African Journal of Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"AGE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND SUBSTANCE USE, REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, AND AWARENESS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE PREVENTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BUKITTINGGI, INDONESIA.","authors":"Nindrea D Ricvan, Ming C Long, Hendriyani Heni","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.2","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The variations in behavioral health issues by sex and age among adolescents in Indonesia have not been comprehensively explored. This study aimed to describe age and gender based differences in alcohol consumption, tobacco and substance use, reproductive health knowledge, and awareness of sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention among high school students in Bukittinggi, Indonesia.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study employed a school-based cross-sectional design conducted in Bukittinggi Municipality, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, with a sample size of 254 secondary school students. We used multi-stage stratified clustered sampling technique to select the students, and asked the students to complete self-administered questionnaires during class on a regular school day. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed that while the majority had never used alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and substances, there were still some former drinkers and smokers, as well as current smokers and electronic cigarette users, especially among males aged 14-15 years. A small percentage also reported using analgesics and energy drinks. The participants generally received education about AIDS or HIV at school, but there were some misconceptions and stigmatizing attitudes toward HIV-positive individuals. Health education regarding birth control was not universal. Awareness of safe sex or STD prevention methods varied by age and gender, with varying levels of knowledge about abstinence and condom use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We found slight variations among male and female students. The study findings suggested the need for sex-specific targeted interventions to improve behavioral health issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"15-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627215/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF <i>COFFEA CANEPHORA</i> EXTRACT IN DIABETIC RATS: INSIGHTS FROM TNF-Α REDUCTION AND INSULIN SENSITIVITY INDICES.","authors":"Jekson Martiar Siahaan, Endy Juli Anto, Tengku Muhammad Fauzi, Sumihar Mr Pasaribu, Hana Isal Salina Ginting, Friska Ernita Sitorus, Hariati Hariati, Firdaus Fahdi, Peny Ariani, Untung Sujianto, Rostime Hermayerni Simanullang, Suryati Sinurat, Jadeny Sinatra, Hadyanto Lim","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.5","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and systemic inflammation. <i>Coffea canephora</i> var. <i>robusta</i> contains bioactive compounds with potential antihyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic and inflammatory effects of its ethanolic extract in a rat model of T2DM.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Forty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into 11 groups, including normal, diabetic controls, and treatment groups receiving ethanolic or ethyl acetate extracts (100-400 mg/kgBW). T2DM was induced using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin ± nicotinamide. Outcomes measured were fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose-lowering percentage (%GL), fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and TNF-α levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 400 mg/kgBW ethanolic extract group showed a significant reduction in FBG (<i>p</i> = 0.017), percentage of glucose lowering (<i>p</i> = 0.000), TNF-α levels (<i>p</i> = 0.000), and body weight (<i>p</i> = 0.000) compared to diabetic controls, indicating improved metabolic regulation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The ethanolic extract of <i>C. canephora</i> improves glycemic control, enhances insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation in T2DM rats, supporting its potential for future clinical validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"37-44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EFFECT OF DIURNAL INTERMITTENT FASTING (DIF) ON ANTIOXIDANT AND PRO INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS ACTIVITY IN MALE RAT MODEL OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.","authors":"Selamat Ginting, Chrismis Novalinda Ginting, Ok Yulizal, Jekson Martiar Siahaan","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.7","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. Diurnal intermittent fasting (DIF), a fasting pattern synchronized with circadian rhythms, has been proposed as a potential strategy to alleviate metabolic disturbances, but evidence from controlled animal studies remains limited.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design using thirty-six male Wistar rats. T2DM was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg). Animals were randomized into four groups: diabetic control (G1), and three DIF-treated groups fasting two (G2), three (G3), and six (G4) days per week. Blood glucose was measured weekly. On day 28, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DIF significantly reduced blood glucose levels in all intervention groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). The G4 group showed the highest SOD activity and the greatest IL-6 reduction (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant glucose difference between G3 and G4, suggesting a plateau in glycemic improvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DIF improves glycemic control, enhances antioxidant defense through increased SOD activity, and reduces systemic inflammation via IL-6 suppression in a T2DM rat model. These findings support the potential of DIF as a complementary therapeutic approach for T2DM, although further research is needed to determine the optimal fasting regimen and its applicability in humans.