{"title":"Factors Associated with Anthropometric Status of Primary School Children in Dodoma, Tanzaniaania","authors":"Vivian Kilandeka","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.19","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Malnutrition in school-age children significantly affects their health, cognitive development, and educational attainment. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of school-age children and the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors on their nutritional well-being. This study focused on primary focus was on primary school children in Dodoma. sought to identify children who could be at risk of malnutrition. The study intended to establish baseline data regarding the nutritional status of school children that could contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional landscape among primary school children in the region. This information could subsequently inform nutritionists and policymakers to plan interventions to improve these children's nutritional status.\u0000Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 248 pupils was conducted in eight primary schools in Dodoma. Four schools were selected from Chamwino and Dodoma urban districts, respectively, whereby two government schools and two private schools were selected from each district. The other four schools were situated in the urban district of Dodoma, comprising two government and two private schools. The study assessed the prevalence of stunting, wasting/thinness, underweight, and overweight/obesity among primary school children. Stunting was characterized by impaired growth and development with low height for age, while underweight was defined as low weight relative to age. Wasting/thinness refers to insufficient flesh, with body weight falling below skeletal and physical standards. Overweight/obese indicates excessive fat tissue accumulation that could impact health. Data were analyzed using the WHO AnthroPlus v1.0.4 software and SPSS v26 software for Windows.\u0000Results: Prevalence rates among the surveyed pupils were as follows: stunting (10.5%), underweight (3.6%), thinness (2.8%), and overweight/obesity (10.1%). Stunting was more prevalent in boys (13.2%) than in girls (8.2%), and it exhibited an upward trend with increasing age. The prevalence of underweight was higher in public schools (8.2%) compared to private schools (3.2%). Thinness was more common in public schools (85.7%) compared to private schools (14.3%) and was more prevalent in rural areas (57.1%) and among younger children (57.1%). Overweight/obesity was more prevalent among girls (91.0%) compared to boys (88.6%). Schools in urban areas showed a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (90.3%) than those in rural areas (89.5%). Private schools (95.2%) had a higher prevalence of overweight/obese pupils compared to public schools (84.7%). Pupils residing in urban areas were more likely to become overweight/obese compared to their counterparts living in rural settings.\u0000Conclusion: Significant rates of stunting, thinness, underweight, and overweight/obesity were observed among primary schoolchildren in Dodoma, Tanzania. These findings underlined the necessity to enhance nutri","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hortensia G Nondoli, R. Maghembe, W. Kidima, Victor A. Makene, Esther Ngadaya
{"title":"Complete genome sequences and multidrug resistance genotypes of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolates from the Central Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory Muhimbili Tanzania","authors":"Hortensia G Nondoli, R. Maghembe, W. Kidima, Victor A. Makene, Esther Ngadaya","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.15","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) usually comprise a group of environmental bacteria, with emerging but elusive coinfection with tuberculous mycobacteria, causing pulmonary tuberculosis. Whole genome sequencing may give insight into potential antimicrobial resistance genotypes, giving clinicians and policymakers proper directions in clinical applications and management regimens.\u0000Methods: WGS was performed on twenty-four gDNA isolates from archival samples at the Central Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory using the MinION Oxford Nanopore Sequencing approach. Out of twenty-four, two were confirmed to belong to the NTM group. Further analysis was done to resolve the complete genomes of two nontuberculous mycobacteria strains isolated from tuberculosis patients. We then combined phylogenomics, reference-based scaffolding and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis to delineate each strain's taxonomic position and corresponding features.\u0000Results: Our findings reveal that the two strains fit into the genus Mycolicibacterium, and the closest relative is Mycolicibacterium novocastrense. Coupling BacAnt and CARD-based antibiotic resistance analyses revealed multidrug-resistant genotypes of diverse spectra and mechanisms. While the BC02 strain is genetically resistant to beta-lactams, macrolides and rifamycins, the BC05 strain portrays an extended drug resistance genotype encompassing beta-lactams, macrolides, polyamines, and aminoglycosides. Both strains possess a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the RNA polymerase beta-subunit (rpoB), representing resistance to the first-line rifampicin. Additionally, the BC05 strain genetically portrays resistance to ethambutol, isoniazid and fosfomycin through mechanisms involving target alteration through SNPs, drug inactivation and efflux.\u0000Conclusion: Our findings strongly suggest the potential implication of multidrug-resistant NTM clinical isolates in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis.\u0000 ","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W. Kidima, Rebecca Wambura, V. Nyigo, Shabban Katani, H. Malebo
