Tanzania Journal of Health Research最新文献

{"title":"Early clinical markers of metabolic syndrome among secondary school adolescents in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania","authors":"Warles C. Lwabukuna, Y. Mgonda","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v22i1.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v22i1.3","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of three of four disorders; hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus type 2. The presence of anyone or two of these constitutes early markers of the syndrome. It occurs in children and adolescents but its magnitude has not been determined consistently in many countries including Tanzania.  Detection of early clinical markers is an effective preventive strategy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of early clinical markers of metabolic syndrome among secondary school adolescents in Dar es Salaam. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary schools in   Dar es Salaam. Structured questionnaires were used to record demographic data. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken using standard methods. Fasting blood samples were collected for blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were utilized. Results: A total of 217 adolescents were enrolled; of these males and females were 32% (69) and 68% (148) respectively. Of these; 75% (162) were young adolescents (14-17years). Participants from public and private schools were 48% (104) and 52% (113) respectively. Early clinical markers of metabolic syndrome were detected in 43% (94) with at least one clinical marker and 9% (19) with two markers. The prevalence of full-blown metabolic syndrome was 1.4% (3). Overall, the clinical markers included; dyslipidemia 30% (64), central obesity 22% (48), hyperglycemia 13% (29) and hypertension 2% (4). The prevalence of central obesity was 26% (42) among young adolescents and 11% (6) among elderly adolescents and the difference was significant (p value= 0.02). Conclusion: Early clinical markers of metabolic syndrome exist among Dar es Salaam secondary school adolescents with dyslipidemia being the commonest marker while central obesity was much common among young adolescents. School programs for screening students for detection of early markers of metabolic syndrome are needed.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70663344","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 and utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services among pregnant women in Tanzania","authors":"E. Ngadaya, Angela E Shija, C. Sindato, A. Kahwa, G. Kimaro, Mbazi Senkoro, Nicholaus Mnaymbwa, Doreen Philibert, T. Mbilu, C. Mandara, Ramadhani Shemtandulo, Thomas Mwinyeheri, A. Wilfred, S. Mfinanga","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v22i1.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v22i1.5","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among children is mainly vectored through mother-to-child transmission. Prevention of mother-to-child-transmission strategy is highly effective; however, its accessibility and utilization is affected by the lack of knowledge among other factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among antenatal care attendees in two districts in Tanzania to determine their knowledge and utilization of the prevention of MTCT services. Results:  We interviewed 160 antenatal care attendees aged 18-45 years with a mean (SD) age of 30.4 (6.3) years; 74 (46.2 %) were HIV-infected. HIV-infected women demonstrated significantly correct knowledge of HIV (p=0.001) and AIDS (p=0.014) than uninfected individuals. HIV-infected women also significantly demonstrated correct knowledge of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy than HIV-uninfected women (p=0.016) and during delivery (p=0.005). A significant proportion of HIV-positive women compared to HIV-negative women were aware that correct use of antiretroviral during pregnancy can reduce the risk of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV (p<0.039), but only 6 (3.75%) of all women were aware that correct use of antiretroviral during delivery can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child-transmission. HIV-infected women had significant comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (p=0.001) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (p=0.006) than HIV-negative women. Comprehensive knowledge prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV was low among the study participants. Male partners’ involvement in maternal antenatal care was significantly higher among HIV-infected women than males from the HIV-infected women group (p<0.006). Conclusion: The study demonstrated inadequate knowledge of PMTCT among women who made ANC visits. HIV uninfected women had poorer knowledge compared to the HIV-infected ones. Routine HIV counseling and testing services were highly accepted among these women.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70663362","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":"Individual capacities influencing uses of routine health data for decision making among health workersat Muhimbili National Hospital; Dar es Salaam – Tanzania: a quantitative study","authors":"S. Mpimbi, Mwangu Mughwira","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v22i1.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v22i1.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The availability of health workers with the capacity to read and understand statistical data and then use them for work-related decision-making, therefore, supporting their institutions or the existing health system at large in developing countries is important. However, in some countries, Tanzania inclusive, this has remained critical. This requires the capacity-building of potential users. The study aimed to assess individual capacities influencing use of routine health data for decision-making among Emergency Medicine health workers at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). Methods: The study design used was a descriptive cross-sectional using a quantitative approach. Stratified random sampling was used to sample Nurses, Medical officers, Residents, and Emergency medicine specialists. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The study involved 76 health workers working in the Emergency Medicine Department (EMD) at MNH. Results: Results showed 61.6% use of routine health data for decision making. Working experience, job title, and education level had a statistically significant association with information used for decision-making. There was a statistically significant difference in routine data use between those who had poor and good knowledge to collect, analyze, interpret, and use data. Also, results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in routine data use between those who had poor and good skills to collect, analyze, interpret, and use data. Specialists had a good level of knowledge and skills on data use compared to other health workers. Conclusion: The study demonstrates partial use of routine health data for decision-making with an interplay of individual capacities. A framework for statistical capacity building in Tanzania needs to be built, by training a cadre of health workers with core competencies and skills in measuring progress in the health system that could generate sustainable demand for data use within the health systems of the country.