Tanzania Journal of Health Research最新文献

{"title":"Factors Associated with Women with Multiple Caesarean Deliveries Presenting in Labour and their Fetomaternal Outcomes in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.","authors":"Clement Morabu, D. Matovelo, A. Massinde, A. Kihunrwa, B. Kidenya","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.2","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Emergency caesarean section(C-section) for women with two or more uterine scars is documented to be associated with poor fetomaternal outcomes. The World Health Organization recommends elective C-section for women with two or more previous scars. However, in Tanzania there is a paucity of data for women with two or more prior C-sections and how it contributes to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality when they come in active labour without a planned delivery. The purpose of the study was to determine factors associated with pregnant women with multiple C-section deliveries presenting in labour and their fetomaternal outcomes. \u0000Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study, involving 275 pregnant women who underwent C-section due to multiple uterine scars in the Mwanza region. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected serially until the sample size was reached using a structured questionnaire and patients’ files. Data were analyzed using STATA version 13.0 software. \u0000Results: All pregnant women with two or more previous uterine scars attended antenatal care (ANC) and the majority, 62.2%, had four or more visits. However, 61.9% were not told of the need for elective C-section. In addition, 26% were not counselled about the obstetric danger signs. Among the study participants, 66.6% presented with labour pain requiring emergency C-section, 13.1% had postpartum hemorrhage and 3.3% had ruptured uterus. There were 3.3% peri-natal deaths and 10.9% required newborn resuscitation. The associated factors for women with two or more C-section scars presenting in active labour were: having the last ANC visit at primary healthcare (PHC) facility (p=0.046), unemployment (p<0.001), visiting ANC <4 visits (p=0.002) or being attended by a non-physician health provider in her last ANC visit(p<0.001). \u0000Conclusion: Parturient women with uterine scars, when attending primary health care facilities for their ANC visits, ought to be counselled and referred to high facilities with clinicians who can plan an elective c-section delivery.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41639850","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":"Intention to get COVID-19 Vaccine and Trust in the Government: Policy Matters","authors":"Sami Al-Rawashdeh, M. Mrayyan, Arwa Almwajeh","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.10","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Building trust in the government and intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is as important as developing a safe vaccine to contain the pandemic. \u0000Purpose: The study aimed to examine the associations between the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the people’s trust in the government, and compare both concepts based on the subject’s characteristics. \u0000Methods: This is a part of a large-scale cross-sectional study that employed a web-based survey conducted in 2021. The study utilized data collected on the main study variables using questionnaires from a convenient sample of 281 Jordanian subjects. Bivariate statistics were employed with .05 as a significance level. \u0000Results: Trust in the government scores were significantly different based on gender and marital status. As mistrust in the government increases, subjects tend to accept the vaccine. Female subjects tend to trust the government but have low intention to get vaccinated than male subjects. Married subjects tend to have higher mistrust of the government than single subjects. Subjects who agree with the statement “herd immunity would be beneficial for COVID-19 and this fact is covered up” and \"the government restrictions are stronger than is needed\" had a higher intention to get vaccinated scores than those who disagree with it. \u0000Conclusions: To build and maintain the trust of the public, the government needs to enhance its efforts in publicizing information on the pandemic and employ strategies for improved communication management to the public through social media and mainstream information sources and healthcare providers, especially those who are in the front lines healthcare providers. Policy-makers should employ strategies to improve communication management to the public and rebuild trust in the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Longitudinal studies with more representative samples are recommended.  ","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47605287","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":"Microbe Penetration Levels on Facial Masks Fabricated at the University of Dodoma versus the Surgical Ones","authors":"J. Nyahongo, Upendo Richard, D. Mpanduji","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak was first identified in the city of Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020. The virus primarily spreads among people via respiratory droplets from coughing, breathing, or sneezing. To reduce virus transmission, close contact between people is discouraged. In response to advice by health practitioners, individuals are advised to wear face masks, regularly wash their hands, and apply sanitisers. However, the effectiveness of locally manufactured masks against COVID 19 and other microbes has not been investigated. \u0000Aims and methods: The current study aimed to experimentally determine and compare the effectiveness of two approved surgical masks and two face masks fabricated at the University of Dodoma (UDOM). \u0000Results: The effectiveness of the UDOM-made mask was similar when compared to surgical masks (Mann- Whitney, U = 390.000, p > 0.05; Mean ranks: Japan fabric = 32.5; N95 surgical mask = 28.50). However, the Japan fabric mask made at UDOM was more effective than BBL surgical mask made in China (Mann-Whitney, U = 270.000, p < 0.05; Mean ranks: Japan fabric = 24.50; BBL surgical mask = 36.50). Whereas the handkerchief mask made at UDOM and BBL surgical mask had similar levels of effectiveness (Mann-Whitney, U = 369.500, p > 0.05; Mean Ranks: Handkerchief = 27.82; BBL surgical mask = 33.18). The results obtained suggest that the two UDOM types were as effective as the N95 and BBL masks in reducing virus spread. \u0000Conclusion: The study recommends the determination of pore sizes of the