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"54-61"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627223/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CIRCULATING VIRAL RESPIRATORY PATHOGENS AS CAUSATIVE AGENT FOR SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN MOROCCO: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.","authors":"Kharbach Ahmed, Baba Mohamed Amine, Oubaasri Ahmed, Abda Naima, Khalis Mohamed, Ouaalaya El Hassane, Bigi Soufiane, Wakrim Soukaina, Idrissi Karim Sbai, Belyamani Lahcen, Razine Rachid, Triki Soumia, Malik Mamunur Rahman, Obtel Majdouline","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.12","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.12","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Numerous microorganisms are linked to acute respiratory infections, with increasing focus on viruses as significant pathogens, particularly following the emergence of severe acute respiratory infections. we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory viruses in patients with acute respiratory infections in different regions of Morocco.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Our study was conducted in accordance with the methodological criteria of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). We systematically reviewed studies having using databases of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science between 2000 and 2023. The protocol of the review was registered in the PROSPERO register (CRD42023372751). Twenty-three studies were included in the review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 varied widely, ranging from 8% to 96%, with almost all studies reporting proportions exceeding 30%. Seasonal influenza had a prevalence ranging from 0.88% to 17%. Among children, four studies examined Respiratory Syncytial Virus prevalence, estimating rates between 18% and 36.47%. Additionally, four studies assessed Respiratory Syncytial Virus prevalence across all age groups, reporting rates from 12% to 53.8%. Three studies found Rhinovirus prevalence in children exceeding 50%, while six studies investigating populations of all ages reported rates from 5.8% to 38%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review suggests that Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Rhinovirus have a considerable prevalence in the samples studied in the different cities of the Kingdom of Morocco.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"99-104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627225/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"MEAN DIFFERENCE OF ZINC AND SELENIUM LEVELS AND TUBERCULOSIS OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN RECEIVING TREATMENT IN INDONESIA.","authors":"Masrul Masrul, Usman Elly, Yani Finny Fitry","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.9","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health issue, particularly among children in TB-endemic regions. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as zinc and selenium, may influence TB treatment outcomes. However, the relationship between these micronutrients and TB outcomes in children is not well-established in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the mean difference of zinc and selenium levels on TB treatment outcomes in children receiving treatment in Padang, Indonesia.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted at the district level hospitals in Padang City, Indonesia, from April to October 2024. The study included children aged 1-14 years diagnosed with TB and receiving treatment. Serum zinc and selenium levels were measured using Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA). The treatment outcomes were categorized as success (cured and completed treatment) or failure (death, treatment failure, or default).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Zinc levels were significantly lower in the failure group (71.61±8.18 ng/mL) compared to the success group (79.72±8.12 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Similarly, selenium levels were lower in the failure group (89.56±23.47 ng/mL) compared to the success group (115.09±17.86 ng/mL) (P<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found a significant association between lower zinc and selenium levels and unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes in children. These findings suggest that addressing micronutrient deficiencies may play an important role in improving TB treatment outcomes in pediatric populations. Further research is needed to explore potential interventions to improve micronutrient status in TB patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"72-77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627216/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO PROVIDING COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING INFORMATION AMONG ADULT NIGERIANS.","authors":"Odikpo Linda Chihurumnanya, Balas Ayuba, Ubah Chinenye, Mbadugha Chisom, Ndubuisi-Okoroezi Lovelyn, Ikechukwu-Okoroezi Jennifer","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.4","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background –: </strong>Contact tracing information as one of the measures of COVID-19 control had been met with some barriers and facilitators. This study was set to identify barriers and facilitators to providing COVID-19 contact tracing information among adult Nigerians.