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70663746","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":"10.4314/thrb.v19i1.x","authors":"","doi":"10.4314/thrb.v19i1.x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v19i1.x","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/thrb.v19i1.x","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70663524","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":"Giant vulva fibroma presenting as a genital mass: a case report","authors":"Edgar Ndaboine, D. Matovelo, Arnold Itemba, Cosmas Mbulwa","doi":"10.4314/THRB.V21I2.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/THRB.V21I2.2","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Even though vulva fibroma is rare, it is among the solid tumors of the vulva. Its cause is unknown although it has been associated with physiological hormonal changes. We report a patient with a unique vulva fibroma which has grown to the extent of interfering with her gait and urination. \u0000Case presentation: A 22-year-old woman presented with a genital mass which had been present for the duration of 2 years and felt embarrassed to report to the hospital early as the growth was in the genital area, with the perception of it being a sexually related illness, despite having not yet started engaging in sexual activity. On physical examination, a palpable pendulous mass of about [30 x 22] cm was seen originating from the right labia and extending to the right perineum. The mass was firm, nodulated, non-tender and had limited mobility. Surgical excision was performed under spinal anesthesia. Histologically, features suggestive of mixoid fibroma were reached after the mass was excised.  No recurrence has been observed. \u0000Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of this rare disease which can be associated with recurrence if there is incomplete excision. Again, the unusual finding of the genital mass can be very embarrassing to the patient affecting her psychosocial well-being. It needs to be treated immediately upon diagnosis.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42111716","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":"Antimicrobial activities and phytochemical analysis of extracts from Ormocarpum trichocarpum (Taub.) and Euclea divinorum (Hiern) used as traditional medicine in Tanzania","authors":"M. Kilonzo, C. Rubanza, Upendo Richard, Gideon Sangiwa","doi":"10.4314/THRB.V21I2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/THRB.V21I2.6","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Medicinal plants have been of great value to human healthcare in most parts of the world for thousands of years. In Tanzania, over 12,000 species of higher plants have been reported, and about 10% are estimated to be used as medicines to treat different human health conditions. The present study aimed to determine in vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical analysis of Ormocarpum trichocarpum and Euclea divinorum which are commonly used as a traditional medicine in Tanzania. \u0000Methods: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of plants extracts against tested bacterial and fungal species were determined using 96 wells microdilution method. In this method, 50 μL of nutrient and saboraud’s dextrose broth for bacteria and fungus respectively were loaded in each well followed by 50 μL of extract to make final volume of 100 μL. Subsequently 50 μL were transferred from first rows of each well to the second rows and the process was repeated down the columns to the last wells from which 50 μL were discarded. Thereafter, 50 μL of the selected bacterial and fungal suspension was added to each well thus making final volume of 100μL. The lowest concentration which showed no microbe growth was considered as MIC. The study also evaluated phytochemical compounds present in the ethyl acetate extracts from O. trichocarpum stem bark and E. divinorum root bark extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. \u0000Results: It was revealed that 66% of the tested microbes were susceptible to plant extracts at MIC value of 0.39 mg/mL whereas 83% being susceptible to extracts at MIC value of 0.781 mg/mL. Interestingly, four out of 18 tested plant extracts exhibited high antifungal activity below that of the standard antifungal drug, fluconazole. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various low molecular weight phytochemicals which belongs to six groups of secondary metabolites namely dieterpenes, alphatic hydrocarbons, tetraterpenes, sesquiterpenes, steroid and triterpenes. \u0000Conclusion: It was concluded that the presence of various phytochemicals in the tested plant extracts may be associated with pharmacological properties of O. trichocarpum and E. divinorum and therefore justifying ethnomedical usage of such plants. \u0000  \u0000Keywords: Antibacterial, antifungal, Ormocarpum trichocarpum, Euclea divinorum","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46922211","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":"Ceftriaxone Prescription at Muhimbili National Hospital","authors":"P. Sasi","doi":"10.4314/THRB.V21I2.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/THRB.V21I2.7","url":null,"abstract":"S \u0000Background: Since their discovery, antibiotics have contributed to a dramatic fall in morbidity and mortality from bacterial infections. However, the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance continues to threaten the effectiveness of these agents. Ceftriaxone is one of the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Yet high levels of inappropriate use have been reported increasing the likelihood of emergence and spread of resistance. \u0000Methods: We conducted a descriptive study to characterize ceftriaxone prescription and resistance at a tertiary hospital. \u0000Results: Three hundred and sixty prescriptions were observed and 194 (54 %) deviated from the National Treatment guidelines with regards to indication. For patients with conditions for which ceftriaxone is recommended, 93 % (154 out of 166) prescriptions deviated from the guideline with regard to dosing frequency and 67 % deviated with regards to the duration of administration. Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common isolates and with the highest ceftriaxone resistance rate (up to 80%). \u0000Conclusions: At MNH, ceftriaxone is commonly inappropriately prescribed and the risk of emergence and spread of ceftriaxone resistant isolates may be high.  