{"title":"Synergy and Antagonism in Antimalarial Crude Extract Combinations","authors":"W. Kidima, Rebecca Wambura, V. Nyigo, Shabban Katani, H. Malebo","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.17","url":null,"abstract":"Background \u0000Malaria accounts for around 4.8% of all recorded fatalities in Tanzania. Medicinal plants such as Caesalpinia bonducella, Azadirachta indica, and Annickia kummeriae have demonstrated promise in treating many diseases, including malaria. However, their combined activity against malaria has not been documented. Combination therapy using some medicinal plants with antimalarial activities may enhance safety and efficacy and reduce the evolution of parasite resistance.\u0000Objectives\u0000This study aimed to investigate antiplasmodium activities of different combinations of crude extracts from selected medicinal plants. Azadirachta indica leaves, Annickia kummeriae and Caesalpinia bonducella were extracted using dichloromethane (DCM).\u0000 Methods\u0000An in vivo acute toxicity study of both individual and combined crude extracts was carried out according to Chinedu et al., 2015. The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of individual and combined crude extracts was performed in mice inoculated with Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) using Peters’s 4-day suppressive test. \u0000Results\u0000Individually, Caesalpinia bonducella crude extracts exhibited the highest in vivo antiplasmodial efficacy (91% parasite suppression) than A. kummeriae (73% parasite suppression) and A. indica (60% parasite suppression) at 800 mg/kg/day. The A. indica and A. summarize combinations and A. indica and C. bonducella demonstrated higher antiplasmodial activity (synergism-combination index 0.29 and 0.97, respectively) than their constituents. However, combining A. kummeriae and C. bonducella produced the lowest antiplasmodial activity (antagonism- combination index 40.67) than its extracts. The high antiplasmodial potencies (ED50) demonstrated by AiAk and AiCb are significant and critical results for traditional, complementary and alternative medicine.\u0000 Conclusion\u0000Therefore, these preliminary findings suggest that AiAk and AiCb are potential antiplasmodium herbal therapies. Further research should be undertaken to investigate the antiplasmodium effect of AiAk and AiCb in humans.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"24 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140753805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Knowledge on the Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Syndrome and Self-Foot Care Practices among Diabetic Patients at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Elias Jacob, Emmanuel Z. China, Moses Evaristo","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Evidence indicates diabetic patients have more than 15 times increased risk of non-traumatic foot disabilities. Patients' knowledge of the potential risk factors and self-care practices anticipate better self-management.\u0000Objective: This study aimed to assess patients’ knowledge of the risk factors for diabetic foot syndromes and reported self-foot care practices at Muhimbili National Hospital.\u0000Methods: A hospital-based quantitative cross-sectional study design was conducted in June and December 2022. A random sampling technique was applied to recruit 140 diabetic patients at an outpatient clinic. The Guided Interview questionnaire was used to obtain data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.\u0000Result: The reported history of foot ulceration was 42(30%). Participants did not identify Smoking 106 (78.4%), foot soring/fungus 101(72.1%), and toenail ingrowth 96(68.3%) as potential contributors/risks for foot ulceration. Participants 93(66.4%) had an Inadequate knowledge score on the risk factors for Diabetic Foot Syndrome. The gender(male) (AOR: 3.71, 95%CI, 1.513-9.114, P=0.004169), education (secondary level) (AOR: 0.179, 95%CI: 0.045-0.70, P=0.0139), and history of foot ulceration (have not experienced foot ulcer) (AOR: 5.5, 95%CI: 2.14-14.165, P=0.000403) were significant associated to Inadequate knowledge score. Washing the foot with warm water and drying between the toes [daily] 84(60.4%) received poor response. Of the participants, 97(69.3%) had Good self-foot care practices. The duration of Diabetic illness (more than five months and less than one year) (AOR: 19.025, 95%CI: 2.716-133.293, P=0.003) and history of foot ulceration (have not experienced foot ulcer) (AOR: 3.377, 95%CI: 1.218-9.366, P=0.019) were significantly associated to Poor self-foot care practices. \u0000Conclusion: The finding reveals inadequate knowledge of risk factors for diabetic foot syndromes and poor self-care practices. It gives insight into the respective authorities to develop a comprehensive rehabilitative therapy, focusing on foot health education and addressing every aspect affecting their quality of life.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"335 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdallah Bakari, W. Kidima, Shaaban Kassuwi, B. Mwang'onde, Lucas Matemba
{"title":"Antimicrobial Resistance among neonates with neonatal Sepsis Morogoro Tanzania","authors":"Abdallah Bakari, W. Kidima, Shaaban Kassuwi, B. Mwang'onde, Lucas Matemba","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Neonatal sepsis increases neonatal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income nations. however, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis, the etiological agents, and antimicrobial resistance patterns have not been documented in areas with the highest neonatal mortality rates in Tanzania. \u0000Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of neonatal sepsis, identify the primary causative agents, and understand their resistance patterns at Morogoro Regional Hospital. \u0000Methods: The study involved 252 admitted neonates at Morogoro Regional Hospital and was carried out between March and June 2019. Clinical and demographic information for each neonate was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained from all 252 neonates, and 50 swabs were randomly taken from neonates with umbilical pus discharge. The samples were then cultured using aseptic techniques on blood agar, chocolate agar, and MacConkey agar. The identification of the causative agents relied on the characteristics of colony morphology, gram staining, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined using the disc diffusion method with Muller Hinton agar against Ampiclox, Erythromycin, Gentamycin, Nalidixic acid, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, Kanamycin,Co-trimoxazole, Cephalexin, Ceftriaxone, and Amikacin. \u0000Results: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis, as determined through blood culture, was 40 % (102 /252). The predominant bacteria isolated from blood cultures were E. coli 31 %, Staphylococcus aureus 23 %, and Citrobacter spp 16%. Around 50% of the gram-negative bacteria showed resistance to Ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin. Both gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus displayed resistance to Ampiclox. \u0000Conclusion: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Citrobacter spp. were shown to be the most frequent bacteria in neonatal sepsis in Morogoro. Many isolates were Ampiclox-resistant. Neonatal sepsis is common in Morogoro, highlighting the need for innovative neonatal care and preventative techniques.