Adeponle O Adeoye, Yewande Tolulope Nejo, Chinwe Lucia Ochu, Josephine Bayigga, Rodgers Rodriguez Ayebare, Adedayo Omotayo Faneye, Charles Olaosebikan Adewemimo, Oluwaseun Emmanuel Falayi, Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe, Prosper Okonkwo, Adewale Victor Opayele, Gloria Ogochukwu Nwiyi, Sunday Obiajunwa Eziechina, Ikemefule Rex Uzoma, Priscilla Ibekwe, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Francis Kakooza, Mosoka Papa Fallah, Georgina Njideka Odaibo
{"title":"Perspectives of healthcare stakeholders in Nigeria on the impact of COVID-19 on health services.","authors":"Adeponle O Adeoye, Yewande Tolulope Nejo, Chinwe Lucia Ochu, Josephine Bayigga, Rodgers Rodriguez Ayebare, Adedayo Omotayo Faneye, Charles Olaosebikan Adewemimo, Oluwaseun Emmanuel Falayi, Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe, Prosper Okonkwo, Adewale Victor Opayele, Gloria Ogochukwu Nwiyi, Sunday Obiajunwa Eziechina, Ikemefule Rex Uzoma, Priscilla Ibekwe, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Francis Kakooza, Mosoka Papa Fallah, Georgina Njideka Odaibo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.674","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 disrupted critical public health services globally. It is important to understand how the pandemic affected healthcare service delivery and utilisation in Nigeria to guide planning for future public health crises in the country.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected health service delivery and utilisation in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in Abuja, and Oyo State, Nigeria, in 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that adopted an exploratory study design. Key Informant Interviews were used to elicit information from twenty-eight healthcare stakeholders in relevant government health Ministries and Agencies as well as partners of the government on health. The selection of the stakeholders was done through purposive sampling. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an inductive qualitative data analysis method to generate themes. The data were further organized and analysed using NVivo software version 14.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that COVID-19 negatively affected healthcare service delivery and utilisation in Nigeria. This was due to various factors such as healthcare workers' unwillingness to provide services, exposed healthcare system gaps that affected service delivery, and the shift of attention and resources to COVID-19. However, the pandemic also presented an opportunity to improve public health infrastructure and health service delivery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Government needs to maximise the gains from the pandemic to build a resilient health system.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article provides insights for public health policy and planning aimed at enhancing resilience and optimising service delivery during future health crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"502"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138629/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235496","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}
Babasola O Okusanya, Muzzammil Gadanya, Anthony Nlemadim, Victoria Adaramoye, David O Akeju, John Ehiri, Martin M Meremiku
{"title":"Systematic review of surface disinfection: Spraying versus wiping for COVID-19 prevention.","authors":"Babasola O Okusanya, Muzzammil Gadanya, Anthony Nlemadim, Victoria Adaramoye, David O Akeju, John Ehiri, Martin M Meremiku","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.597","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.597","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Within countries, community spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) propagated the infection despite the use of non-pharmaceutical interventions.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of disinfecting surfaces and materials in the community by spraying compared with wiping (mechanical cleaning) or nothing for SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This research was conducted in a global context.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We searched six databases for eligible studies from 01 January 2020 to 06 September 2022. Spraying disinfectants was the intervention, while wiping or nothing was the comparison. Review outcomes include SARS-CoV-2 infection, the incidence of adverse effects and operator satisfaction. The review was registered on Prospero: CRD42022356276.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found no studies that compared spraying with wiping or had human participants. Three studies with indirect evidence, published between 2021 and 2022 in Japan, South Korea and Spain, were included. Dry fog spraying of 8 700 parts per million (ppm) of hypochlorous acid solution or 56 400 ppm of hydrogen peroxide solution reduced the infectious viral titre. Wiping with 1000 ppm of sodium hypochlorite for 1 min completely reduces SARS-CoV-2 viruses on stainless steel. Also, wiping with 500 ppm of bleach for 5 min completely reduces the virus on kraft paper and polypropylene. No viruses were detected on any surface after wiping with 1000 ppm of bleach for 5 min.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review provides basic scientific evidence that either spraying disinfectants as dry fog or wiping has some disinfectant effects on surfaces and materials.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Although the review included no human studies, both methods of disinfection can be practiced in the community for SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"597"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12104846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152232","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}
Mukovhe Phanguphangu, Khomotjo Kgare, Andrew J Ross