The majority of CoNS and Klebsiella species are resistant, thus cautious ceftriaxone prescription is needed.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45312856","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":"Stem Cells: Prospects and Potential Applications in Tanzania: A review","authors":"A. D. Russa","doi":"10.4314/THRB.V21I2.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/THRB.V21I2.8","url":null,"abstract":"Stem cell technology and its application in regenerative medicine is the future gateway for the treatment of most non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As the burden of NCDs continues to rises globally, regenerating the cells, tissues and organs will be the mainstream treatment option. The world is prepared for this intriguing but promising avenue of biomedical technology and medicine but Africa is grossly lagging far behind. African governments, universities, research and health institutions need to take a leading role in empowering and mainstreaming stem cell research.  Moreover, for Africa, there is a huge potential for translating stem cell technology into clinical treatments due to the fact that there are limited treatment options for life-threatening forms of NCDs.  Some African countries have well-developed stem cell facilities and large-scale stem cell therapy centers. The use of adult stem cells in liver failure, diabetes and cardiac infarcts has shown success in some African countries. The present work reviews the status, potential and future prospects of stem cell technology and regenerative medicine in Tanzania with particular emphasis on the adult stem cells applicability into the immediate use inpatient care.  The paper also reviews the available cell identification systems and markers and moral and ethical aspects of stem cell science necessary in the translational treatment regimens.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"188 4","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41269081","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 knowledge and implementation of the nursing process among nurses at Muhimbili National Hospital-Tanzania","authors":"Happiness Obonyo, E. Tarimo, Fatina Ramadhan, S. N. Kapalata","doi":"10.4314/THRB.V21I2.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/THRB.V21I2.3","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The nursing process involves a series of actions that begin with assessing the patient, identifying problems, setting goals with expected outcomes, implementing care to achieve those goals, and finally evaluating the effectiveness of the care given. Utilization of the nursing process to guide nursing care enhances the quality of patient care and outcomes for both the patient and family members. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and implementation of the nursing process among nurses working at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. \u0000Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A convenient sample of 102 registered nurses (RN) completed a self-administered questionnaire in April 2016. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to assess the significance levels of associated variables. \u0000Results: Of 102 respondents, only 16 (15.7%) had high knowledge of the nursing process. Similarly, a few (11, 10.8%) respondents had a high level of practice. The majority of RN (94, 92.2%) were aware of the role of the nurses in providing care to admitted patients. However, only a few (32, 31.4%) were aware of the purpose of the nursing process. Respondents were more likely to have high knowledge in the nursing process if they had a diploma in nursing education (95% CI 0.000-0.029, p < 0.01). The small number of nurses in the ward and inadequate motivational strategies were reported to deprive the implementation of the nursing process. \u0000Conclusion: Overall, low knowledge of the nursing process, understaffing and workload have contributed to the ineffective implementation of the nursing process.  On-the-job refresher courses are a short-term strategy that may improve the nurses’ knowledge and motivation to implement the nursing process. This study underscores the need for policymakers to advocate for the employment of a sufficient number of nurses to enable implementation of the nursing process to all admitted patients.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44255801","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":"Etiology, pattern and outcome of management of facial lacerations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania","authors":"K. Sohal, J. Moshy","doi":"10.4314/THRB.V21I2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/THRB.V21I2.4","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Facial laceration is amongst the commonly encountered soft tissue injury in the care of the traumatized patients, and its optimal treatment is important for minimizing subsequent complications. This study aimed at determining the etiology, pattern, and outcome of management of facial lacerations among patients attended at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania. \u0000Methods: This was a four months’ prospective study of all consecutive patients with facial lacerations who were attended in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). The variables examined included socio-demographic characteristics, etiology of a facial laceration, prior management before referral to MNH, and the outcome of treatment. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS statistics for windows version 22 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp) software. \u0000Results: Seventy-six patients with facial lacerations were included in the study. The male to female ratio was 8:1. The age of the patients ranged from 16 to 57 years, with a mean age of 31.63 ± 10.02 years. Motor traffic crashes (51, 67.1%), violence (18, 23.7%) and falls (7, 9.2%) were the etiological factors. The commonest affected facial esthetic zones were forehead (25, 32.9%), and the upper lip (24, 31.6%). The majority (60%) of wounds that were sutured/repaired in other health facilities prior to referral to MNH had a poor approximation of wound edges. Scarring was the commonest complication. \u0000Conclusion: Facial laceration affected males eight times more than females. Road traffic crash was the most common etiological factor. The forehead was the most frequently affected facial esthetic zone. The majority of patients treated in other health facilities prior to referral to a tertiary hospital had poorly approximated wound edges. Scarring was the most common complication of facial lacerations.","PeriodicalId":39815,"journal":{"name":"Tanzania Journal of Health Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41716541","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}