materials used to make the mask to explain the effectiveness of the single layer, double layers, and double layers with cotton blends in the prevention of different microbes inhalable. \u0000  \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41697961","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":"Non-traumatic head swellings in a child with a sickle cell disease presented to a tertiary hospital North of Tanzania: A case report","authors":"Isaac E. Mlay, R. Mbwasi","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract \u0000Sickle cell is the commonest inherited haemoglobin disorder in Sub-Saharan Africa. Often patients present with painful crises in the extremities. But rarely non-traumatic Sub-galeal hematoma whose pathogenesis is not clearly defined, presenting with scalp swellings can occur. We present a case, nine years old male, with this uncommon complication which is also known as Acute Soft Head Syndrome and was managed conventionally at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania with hydration, analgesics, blood transfusion and antibiotics with marked improvement within a week. \u0000  \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42760017","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":"Assessment of Pancreatic and Hepatic Histological Changes in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats Fed with Morizella Juice","authors":"Hassan Bilal Ka`bange, Dennis Russa","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Hibiscus sabdariffa and Moringa oleifera has been reported to have ant diabetic effect on hyperglycemic animals. However, there are no reports on its histological and physiological changes in diabetic animals. \u0000Objective: To assess the pancreatic and hepatic histological changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed with Morizella juice. \u0000Methods: A Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) was used for this study, 40 adult male Wistar rats, 9 to 10 weeks with a bodyweight 190g – 250g were selected for the study. The animals were divided into four main groups (A, B, C, and D), each group was further subdivided into two groups with 5 rats. The experiments were divided into acute and sub-acute tests of 10 animals per group. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed, pancreatic and liver tissues were harvested and histologically processed. Sections were examined and photographed using a light microscope (Leica® DM 750) with an in-built camera ((Icc50 HD-47142065) and the number of Islet cells was measured in 40 high-power fields. \u0000Results: Microscopic structures of the pancreas revealed that the number of Islets of Langerhans was significantly higher in the Morizella treated groups at the dosages of 50mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight. The microscopic structure of the liver in both treated groups presented with normal histological architecture when compared with both control groups \u0000Conclusion: There was a dose-dependent increase of islets of Langerhans cells in the acute and sub-acute group treated with Morizella extracts compared to the control group. Additionally, the liver architecture was reversed back to the normal in Morizella-treated group.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44930761","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":"Holt-Oram Syndrome; A Case report","authors":"R. Damji, B. Hamel, Yahya Binde, K. Kassim","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.9","url":null,"abstract":"Holt-Oram syndrome is a rare genetic autosomal dominant disorder which affects the preaxial radial ray of the upper limbs and septation of the heart and/or cardiac conduction. The present article describes the clinical and radiological features of Holt–Oram syndrome in a Tanzanian patient. \u0000This case emphasises the importance of proper prenatal screening for congenital anomalies and counselling of the parents. \u0000  \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49251550","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":"Predictors of condom use among unmarried sexually active women of Reproductive age in Tanzania","authors":"Christopher H Mbotwa, F. Moshi, I. Mosha, S. E. Kibona, M. Ezekiel, M. Kazaura","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Condom is one of the methods for prevention against Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. It is also considered an effective method for preventing unwanted pregnancies. Despite the several interventions that have been put to promote condom use, still a large proportion of women do not use condom during sexual intercourse. \u0000Objectives: This study aimed at determining predictors of condom use among unmarried sexually active women of reproductive age in Tanzania. \u0000Methods: This study used secondary data from the 2015-16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (2015-16 TDHS-MIS). It involved unmarried sexually active women aged 15-49 years. Multiple binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors for condom use at last sexual intercourse. \u0000Results: Overall, lower proportion (31.1%) of unmarried sexually active women used condom at last sexual intercourse. The odds of using condom during last sexual intercourse was lower aOR=0.67 and aOR=0.65 for women aged 20-24 and 25+ years respectively). Women who reported higher age (18+ years) at first sex had higher odds (aOR=1.65) of using condom compared to those started sex before 15 years old. Women owning telephone had higher odds (aOR=1.44) compared to women without telephone. Also, higher odds of using condom were observed for women in the Southern, South West highlands, and Eastern zones compared to the Central zone. \u0000Discussion: Age, marital union, parity, wealth, ownership of; mobile phone, television, access to newspapers, and radio significantly predicts condom use among unmarried sexually active women of reproductive age in Tanzania. \u0000Conclusion: The level of condom use among unmarried women in Tanzania is very low and varies by age, age at sex intercourse, ownership of phone and zones. Targeted interventions are needed to promote the condom use among unmarried women in order to mitigate the risk of HIV and un-intended pregnancies.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47793125","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":"Patterns of surgical admissions among geriatric patients admitted to Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania","authors":"Peter Kitenyi, Leonard Washington, B. Kidenya, W. Mahalu, F. Said, O. Kituuka, Phillipo Leo Challya","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v23i2.