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods –: </strong>The study was a prospective web-based cross-sectional descriptive design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 1015 adult Nigerians within 18-70 years age band. Data were collected through Google forms and analyzed with the aids of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.</p><p><strong>Results –: </strong>The majority (91.1%) of the respondents indicated that they will provide contact tracing information if they were confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19. The most identified facilitator to providing Covid-19 contact tracing information by the majority (90.7%) of the participants was to help stop the spread of COVID-19. More than average (58.9%) of participants did not trust the authorities; this was the most identified barrier to providing COVID-19 contact tracing information. The intent to provide contact tracing information was significantly associated with being a healthcare professional (p = .007) and place of residence (p = .044).</p><p><strong>Conclusion –: </strong>This study has identified facilitators and barriers to providing COVID-19 contact information. Despite the progress in management of COVID-19, the future is not predictive; therefore, providing contact tracing information will remain relevant in planning strategic and specific interventions for controlling infectious diseases. Government should make more effort to improve public trust on confidentiality of information and governance in general.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"30-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627226/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicological Evaluation of <i>n</i>-Hexane Fraction of <i>Uvaria chamae</i> Leaves.","authors":"V O Bamimore, E D Manuel-Mosi, O O Fayehun, J I Olawuni, E Ogunwole, C A Elusiyan, G Olayiwola","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.11","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The plant species identified as <i>Uvaria chamae</i>, a member of Annonaceae has exhibited notable anti-trypanosomal effect in <i>in-vivo</i> studies, demonstrating potential therapeutic benefits in animal models. However, a comprehensive toxicity profile is essential to assess the safety of <i>U. chamae</i> for potential therapeutic applications. This study investigated the toxicity of <i>U. chamae</i> leaves (<i>n</i>-hexane fraction) in order to identify any potential adverse effects and establish a safer dosage threshold for prolonged use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The <i>n</i>-hexane partitioned fraction obtained from <i>U. chamae</i> leaves was subjected to acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluations. The short-term toxicity assessment followed established procedures. For the sub-chronic study, a total of 30 animals received the fraction continuously for 35 days. Biochemical analyses were performed on serum and liver homogenates to assess key parameters, including Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Triglycerides (TRIG) and Total cholesterol (TC). Also, histopathological examinations were performed on selected tissue samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The acute toxicity assessment showed an LD₅₀ value exceeding 5000 mg/kg. For the repeated dose toxicity study, results showed statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) variations in AST and ALT levels within both liver and serum homogenates in relation to dosage. Additionally, histopathological analysis identified morphological alterations that distinct are from the control group and consistent with those typically observed in damaged tissues.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>At high doses, the n-hexane fraction of <i>U. chamae</i> showed no acute toxicity. However, prolonged use caused notable biochemical and morphological changes. A dose below 200 mg/kg is recommended for extended use.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"89-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627220/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PHENOTYPIC ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PROFILES OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA IN CLINICAL SAMPLES PRE AND DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC AT ZONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL NORTHERN TANZANIA.","authors":"Vuai Miza Silima, Kumburu Happiness Houka, Mkumbaye Sixbert Isdory, Kajeguka Debora Charles, Kavishe Reginald Adolph","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.1","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 has aggravated antimicrobial use owing to limited treatment options, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance, which was previously estimated to potentially cause 10 million global deaths within 30 years. This study evaluated the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic resistance in referral hospitals.