Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v37i2.6
Ijeoma O Arodiwe, Josephat M Chinawa, Fortune A Ujunwa, Daberechi K Adiele, Vivian O Onukwuli, Ann E Aronu, Ndubuisi A Uwaezuoke, Ngozi C Ojinnaka
{"title":"Prevalence and Patterns of Neuro-developmental problems among children with Congenital Heart Diseases attending a tertiary institution in South East Nigeria.","authors":"Ijeoma O Arodiwe, Josephat M Chinawa, Fortune A Ujunwa, Daberechi K Adiele, Vivian O Onukwuli, Ann E Aronu, Ndubuisi A Uwaezuoke, Ngozi C Ojinnaka","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.6","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Continued progress in early diagnosis and therapeutic options has contributed to the increased survival of infants with CHD with attendant NDD which is of profound personal and public health significance.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the prevalence and patterns of neuro-developmental problems in children with CHD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study consisting of 40 children with CHD attending the Cardiology clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), as well as 40 age and gender-matched controls with no heart disease recruited from children's outpatient and well-baby clinics. A semi-structured pretested questionnaire was used in documenting socio-demographic data. General and systemic examinations including cardiovascular and central nervous system assessments were done. The echocardiography report from UNTH was reviewed and the type of CHD documented. Neurodevelopmental assessment using The Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT) was carried out by the researchers. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0 version). Chi-Square were used to compare age and gender and other demographic variables with Yates correction where appropriate. Bivariate analysis was performed using the type of CHD to identify cardiac lesions associated with NDD. Significant statistical level was set as a p-value < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty subjects and 40 controls aged 6-60months with a male to female ratio of 3:2 were studied. Thirty-seven (92.5%) of the subjects had one or more symptoms of CHD. NDD was noted in 23 (57.50%) children with CHD compared to six (15.0%) of the controls. (χ = 15.63, p< 0.0008). The differences in the number of children with delay across all domains for both groups were (p= <0.001). While 17 (42.5%) patients with CHD had a delay in more than one domain (global delay), none of the control had a delay in more than one domain. The difference in the number of domains with NDD for patients and their controls was statistically significant (p<0.001). Though there is no significant correlation between age (χ<sup>2</sup> =7.243; p = 0.203) and gender (χ<sup>2</sup> =0.017; p = 0.896) of children with NDD, the younger age group were more affected. NDD was also commoner in children with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) 5 (62.5%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NDD was common in children with CHD and a significant number had a global delay when compared with their controls.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"91-99"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538259/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors associated with happiness among older persons attending a geriatric centre in southwestern Nigeria.","authors":"Lawrence Adekunle Adebusoye, Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola, Oladipo Kunle Afolayan, Eniola Olubukola Cadmus","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.3","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Happiness is an important indicator of physical and mental health, especially in older persons. Despite the growing interest, empirical insights into the factors influencing happiness among older persons in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, are lacking. The present study assessed the factors associated with happiness among older persons.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study of 378 older persons (≥60 years) attending a geriatric care facility in Ibadan city, Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, was conducted. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Happiness was determined using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% significance level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean age of the respondents was 72.8±7.1 years, and 67.5% were females. Overall, 313 (82.8%) respondents were happy. The most significant factors associated with happiness on logistic regression analysis were having fewer children (OR=2.041; 95%CI=1.091-3.818, p=0.025), formal education (OR=2.850; 95%CI= 1.280-6.344, p=0.010), absence of depression (OR=12.942; 95%CI=4.699-35.641, p<0.0001) and engagement in occupational activities (OR=2.870; 95%CI= 1.006-8.187, p=0.049).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A high level of happiness was reported among the older persons in the study and influenced by non-modifiable socio-demographic and modifiable mental health factors. Holistic healthcare provision must include screening for mental health issues and targeted intervention to alleviate such problems among older persons to improve their happiness.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"68-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538257/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malawi Medical JournalPub Date : 2025-07-11eCollection Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v37i2.7
Aslıhan Atar, Hilal Hızlı Güldemir