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"253 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Food Environment Facing School Children in Public Primary Schools in Morogoro Municipality","authors":"A. Mamiro, John M. Msuya","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The study focused on examining the overall food environment influencing the dietary choices of school children in public primary schools in Morogoro Municipality. Four primary schools—Magadu, SUA, Mlimani, and Kikundi—were purposively sampled to represent the broader school landscape in the municipality. SUA and Mlimani were in urban and peri-urban areas, Magadu represented peri-urban settings, and Kikundi was in the town center. Data collection involved administering a structured questionnaire to 97 school children, selected through convenient sampling based on their availability on the day of data collection.\u0000Results showed that most children were aware of healthy foods (62.9%) but demonstrated lower awareness of unhealthy foods (52.6%). Only 52% of children brought food from home, while the majority purchased items from vendors around the school premises. The most consumed junk foods included biscuits (83.5%), chips (75.3%), chocolates (74.2%), and fried buns (72.2%). Notably, school regulations or bylaws governing the sale of food to children were absent.\u0000Discussion: The findings suggested that children were more conscious of healthy foods than unhealthy options, possibly leading them to consume the latter unknowingly. The study emphasized the prevalence of unhealthy food consumption among school children and highlighted the absence of regulatory measures in place. Addressing these issues could promote healthier dietary habits among school children in Morogoro Municipality.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"14 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140754004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Compliance to Recommended Prevention and Management Practices among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania","authors":"Hasna Bofu, S. Msollo, A. Mwanri","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.8","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Diabetes-related complications are the significant causes of morbidity and mortality among type 2 diabetes patients. The complications can be reduced by practicing and maintaining several preventive measures. The present study aims to assess compliance and factors associated with recommended management practices and prevention of complications among type 2 diabetes patients in selected health facilities in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania.\u0000Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 among 140 patients, including patients who were diagnosed with diabetes for at least three months prior to the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, which included patients’ characteristics and a previously validated Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities questionnaire to assess patients' compliance with recommended practices. A multivariable regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with compliance with recommended practices.\u0000Results: The mean age of the respondents was 59 ±12.08 years and 65% were females. Among 140 patients, 91.4% (n=128) had poor or unsatisfactory self-care practices with an overall mean of 3.81± 2.08 days per week for diabetes management. The recommended practices with good or satisfactory performance were non-smoking, non-alcohol drinking and prescribed medication. In contrast, unsatisfactory performance was observed for self-monitoring of blood glucose with a mean of physical activity. Multiple regression analysis showed that co-morbidity (AOR 4.5; 95% CI:1.14-18.02) and being employed (AOR 4.4; 95% CI:1.25-15.44) independently predict self-care practices.\u0000Conclusion and recommendation: Compliance with self-monitoring of blood glucose, physical exercise and dietary practices were found to be low among type 2 diabetes patients, which could increase the risk of complications. Nutritional and lifestyle counselling and the use of peer groups should be emphasized to improve compliance with recommended practices.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140752189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dietary diversity and Anthropometric status of students at universities in Dodoma and Morogoro regions, Tanzania","authors":"Neema Mgetta, H. Muhimbula","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.14","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Young adulthood is a transitional period that provides an opportunity to influence immediate and future eating behavior and good nutritional status. As diets evolve during young adulthood due to changes in circumstances and the introduction of new influences, young adults are a significant population group to influence future eating behaviours and prevent the development of NCDS. There is scanty information on the relationship between dietary diversity and the nutritional status of university students in Tanzania. This study aimed to find the synergy between university students' anthropometric status and dietary diversity in Morogoro and Dodoma regions of Tanzania.\u0000Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 247 University students in Morogoro and Dodoma regions (130 from Mzumbe University and 117 from Saint John’s University) respectively. The two Universities were purposively selected from each region. Data on Dietary diversity was collected using food groups from DDS to obtain the dietary score of each student. Anthropometric measures such as weight, height and waist circumference were done to obtain the anthropometric status of the University students.