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre analyzed clinical bacterial samples from pre-COVID-19 (2018) and during COVID-19 (2020, 2023). Two hundred isolates from 2018 and 2020, and 121 samples from 2023, were examined. Bacterial isolates were identified using API 20E for Enterobacteriaceae (bioMérieux) and standard biochemical tests, while antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotic resistance among bacteria has increased significantly. Resistance to ampicillin 113 (95.8%, p=0.018), ceftriaxone 102 (74.5%, p=0.043), and ciprofloxacin 119 (68.8%, p=0.003) increased. Conversely, resistance to chloramphenicol 19 (16.1%, p=0.021) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid decreased to 62 (52.5 %, p = 0.007). <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> showed decreased resistance to chloramphenicol 11(20.8%, p=0.004) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 27(50.9%, p=0.034). <i>Acinetobacter species</i> also showed a significant increase in ceftriaxone resistance 18(94.7%, p=0.018). Among the 233 isolates, ESBL-producing bacteria were identified in 101 (43.4%), and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> showed the highest frequencies at 40 (39.6%) and 54 (53.5%), respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>During COVID-19, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone resistance significantly increased, whereas restricted antibiotics, such as meropenem, showed lower resistance. The extensive and uncontrolled use of antibiotics during the pandemic has aggravated antimicrobial resistance, necessitating intensified and coordinated efforts to combat it.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EXPLORING INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES USED BY TRADITIONAL PRACTITIONERS IN RWANDA.","authors":"Kubwimana Liberee, Dusingize Marie Immaculee, Mutatsineza Gislaine, Ingabire Peace, Nkurunziza Fred, Shimelash Natnael, Wong Rex","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.8","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traditional Practitioners (TPs) serve as primary healthcare providers in Rwanda, offering culturally relevant healing methods. Despite their importance, there's a lack of understanding regarding their infection prevention and control (IPC) practices.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study conducted in-depth interviews with Traditional Practitioners (TPs) in four Rwandan districts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four main themes emerged from 50 interviews in this study. 1) Many day-to-day traditional medicine procedures pose risks of infection to Traditional Practitioners. 2) TPs' concepts and understanding of infection are often basic and not evidence based. 3) TPs' beliefs and attitudes toward infection prevention and control may not prioritize patient-centered care. 4) TPs employ various IPC measures, including some scientifically questionable or incorrect practices.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Challenges such as lack of formal medical training and resources hinder effective IPC practices among Traditional Practitioners (TPs). Addressing the gaps in IPC practices among Traditional Practitioners (TPs) is crucial for promoting patient safety and public health in Rwanda. Improving IPC knowledge and practices, providing comprehensive training, and institutionalizing traditional medicine are recommended. Additionally, more research is needed to support the effectiveness and safety of traditional healing practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"62-71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627217/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MORTALITY DETERMINANTS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS BASED ON CLINICAL DIAGNOSES PRIOR TO DEATH AT A NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN INDONESIA.","authors":"Susanti Rika, Afriani Afriani","doi":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.3","DOIUrl":"10.21010/Ajidv19i2S.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mortality in COVID-19 patients is often the result of multiple overlapping clinical complications rather than a single cause. Understanding these patterns is essential for improving clinical outcomes and supporting accurate forensic evaluation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to identify the clinical conditions contributing to death in COVID-19 patients and to assess the association between the number of co-occurring conditions and patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective observational study was conducted on 100 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to a national referral hospital in Indonesia. Data on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical severity, and outcomes were collected from medical records. Clinical causes of death were recorded and categorized by the number of co-occurring conditions. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for mortality were calculated using logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, and disease severity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most frequently documented clinical conditions contributing to death were acute respiratory distress syndrome (68%), respiratory failure (55%), and septic shock (34%). Among patients, 30% had one condition, 45% had two, and 25% had three or more. Compared to patients with a single condition, those with two conditions had an adjusted OR of 2.41 (95% CI: 1.16-4.41), and those with three or more conditions had an adjusted OR of 19.4 (95% CI: 10.73-32.23).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mortality in COVID-19 is significantly associated with the number of co-occurring clinical conditions. Early detection and integrated management of overlapping complications are essential for reducing fatal outcomes and improving diagnostic accuracy in clinical and forensic settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":39108,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"19 2 Suppl","pages":"23-29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12627224/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}