{"title":"Age of detection of congenital hearing loss in South Africa: A systematic review.","authors":"Mukovhe Phanguphangu, Khomotjo Kgare, Andrew J Ross","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.777","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.777","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Newborn hearing screening is the most important step towards early intervention of congenital or early-onset hearing loss (HL) and has the potential to optimise patient outcomes. Yet, literature on the age of identification of this HL in South Africa (SA) is sparse.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the age of identification of congenital HL from published studies in SA.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in SA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a systematic review conducted during April 2024 - June 2024 across the following databases: PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science and Scopus. A random effects (RE) model meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 18. Statistical tests conducted include meta-summary statistics and RE meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten studies, with a total of 1501 children, were included in this review. The computed Q-test of homogeneity was 5870.97 and the pooled mean age of identification was 30 months (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 19.3-41.3).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings show that congenital or early-onset HL in SA is identified later than the national and international standards, that is, < 1 month of age. These findings are important for future research, priority setting and implementation of strategies to reduce the burden and impact of HL. Future research investigating the barriers to early detection of HL in SA is recommended. Furthermore, the implementation of evidence-based interventions to lower the age of identification of congenital HL to enable its early detection and intervention in this age group is recommended.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study highlights the need to strengthen preventative programmes for paediatric HL in SA.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"777"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138633/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235422","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":"The mental health implication of mpox: Enhancing care with genetic insights.","authors":"Ovinuchi Ejiohuo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.786","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The intersection of mpox and mental health is a critical concern, particularly for individuals with pre-existing mental disorders, who face heightened psychological stress and exacerbation of symptoms. This study explores the potential of genetic testing, such as Polygenic Risk Scores and pharmacogenetics, in enhancing mental disorders and mpox management. By tailoring treatment and prevention strategies to an individual's genetic profile, clinicians can provide more personalised care, reducing adverse effects and improving outcomes. Furthermore, genetic insights can inform the development of safer vaccines and early interventions, particularly for vulnerable populations. The study underscores the importance of integrating mental and public health strategies, advocating for targeted research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively address these complex health challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"786"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450747","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}
Lonia Kashihakumwa, Daniel O Ashipala, Yahaya Jafaru
{"title":"Prostate cancer screening knowledge and attitude among men over 50 at a referral Hospital in Oshana region, Namibia.","authors":"Lonia Kashihakumwa, Daniel O Ashipala, Yahaya Jafaru","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.652","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in men and fourth in causing cancer-related deaths in both men and women in Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes about prostate cancer screening among men over 50 years.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study setting is Intermediate Hospital Oshakati.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted. Census sampling was employed, and the data were collected through the use of a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 using frequencies and percentages, and Chi-square test of association.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Majority of the respondents were knowledgeable about prostate cancer except in questionnaire items 3, 12 and 13 in which they (71.8%, 82.4% and 94.7%, respectively) were not knowledgeable. In all the items of the questionnaire, majority of the respondents had positive attitudes towards prostate cancer screening. The percentages of the positive attitude range from 80% to 95% across all the items. There is no significant association between the respondents' prostate cancer screening knowledge and all the respondents' characteristics (age, level of education, marital status and religion), <i>p</i> > 0.05, respectively. There is no significant association between respondents' prostate cancer screening attitude and all the respondents' characteristics, <i>p</i> > 0.05, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The survey respondents were knowledgeable about prostate cancer screening, except when it comes to the different methods of diagnosing prostate cancer, what happens to the prostate gland in prostate cancer and who should be screened for prostate cancer.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The results from this study can be used by the Ministry of Health and Social Services and its stakeholders to create a baseline data which help to develop appropriate preventative measures and awareness programmes. Furthermore, this study can be used to identify possible reasons for the late reporting of men for PCa screening and aid to inform the public on the need for early-seeking behaviour through screening.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"652"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830851/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450741","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}