{"title":"Sustainable Nutrition Knowledge and Behaviours in Highly Educated Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Aslıhan Atar, Hilal Hızlı Güldemir","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.7","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sustainable nutrition is crucial for addressing malnutrition, food insecurity, and health issues. Studies highlight the importance of education in shaping environmental attitudes. This study aims to assess the knowledge and behaviours related to sustainable nutrition among highly educated adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 397 highly educated adults who completed an online questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, sustainable nutrition knowledge (SNK), and behaviours (SNB). Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis; internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. Statistical tests included Chi-square, ANOVA, and regression analysis. A medium effect size (f=0.25) was used for power calculation. Post-hoc tests were conducted where applicable to determine specific group differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 397 participants (48.6% women, mean age 28.08±6.7), women demonstrated significantly higher levels of both sustainable nutrition knowledge (p=0.023) and behaviours (p<0.001) compared to men. SNB was significantly associated with age (p<0.001), education (p=0.004), and marital status (p<0.001). Participants with higher SNK scores consumed significantly less red meat (p=0.028) and processed meat products (p=0.046) than those with lower SNK scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found that sustainable nutrition behaviour scores differed significantly across education levels, with higher scores observed among participants with advanced degrees. The perspectives of these adults on sustainable nutrition may also raise awareness of sustainable nutrition in society and serve as a valuable source of information for decision-makers.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"100-108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malawi Medical JournalPub Date : 2025-07-11eCollection Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v37i2.5
Ning Zhang, Yingfei Duan, Thomas Stuart Mughogho, Dokani Michael Ndovi, Rashid Kaseka, Jian Hu, Jie Zheng, Xiaoqin Wang
{"title":"Optimizing Diagnostic Strategies for Malignant Serous Cavity Effusion: The Role of Cytomorphological Examination Combined with High Fluorescent Cells and Total Protein.","authors":"Ning Zhang, Yingfei Duan, Thomas Stuart Mughogho, Dokani Michael Ndovi, Rashid Kaseka, Jian Hu, Jie Zheng, Xiaoqin Wang","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.5","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study evaluated the diagnostic value of cytomorphological examination in malignant serous cavity effusion (MSCE) and optimized clinical strategies by integrating routine cytological and biochemical analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3,998 patients with serous cavity effusion at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Based on cytopathological results, patients were classified into MSCE (1,078 cases) and benign serous cavity effusion (BSCE, 2,920 cases) groups. Diagnostic performance of cytomorphological examination was assessed, and routine cytological and biochemical parameters were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate diagnostic efficacy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cytomorphological examination showed a sensitivity of 82.9%, specificity of 86.3%, and accuracy of 85.0%, with high concordance with cytopathological diagnosis (κ = 0.687, P < 0.001). High fluorescence cell count (HFC) and total protein (TP) were significantly elevated in the MSCE group and positively correlated with MSCE (P < 0.001). HFC (AUC: 0.765, 95% CI: 0.748-0.782; cutoff: 24.5×10<sup>6</sup>/L) and TP (AUC: 0.735, 95% CI: 0.719-0.750; cutoff: 29.75 g/L) combined with cytomorphological examination provided supplementary diagnostic value. Two combinatorial diagnostic strategies based on cytomorphological examination, HFC, and TP were developed, with Strategy I achieving 93.4% sensitivity and 72.6% specificity, and Strategy II achieving 92.3% specificity and 78.9% sensitivity. Both strategies showed substantial concordance with cytopathological diagnosis (κ=0.622/0.724, P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cytomorphological examination showed high sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of MSCE. Its combination with HFC and TP effectively enhances diagnostic performance by achieving a balance between reducing missed diagnoses and minimizing misdiagnoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"84-90"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538255/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malawi Medical JournalPub Date : 2025-07-11eCollection Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v37i2.1
Adamson S Muula
{"title":"The need for clarity on the 2025-2030 Health Manifesto for Malawi.","authors":"Adamson S Muula","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/mmj.v37i2.1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"56-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of caregiver readiness of relatives caring for stroke patients on their caregiver burden and burnout.","authors":"Kıvan Çevık Kaya, Arzu Surat, Nurgül Güngör Tavşanli","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.4","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stroke affects not only patients but also their caregivers. The level of readiness of caregivers to give care has a significant effect on the quality of life and recovery process of their patients. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the effects of caregiver readiness of individuals providing care for stroke patients on their caregiving burden and burnout.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted with 69 individuals who gave care to inpatients receiving stroke treatment in the Neurology Clinic of a hospital between April 2022 and January 2023. Data collection was carried out using the Patient and Caregiver Identification Form, Cheltenham Patient Classification Scale (CPCS), Preparedness for Caregiving Scale (PCS), Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), and Burnout Measure (BM). In the comparisons of two independent groups, the Independent Samples t-test was used when numerical variables were normally distributed, and Mann Whitney U test was used when numerical variables were not normally distributed. In the comparisons of more than two independent groups, One-Way ANOVA was used when numerical variables were normally distributed, and Kruskal Wallis test was used when numerical variables were not normally distributed. Pearson Correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between the scores obtained from the scales.