\u0000Results: The descriptive cross-sectional study involved 247 University students. In comparative chi-square analysis, the association was found among different socio-demographic characteristics of the University students. The p-value < 0.05 was used to determine the association among the variables.\u0000Conclusion: In conclusion, university students are a vulnerable group in developing obesity/overweight due to the transitional stage. Being overweight and obese was associated with being female, increased age and being married. High dietary diversity was also linked with abdominal obesity. Factors that can help describe and understand the anthropometric status of university students have also been identified. These include years of study, religion, and university location. Therefore, efforts to adopt good lifestyle behaviours should be sensitized amongst this sub-population to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases in the long run.\u0000 \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"199 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nutritional Status Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients, Tanzania","authors":"E. Massawe, Peter Nyakubega","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.7","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Nutrition in cancer patients is a challenge as various mechanisms can lead to poor nutrition status, and this contributes to poor prognosis and quality of life. In developing countries, before one concludes that cancer is the culprit to malnutrition, one has to rule out access to food. The Head and Neck region is involved with the intake and initial processing of the food. Therefore, the presence of a tumor in any subsite directly affects nutritional status.\u0000Aim: This study aimed to establish nutritional adequacy among Head and Neck Cancer patients accessing services at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.\u0000Method: The study was cross-sectional descriptive. Patients with head and neck cancer attended from 1st August 2022 to 31st January 2023 were recruited. Information about access to food was collected and nutrition was measured by anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests (serum albumin levels). After data collection, the correctness was checked by running frequency tables and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.\u0000Results: The study involved a total of 113 participants aged from 15 to 93 years with a mean age of 51.81+/-17.439 years. There were 74 males and 39 females, making a ratio of 1.9:1. Most participants had laryngeal tumours (46%). 85.6% of patients had advanced disease, stage IV (52.2%).17% of patients had pre-existing dietary risk, and 36.3% had severe malnourishment at presentation. In this study,75% of patients with oropharyngeal tumours had malnutrition, followed by hypopharyngeal and nasopharyngeal tumours, each with 66.7%. Stage IV patients were severely malnourished (57.6%) which was statistically significant.\u0000Conclusion and recommendation: Laryngeal tumours are common in men and are related to advanced age. Most of the patients with Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) had severe malnourishment. Management of head and neck cancer should also address malnutrition which contributes to poor prognosis and quality of life.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"86 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140751552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors among medical students in Tanzania: evidence from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Science, Mwanza region","authors":"Paul Alikado Sabuni, M. Mwangu, Thadeus Ruwaichi","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v25i2.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v25i2.16","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the government of Tanzania has made efforts and initiatives to protect its citizens. These efforts and control measures are lined with WHO guidelines and the National response plan for controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. Unlike other control measures, the Vaccine remained a promised solution to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to determine the COVID-19 hesitancy level and associated factors among medical students. Furthermore, it aims to provide valuable insights and information that can be applied in future immunization campaigns/strategies to improve vaccination rates among this particular group of future medical professionals during the pandemic.\u0000Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional survey conducted to assess the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors among 580 undergraduate medical students at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Science (CUHAS) in Mwanza region, Tanzania. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 18.0 to extract descriptive and inferential statistics to determine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in this particular group of future medical professionals. All the statistics were obtained at a 5% significant level.\u0000Results: The vaccine hesitancy was 75.6% (95% CI, 71.9%-79.2%). Thus, more than half of the medical student 54.3% do not trust the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine with AOR 2.96 (95% CI, 1.80-4.86, p-value<0.001); likewise, the safety of Vaccine AOR 0.1.89 (95% CI, 1.11-3.21, p-value=0.019). Further, students who do not prefer free riding (i.e., letting others get the vaccine and believing to get the beneficial effect of herd immunity without being vaccinated) were less likely to deny the Vaccine than those who prefer free riding AOR 0.31 (95% CI, 0.31, 0.13-0.75, p-value=0.009). Despite insignificant odds, too much politics behind the COVID-19 vaccine influences vaccine hesitancy with AOR 1.14 (95% CI, 0.61-2.15, p-value=0.676).\u0000Conclusion: The study concludes that despite the efforts to communicate public health information to encourage people to overcome vaccine hesitancy and receive Vaccines, the reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19 remains higher than the acceptance rate among medical students.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"24 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140753303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}