Uduak Okomo, Ememobong N Aquaisua, Osamagbe Asemota, Deborah Ndukwu, Josephine E Egbung, Ekpereonne B Esu, Olabisi A Oduwole, John E Ehiri
{"title":"Is differential cleaning needed for SARS-CoV-2 beyond standard procedures? A systematic review.","authors":"Uduak Okomo, Ememobong N Aquaisua, Osamagbe Asemota, Deborah Ndukwu, Josephine E Egbung, Ekpereonne B Esu, Olabisi A Oduwole, John E Ehiri","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.601","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.601","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a substantial risk of indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from contaminated surfaces and objects in healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces during COVID-19, focusing on cleaning products, concentrations, contact time, and recommended frequency.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>We focused on research conducted in healthcare settings or where samples were obtained from healthcare environments.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We assessed studies that compared different cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, or decontamination procedures and cleaning frequency with standard or routine procedures. We prioritised randomised trials, non-randomised controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series analyses carried out between 01 January 2020 and 31 August 2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three studies met our criteria from 2139 references searched. These studies, which took place in Iran, China and the United States, found that routine terminal cleaning and enhanced terminal cleaning with different cleaning enhancements significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination. One of the studies tested residual SARS-CoV-2 levels after routine and terminal cleaning with varying strengths of disinfectant and evaluated the efficacy of two common types of disinfectants in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on inanimate surfaces in different hospital wards.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Limited evidence supports cleaning strategies that can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces in healthcare settings. Combining various cleaning methods and using multiple disinfectants can effectively reduce surface contamination.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Randomised controlled trials are crucial for evaluating cleaning effectiveness. They must outline cleaning protocols, detailing frequency, product concentration and volume, application methods, soil and surface types, and environmental conditions, to provide strong evidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"601"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830871/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450754","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":"Trends and factors associated with skilled birth attendance in a post-Ebola context: DHS Guinea 2018.","authors":"Madeleine Toure, Fanta Barry, Tiany Sidibe, Sadan Camara, Ramata Diallo, Kaba Saran Keita, Maimouna Balde, Bienvenu Salim Camara, Karifa Kourouma, Mamadou Dioulde Balde","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.512","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.512","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Guinea, the 2013-2015 Ebola epidemic profoundly affected maternal health service use. The frequency of births attended by skilled health professionals in the post-Ebola context remains under-documented.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to analyze the trend and factors associated with skilled births among women aged 15-49 between 2016 and 2018 in Guinea.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The Republic of Guinea was the setting for this study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from 3018 women aged 15-49 years who had at least one live birth over the period 2016-2018 were analysed. The simple binary logistic regression model was used to analyse factors associated with skilled births using Stata software version 16.1. The significance level was set at 5%.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study found that 57.3% of deliveries were skilled births. This proportion showed a remarkable variation with a trend in assisted deliveries from 61% in 2016 to 59% in 2017 and then to 50% (<i>p</i> = 0.003) in 2018. Factors associated with skilled birth attendance in post-Ebola were: having no level of education (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39; confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.77), performing four or more antenatal care (ANC) (OR = 12.10; CI: 8.24-17.77), residing in a rural area (OR = 0.25 [0.17-0.37]), having a spouse who was a trader or manual worker, belonging to a household with an intermediate or poor wealth index and residing in the Labé region.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study showed that the proportion of assisted births showed a downward trend between 2016-2018.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The interventions undertaken to strengthen the maternal health system in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic should be reinforced and maintained, in particular the retention of health providers deployed in rural areas and capacity building (training, equipment) for community health workers would help to improve this indicator.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"512"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450749","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}