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v23i2.8","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Surgery in geriatric patients constitutes a major but neglected public health problem. It hence poses a great challenge to surgeons and general practitioners practising in a resource-limited setting. Geriatric patients are increasingly hospitalized in surgical wards in Tanzania and little information is currently available on this group of patients. This study aimed to determine the pattern of diseases and clinical outcomes among geriatric surgical patients at Bugando Medical Centre and to identify the predictors of outcomes among these patients in our local setting. \u0000Methods and Patients: It was a cross-sectional study of geriatric surgical patients admitted to BMC from June 2017 to April 2018. \u0000Results: Out of 304 geriatric surgical patients enrolled, males outnumbered females by a male to female ratio of 3.1: 1. The majority of patients were in the 7th decade of life.  Associated medical comorbidities were reported in 107 (35.2%) patients. Urology speciality had the highest number of geriatric patients (101; 60.2%) admitted to BMC followed by general surgery in 70 (23.0%) patients. Gynaecology and Neurosurgery had the least number of geriatric patients with 4(1.3%) and 1(0.3%) patients admitted respectively. The majority of geriatric surgical patients, 286(94.1%) were treated surgically. A total of 168 patients (58.7%) developed postoperative complications. The mortality rate was 15.2% and it was significantly associated with loa ng duration of illness, high American Society of Anesthesiologist class, operation under gene anaesthesia and prolonged duration of the operation. \u0000Conclusion: This study demonstrated that surgeries among geriatric patients are commonly performed at BMC and are associated with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. Factors responsible for the high morbidity and mortality in our geriatric surgical patients should be addressed to improve the surgical outcomes in this group of patients.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48811176","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":"Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome as a rare congenital hemiatrophy: a case report","authors":"A. B. Nwako, C. E. Nwolisa, O. F. Nwako, Magaret-Lorritta Chidimma Nwako","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v22i1.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v22i1.4","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (DDMS) is a rare condition in childhood with very few cases reported in sub-Saharan Africa. Typically, the patient presents with facial asymmetry, seizures, and hemiparesis. Radiological findings include cerebral hemiatrophy, ipsilateral lateral ventricular dilatation, and hypertrophy of the calvarium and sinuses. \u0000Case presentation: We present the report of a 3-year-old male with weakness of right upper and lower limbs, facial asymmetry, and seizures. Physical examination showed a well-nourished child with a squint of the right eye. There were brisk tendon reflexes with right-sided hemiplegia which is spastic with left limb preference. Computer tomography of the brain showed atrophy of the left cerebral hemisphere, ipsilateral lateral ventricular dilatation, and thickening of the ipsilateral cranium. The diagnosis of Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome was made. He was treated with sodium valproate and lamotrigine and presently physiotherapy and he had remained seizure-free. \u0000Conclusion: Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome still affects children despite being a rare condition. There is a need for appropriate clinical and radiological assessment for the diagnosis of DDMS. Early identification and appropriate treatment will improve the general outcome of children with DDMS.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47347223","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":"A cross-sectional study on mother’s knowledge, feeding practices, childcare and malnutrition in Sumbawanga, Tanzania","authors":"Pessa Protas, C. Mweya","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v22i1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v22i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Malnutrition is the major cause linked to many diseases and is a burden recognized in many developing countries including Tanzania. A child’s intake can have a significant impact on health, growth, and development. Understanding mothers’ knowledge of children’s intake can play a vital role in improving their nutritional status. This study aimed at exploring mothers’ knowledge, feeding practices, childcare, and malnutrition among children aged between six months and five years. \u0000Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in Sumbawanga municipal, from September to December 2020. Data was collected from interviews filled in structured questionnaires among mothers of children aged six months to less than five years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 based on a total of 190 study participants. Descriptive statistics and c2 tests were used to assess the significance levels of associated variables. \u0000Results: The total sample of children included in the study was 190, therefore 190 mothers. Out of the 190 mothers, 65 (34.21%) had not attended formal education, 53 (27.89%) had a primary education level,  42 (22.11%) had a secondary education level and 30 (15.79%) has a college or university education level. The majority of mothers, 145 (51.58%) were single, divorced or widowed whereas the majority of mothers, 51.58% (98) were not employed. Marital status and education level had an impact on child’s care and malnutrition reported cases (c2 = 15.06, p < 0.0001). Food availability in families of many children with more individuals living together showed to be significantly associated with incidences related to malnutrition (χ2 = 25.76, p < 0.001). Mother’s feeding practices of less than two times a day showed to be significantly associated with and incidences related to malnutrition (χ2 = 23.54, p < 0.0001). Mother’s good maternal care showed to be significantly associated with attendance to ANC services and husband/ partner's financial support (χ2 = 43.22, p < 0.001). \u0000Conclusion: Current mothers’ knowledge and practices about malnutrition and incidences of nutritional related-illness in children in Sumbawanga municipal calls for urgent health education to improve children’s health status.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48321695","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}