Pan African Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Predictors of mortality among children under five with severe acute malnutrition in intensive therapeutic nutrition units in Kasaï Central Province, 2024: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Liévin Tshimanga Kabongo, Bernard-Kennedy Nkongolo Mukendi, Fernand Luenga Mayaya, Valery Biduaya Kuyaku, Espérant Ntambue Malu, Paulin Nkolamoyo Musungula, Paulin Mutombo Beya Wa Bitadi","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.19.50029","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.19.50029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>severe acute malnutrition affects approximately 19 million children under 5 years of age worldwide. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, between July 2024 and June 2025, approximately 1.4 million children aged 6 to 59 months are estimated to suffer from severe acute malnutrition. It represents a major cause of mortality in low-income countries, particularly in this country. This study aims to identify predictors of mortality among children admitted to the intensive therapeutic nutrition units in Kasaï Central.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>a retrospective cohort study was conducted among 432 children admitted for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in six intensive therapeutic nutrition units in Kasaï Central, from January to November 2024. Data were collected via KoboCollect, cleaned in Excel, and analyzed with SPSS. Survival analyses (Kaplan-Meier) and a multivariate Cox model were used to identify predictors of mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>mortality was 6.3%, and median survival time was 7 days. Weight gain ≥100 g was more common in survivors (51.9%) than in non-survivors (33.3%). Significant predictors included sepsis (HRa = 3.325), hypoglycemia (HRa = 4.324), anemia (HRb = 2.32), and dehydration (HRa = 1.726).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>early detection of comorbidities and their prompt management are essential to improve the survival of children with SAM. Specific strategies targeting the main complications must be strengthened in the Intensive Therapeutic Nutrition Units of Kasaï Central.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991878","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":"A twisted tale of limbs: fibular aplasia with tibial campomelia and oligosyndactyly.","authors":"Gahana Kataria, Vaishali Dhawan","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.20.49804","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2026.54.20.49804","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991315","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":"Magnetic resonance imaging detection of avascular necrosis in carpal bones despite apparent fracture union: a case series.","authors":"Santosh Kumar Panda, Madhuri Panigrahi, Birajman Lakra","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.18.53032","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.18.53032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assessment of fracture healing in carpal bones is commonly performed using computed tomography (CT). However, CT may not accurately reflect bone viability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive in detecting early changes in bone marrow and vascularity. A diagnostic challenge arises when CT suggests fracture union while MRI demonstrates features of avascular necrosis (AVN). We conducted a retrospective case series of three patients with prior carpal bone fractures (one scaphoid and two lunate) who presented with persistent or new-onset wrist pain following apparent fracture healing. All patients underwent MRI evaluation, and a CT was performed in one case for correlation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated features suggestive of AVN in all three cases despite prior imaging indicating fracture union. Two cases showed T1 hypointensity with corresponding hyperintensity on fluid-sensitive sequences, consistent with early AVN, while one case demonstrated persistent low signal on both sequences, suggestive of chronic AVN. In the case of CT correlation, there was apparent fracture union with mild sclerosis and no evidence of collapse, highlighting discordance between structural and biological assessment. Hence, persistent wrist pain following a healed fracture should prompt MRI evaluation to assess bone viability and guide appropriate management.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991775","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 global burden of climate-sensitive health impacts: a systematic review of mortality, morbidity, and economic costs.","authors":"Babiker Mohamed Rahamtalla, Isameldin Elamin Medani, Ahlam Mohammed Hakami, Uma Hemant Chourasia, Abeer Salih, Khalid Nasralla Hashim","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.17.49848","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.17.49848","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rising greenhouse gas emissions are intensifying heatwaves, wildfires, extreme rainfall, and sea-level rise, reshaping global health outcomes. However, the full multisystem burden remains insufficiently synthesized. This systematic review quantifies global climate-sensitive health impacts, identifies vulnerable populations, and evaluates adaptation strategies. We searched seven databases and grey literature (2000-2025), including studies linking climate exposures to health outcomes. Dual screening, risk-of-bias assessment (ROBINS-I, ROB 2), meta-analysis, meta-regression, and GRADE certainty grading were applied. Sixty-five studies were included. Non-optimal temperatures were associated with 5.08 million annual deaths (2000-2019). Heat increased all-cause mortality by 3.3% per 1°C above local optimum, while compound heat-ozone events increased cardiovascular mortality by 5.7%. Wildfire smoke contributed to ~339,000 premature deaths annually and a 6% increase in myocardial infarction admissions per 10 µg/m³PM_2.5. Climate-sensitive vectors may expose 1.3 billion people to Aedes-borne diseases by 2050. Heat-related labor losses reached 5.3% of global work hours (~US$671 billion in 2020). Climate-related anxiety/depression prevalence was 24%. Only 27% of World Health Organization (WHO) member States report fully funded health adaptation plans. Early warning systems and deep decarbonization could reduce mortality by up to 42% and avert >160,000 deaths annually. Evidence indicates disproportionate impacts in low-resource settings and multiple interacting pathways across physical and mental health, nutrition, and livelihoods. Climate change is already a major driver of global morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. Urgent mitigation and scaled, equity-focused adaptation are essential to reduce avoidable deaths and health inequities worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581488/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991875","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":"Prevalence and determinants of postpartum depression among postnatal clinic attendees at the Gwarinpa General Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.","authors":"Olubunmi Adeyemi, Fatima Sani, Adedayo Adeyemi, Elvis Efe Isere, Amos Bassi","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.14.49522","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.14.49522","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>postpartum depression (PPD) is a major global public health concern with profound effects on maternal and child wellbeing. It remains one of the most common but under-recognised complications of childbirth, with higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Limited data are available on the prevalence of PPD in Nigeria, despite unique sociodemographic and psychosocial contexts. This study assessed the prevalence of PPD and its associated sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors among pregnant women attending a 6-week postnatal clinic at the Gwarinpa General Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>a cross-sectional study of 400 postpartum women was conducted using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms (cut-off ≥9). Analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression with significance at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PPD prevalence was 19.0% (76/400). Most sociodemographic and obstetric factors were not significantly associated with PPD. However, prolonged labour was a strong predictor. Women with labour lasting >12 hours had significantly higher odds of PPD (OR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.64-9.16).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>postpartum depression had a prevalence of nearly one in five women in this study population, and prolonged duration of labour was significantly associated with PPD. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening intrapartum care and integrating targeted postpartum mental health screening for women who experience prolonged labour.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581485/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991934","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":"Reasons for participation and experiences of women in an antibody-mediated HIV prevention clinical trial in Malawi.","authors":"Ruth Naomi Holla, Agatha Bula, Adamson Muula, Mina Hosseinipour","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.16.52074","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.16.52074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>in the Antibody-Mediated Prevention (AMP) trials, a broadly neutralizing antibody called VRC01 was infused intravenously every two months to test its safety and HIV prevention efficacy. The AMP trial conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, called HVTN 703, enrolled women without HIV who were not pregnant or breastfeeding but who were behaviorally vulnerable to HIV-1 infection. We conducted a qualitative study in Malawi to explore the motivations and experiences of trial participants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>between September and December 2018, we purposively selected and interviewed 12 out of 100 women enrolled in the AMP trial at the UNC Project site in Lilongwe, Malawi. We conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) with women who were retained in the trial. All IDIs were conducted in Chichewa, digitally recorded, and then transcribed into English. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>women participated in the AMP trial due to a range of perceived benefits. The primary reason was access to better quality medical care, accompanied by financial benefits and altruism. Participants' research experiences and their continued participation in the AMP trial were influenced by the research clinic environment and the nature of their interactions with research staff. Regardless of pre-existing study expectations, feeling welcomed and being able to openly interact with the study staff encouraged them to continue participating in the study.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>antibody-mediated prevention study participants enrolled and continued their participation because of perceived benefits such as access to quality health care, finances, and altruism. Provision of other health services to research participants promotes participation in the trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581484/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991881","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":"Seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV/HCV/HIV triple co-infection among HIV patients receiving HAART at a Tertiary Hospital in Makurdi, Nigeria.","authors":"Daniel Olagoke Aina, Shawon Fredrick Akpagher, Blessing Onyinye Kene-Okeke, Abisola Mercy Olowofeso, Anthony Chidiebere Ohanu, Moses Inedu, John Joel Iji, Yanmeer Simeone Tyotswam","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.15.52097","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.15.52097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>co-infection of hepatitis B and C viruses with HIV is associated with poorer survival, increased risk of severe liver disease, and greater highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-related liver toxicity. This study assessed the seroprevalence and risk factors for triple co-infection with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HBV/HCV/HIV) among HIV-positive patients on HAART at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>in this cross-sectional study, 250 HIV-positive adults were recruited consecutively over three months. Socio-demographic data and risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for hepatitis B and C. Prevalence was calculated, and associations with triple co-infection were examined using chi-square and logistic regression analyses (SPSS v27.0, 95% confidence level).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>the prevalence of HBV/HCV/HIV triple co-infection was 1.2% among 250 HIV patients receiving HAART. The cohort was predominantly female (74.4%), with a female-to-male ratio of 3: 1 and a mean age of 45 years. Secondary education (AOR = 3.080, 95% CI: 1.420-7.038, p = 0.020), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 2.200, 95% CI: 1.271-7.073, p = 0.001), and smoking (AOR = 4.071, 95% CI: 1.101-11.018, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of triple co-infection. No significant associations were observed with sex, age, marital status, employment, alcohol use, or body mass index (BMI).