Ntokozo Zulu, Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Elizabeth M Webb, Wezi G Maphenduka, Steve Cook, Paul Rheeder
{"title":"Screening for diabetic retinopathy at a health centre in South Africa: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ntokozo Zulu, Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Elizabeth M Webb, Wezi G Maphenduka, Steve Cook, Paul Rheeder","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.681","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.681","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In South Africa, screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is non-existent at the primary healthcare (PHC) level because of the absence of a screening programme. This leads to preventable vision loss.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of eye screenings and subsequent referrals.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Laudium Community Health Centre (CHC), a PHC facility in Tshwane.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study from February 2022 to August 2022. Individuals with diabetes were screened for eye complications using visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, and fundoscopy with a non-mydriatic digital fundus camera. Fundus images were analysed by an optometrist and an artificial intelligence (AI) programme. Demographic and clinical data were collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 120 participants were included, with the majority (60.7%) from Laudium CHC. Most participants (64.2%) were on oral agents, and 66.7% were women. The mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 8.3%, with a median diabetes duration of 8 years. Artificial intelligence detected more glaucoma cases (17.5% vs 9.2%) and DR (23.3% vs 15.8%) compared to the optometrist. In contrast, the optometrist identified more cases of macula pathology (29.2% vs 19.2%). Participants (<i>n</i> = 79) were referred to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis confirmation and management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed that while DR was not highly prevalent among PHC patients with diabetes, there was a significant referral rate for other ocular complications. Artificial intelligence can enhance early detection and improve efficiency.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings underscore the need to integrate diabetes eye screening programmes into PHC services for people living with diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"681"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830854/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450743","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}
Ebenezer K Frimpong, Mlungisi Ngcobo, Nceba Gqaleni
{"title":"Preparation for a pandemic: The need for a standardised African health protocol for diseases.","authors":"Ebenezer K Frimpong, Mlungisi Ngcobo, Nceba Gqaleni","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.735","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.735","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"735"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235497","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}
Mohamed A Baba, Ahmed Kharbach, Mohamed Lmejjati, Nawal Adali
{"title":"Neurocognitive function and health-related quality of life among glioblastoma patients: A prospective study.","authors":"Mohamed A Baba, Ahmed Kharbach, Mohamed Lmejjati, Nawal Adali","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.660","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Glioblastomas are aggressive brain tumours that significantly impact patients' functional and psychological well-being, making the evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) essential.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) and neurocognitive status of glioblastoma patients in Morocco.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Patients were recruited from two renowned oncology centres in Morocco.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients receiving care at two renowned oncology centres were enrolled between April 2021 and January 2024. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 scales were used to assess QoL, while neurocognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test. Data normality were checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and non-parametric methods were used to compare scores. Variables such as age, tumour laterality, residence, and educational status were examined for their association with overall QoL. Both univariate linear regression and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed using the JAMOVI software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study enrolled 106 patients, with a median age of 56.7 years. Among them, 66% were male, while 34% were female. Multiple linear regression showed that age (B: -15.46; 95% CI: -24.15 to -6.77; <i>p</i> < 0.001), education level (B: -9.36; 95% CI: 0.84 to 17.88; <i>p</i> = 0.032), distance from hospital (B: -9.85; 95% CI: -18.34 to -1.36; <i>p</i> = 0.023), and tumour laterality (B= -12.36; 95% CI: -20.65 to -4.06; <i>p</i> = 0.004) were significantly associated with overall QoL at 3 months follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results indicate a decline in HRQoL during follow-up among glioblastoma patients. Advancing age, tumour location on the left side, education level, and proximity to the hospital significantly influence the overall QoL.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study highlights the critical factors impacting HRQoL in glioblastoma patients in Morocco, providing insights for improving patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"660"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138663/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235424","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}