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis of the distribution of stroke patients according to the Cheltenham Patient Classification Scale revealed that 44.9% of them were in the Type 2 care group. The mean scores they obtained from the data collection tools were as follows: PCS: 22.20±6.98, BCOS: 54.46±11.80, BM: 2.73±1.33.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was a moderately significant negative relationship between the caregivers' BM and PCS scores. Their BM scores decreased as their PCS scores increased. On the other hand, there was a moderately significant positive correlation between their PCS and BCOS scores. As their PCS scores increased, so did their BCOS scores.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"77-83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of prediabetes and associated risk factors among peri-urban dwelling adults in Blantyre, Malawi.","authors":"Grace Mukoka-Bwezani, Ndaziona Kwanjo Banda, Thom Kaledzera, Adamson Muula, Enock Chisati","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.2","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Prediabetes is a high-risk state for developing diabetes, yet its prevalence in Malawi remains understudied. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated risk factors in peri-urban communities of Blantyre, Malawi.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed, enrolling 204 participants from South Lunzu, Nkolokoti, and Misesa. Systematic probability sampling was conducted to recruit study participants. Data were collected using the WHO STEP-wise questionnaire. The following data were collected: demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, employment), lifestyle behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity), anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio), blood pressure, and Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) levels. Prediabetes was defined as an FPG level of 110-125 mg/dl. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between prediabetes and independent factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of participants was 39±13.40 years (range: 18 - 76 years). Female participants constituted 76% (n=155) of the sample. The prevalence of prediabetes was 9.8% (n=20). Participants' characteristics included 3.4% active smokers, 18.6% alcohol consumers, 67.6% engaging in vigorous physical activity, and 81.9% in daily moderate physical activities. Additionally, 24.5% were obese, 53.9% had high waist circumference, and 23.0% had a high waist-hip ratio. Obesity was significantly associated with prediabetes (AOR=8.850 95% CI=1.172 - 29.208). All other variables were not significantly associated with prediabetes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Results from this study reveal a significant association between obesity and prediabetes, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to prevent prediabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"58-67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malawi Medical JournalPub Date : 2025-07-11eCollection Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v37i2.8
Xin Huang, Jin Shang, Yao Xiao, Wei Hou, Guangrui Mu, Daliang Li, Hua Qian, Junying Li
{"title":"Deep learning-based reconstruction improves image quality in low-dose head CT angiography.","authors":"Xin Huang, Jin Shang, Yao Xiao, Wei Hou, Guangrui Mu, Daliang Li, Hua Qian, Junying Li","doi":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.8","DOIUrl":"10.4314/mmj.v37i2.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to compare the image quality of filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo (ASIR-V) and the deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms in low-dose head CT angiography (CTA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective study was conducted on 25 patients undergoing head CTA using a 256-slice CT scanner. Patients received 25 mL of iodine contrast (Iopromide, 370 mg I/mL, 3.0 mL/s). Images were reconstructed using DLIR with high settings (DLIR-H) and medium settings (DLIR-M), FBP, and ASIR-V with a blending factor of 50% (ASIR-V 50%). CT values, standard deviations, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were measured at the basal ganglia, posterior cranial fossa, center of semiovale, and middle cerebral artery. The edge rise slope (ERS) of the middle cerebral artery rim was measured to assess vessel clarity. Image noise, vessel edge definition, and overall quality were scored on a 5-point scale, while sharpness and clarity were rated on a 4-point scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>FBP images exhibited the highest image noise, as reflected by SD values. DLIR, especially DLIR-H, showed superior noise reduction compared to ASIR-V 50%. SNR followed this trend: FBP < ASIR-V 50% < DLIR-M < DLIR-H. Spatial resolution, measured by ERS for vessel wall clarity, was higher in DLIR images compared to in ASIR-V 50%. DLIR outperformed conventional iterative algorithms in balancing noise reduction and edge clarity, with both DLIR-M and DLIR-H achieving better subjective scores for noise, edge definition, and sharpness than ASIR-V 50% and FBP.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DLIR in low-dose head CTA could reduces image noise, preserve natural texture, and enhance image clarity compared with ASIR-V and FBP methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":18185,"journal":{"name":"Malawi Medical Journal","volume":"37 2","pages":"109-114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12538262/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145635005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}