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>the 1.2% seroprevalence of triple co-infection is low but highlights the ongoing presence of these infections. This finding reinforces the need for stronger public health education and more targeted screening programs. These measures can help reduce risky behaviors and encourage early testing to curb transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581481/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991947","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":"Optimizing health workforce distribution and satisfaction in Ghana's Upper East Region: a quantitative analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic predictors.","authors":"Augustina Memang, Richmond Balinia Adda, Simon Subinleeb Bawa, Kofi Akohene Mensah","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.13.48260","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.13.48260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>inadequate health workforce distribution and retention challenges hinder Universal Health Coverage in low-income settings. This study assessed health worker distribution and satisfaction determinants in public primary healthcare facilities in Ghana's Upper East Region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from human resource departments and health workers via semi-structured questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses identified associations between workforce satisfaction and intrinsic/extrinsic factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>significant staffing gaps were observed: Bawku West (27.99%), Builsa North (36.94%), and Bongo (51.67%). Multivariate analysis revealed that clear responsibility (aOR=4.58, p=0.001) and effective communication (aOR=10.14, p<0.001) were strong intrinsic predictors of satisfaction. Enhanced supervision (aOR=8.39, p<0.001) was a key extrinsic factor. Female workers had lower satisfaction odds (aOR=0.70), while widowed/separated individuals reported higher satisfaction (aOR=2.15).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>targeted interventions to clarify roles, improve communication, and strengthen supervision are critical to optimize workforce distribution and enhance satisfaction in rural Ghana.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581487/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991766","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":"Integrated postpartum family planning utilization with maternal health services and associated factors in governmental hospitals of northeast Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Delelegn Tsegaye Zikie, Misra Abdulahi Ahmed, Gurmesa Tura Debelew","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.11.50760","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.11.50760","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>postpartum family planning (PPFP) is one of the least utilized reproductive health services in Ethiopia. Its integration with maternal health services helps to improve postpartum contraceptive use. Although integrating PPFP with maternal health services can improve postpartum contraceptive uptake, implementation of integrated services remains suboptimal in many settings. The study assessed utilization of integrated PPFP and associated factors in government hospitals of northeast Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>a facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The study was conducted in four hospitals with a total of 607 participants. Data were collected using face-to-face, interviewer-administered standardized questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Variables with a p-value less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression. Variables with p-values less than 0.05 at 95% CI in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>the level of integrated postpartum family planning utilization with maternal health services was 25% (95% CI: 21.6% - 28.5%). Factors associated with utilization were hospital level (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.80), previous contraceptive use (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.80), currently pregnant (AOR = 6.80; 95% CI: 1.50 - 29.50), received family planning counseling (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.10 -0.30), service provider support (AOR = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.80 - 7.00) and women's decision on contraceptive use during the same-day hospital visit (AOR = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.80 - 7.00).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>utilization of the integrated PPFP service was low. Strengthening PPFP integration across all hospital levels through provider training and routine counselling is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991817","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":"Prevalence and factors associated with risky sexual behaviors among adolescent girls and young women in Rwanda: evidence from a national population-based cross-sectional HIV impact assessment, 2018-2019.","authors":"Ange Joseline Iradukunda, Basile Ikuzo, Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Sara Winterhalter, Zephanie Nzeyimana","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.12.49800","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2026.54.12.49800","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>globally, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 face higher risks of acquiring HIV and unintended pregnancies, primarily due to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) such as engaging in sex for money and having sex without a condom. This study assessed factors associated with RSBs among AGYW in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>this study analysed weighted data from the 2019 Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA), a cross-sectional study that collected data from October 2018 to March 2019. The analysis used the Jackknife method in survey logistic regression. Statistical significance was assumed for a p-value less than 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>among 6,753 adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years (mean age: 20.9 years), 44.1% reported ever having sex, corresponding to 2,980 participants. Among sexually active AGYW, the weighted prevalence of risky sexual behaviors was 43.9%. The most common RSBs include sex without a reliable method of contraception (24.8%), extramarital sex without a condom (13.5%), sex before the age of 15 (11.5%), sex for gifts/favors/money (9.9%), having multiple sexual partners (9.1%), transgenerational sex (1.7%), and anal sex (0.8%). Factors determining RSBs among the AGYW who reported ever having sex include having ever been pregnant (aOR: 4.3 with 95% C.I: 1.4-13.4), being pregnant at the time of the interview (aOR: 9.5 with 95% C.I: 6.8-13.4), having sex before the age of 15 (aOR: 1.8 with 95% C.I: 1.1-2.9), age at first sex ranging between 15-17 years (aOR: 1.3 with 95% C.I: 1.0-1.7), and living in a household with one or more children aged below 15 years (aORs ranging from 1.6 to 1.9).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>overall, RSBs remain a public health threat among young females in Rwanda, putting them at an elevated risk of HIV infection and unintended pregnancies. Thus, there is a need for sexual and reproductive health services appropriate for AGYW, focusing on delaying the age of sexual debut, promoting condom use, abstinence, and modern contraception among sexually active young females.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"54 ","pages":"12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581483/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991872","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}