Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences最新文献

{"title":"Predicting and Preventing Intimate Partner Homicide: Learning from Perpetrators and Survivors.","authors":"Providence M Umuziga, Madeleine Mukeshimana, Gerard Nyiringango, Vedaste Bagweneza, Clementine Kanazayire, Dieudonne Kayiranga","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.13","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.13","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intimate partner homicide (IPH) has emerged as a significant public health and social concern globally, with women disproportionately affected. In Rwanda, despite significant progress in addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) through various national strategies, IPV continues to pose serious challenges, sometimes escalating to IPH. This study seeks to explore the risk factors associated with IPH and identify effective strategies for its prevention.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A qualitative research design employing a phenomenological approach was used to gain deep insights into participants' lived experiences. Data were collected from 22 participants through in-depth interviews and were analysed thematically, supported by the use of Atlas. ti software for coding and data management.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The major themes that emerged from the analysis included: Participants' perspectives on (1) warning signs and predictors of intimate partner homicide, which included reunions following a partner's imprisonment, jealousy or perceived infidelity, communication avoidance, polygamy, financial irresponsibility, and sexual denial; and (2) alternative actions that perpetrators or survivors could take to prevent IPH, along with their proposed strategies for reducing or eliminating its occurrence. These strategies included early identification of relationship conflicts, engagement in preventive counseling, fostering open communication, ensuring financial autonomy, abstaining from alcohol, and, in high-risk situations, considering pre-emptive divorce.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early intervention, preventive counselling, and financial empowerment are essential in mitigating the risk of intimate partner homicide. Policymakers and researchers should prioritize these strategies in designing comprehensive prevention programs that address both individual and relational factors of IPH.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"605-616"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204828","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":"Stage-Specific Psychological Distress, Coping, and Social Support among Women Undergoing Pregnancy Termination in Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.","authors":"Marie Grace Sandra Musabwasoni, Marie Klingberg-Allvin, Donatilla Mukamana, Stephen Rulisa, Oliva Bazirete","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.16","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.16","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Termination of pregnancy is a complex, emotionally charged experience. This study assessed psychological outcomes, including coping mechanisms and social support, among women undergoing pregnancy termination in Rwanda, aiming to identify predictors of psychological distress and resilience and to inform culturally sensitive, stage-specific interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional comparative design was employed among 305 women sampled once at different stages of the termination process (pre, peri, and post termination) across 11 district hospitals. Data were collected using validated instruments to measure distress, coping, and social support. Stage-specific comparisons were conducted using ANOVA (F tests), correlations, and linear regressions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The peri-termination phase emerged as the most emotionally vulnerable, with elevated stress (F = 6.12, p = 0.003), depression (F = 5.03, p = 0.008), declining self-esteem (F = 3.78, p = 0.024), reduced adaptive coping (F = 2.45, p = 0.01), and lowest perceived support (F = 5.67, p = 0.01). Distress intensified into the post-termination phase, where stress and depression peaked. Regression models confirmed perceived stress (β = .41, p < 0.001), maladaptive coping (β = .29, p < 0.001), and lower perceived social support (β = -.16, p = 0.004) as significant predictors of anxiety (R² = .52), and depression (R² = .49). Overall, 28% of participants reported moderate-to-severe anxiety, 25% reported moderate-to-severe depression, and 33% reported high stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings underscore the need for integrated emotional support and empathetic provider communication, alongside community-based interventions to reduce stigma, promote recovery, contribute to Rwanda's maternal health strategy, and global efforts to humanize the service.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"650-668"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204838","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 Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Rwanda: A Secondary Data Analysis of the RDHS 2019/2020.","authors":"Israel Cyubahiro Munyambaraga, Pasteur Dushimimana, Isdore Tuyishime, Jean Leonard Turabayo, Philemon Manishimwe, William Gerard Nayituriki, Theophilla Kayitesi Mushimiyimana, Aimee Cyubahiro, Hesron Byiringiro, Emma Marie Umutoniwase, Jean Pierre Nizeyimana, Clement Ikuzwe, Pascal Ubuzima, Michael Habtu","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.5","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial for infant survival, growth, and development. However, factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices in Rwanda remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding and identify associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A secondary data analysis of the 2019-2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 4,359 children under five years. A weighted analysis was conducted. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified key determinants for exclusive breastfeeding with significance level set at p value <0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 80.5%. Mothers in the Southern Province (AOR 1.948, 95% CI: 1.151-3.299), Western Province (AOR 2.391, 95% CI: 1.549-3.690), and Northern Province (AOR 2.091, 95% CI: 1.141-3.831) had higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding than those in Kigali. Wealthier mothers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively (AOR 0.524, 95% CI: 0.364-0.753). Children aged 6-23 months had significantly lower odds of breastfeeding compared to those under 6 months (AOR 0.014, 95% CI: 0.011-0.018).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the need to promote exclusive breastfeeding practices, particularly among mothers in Kigali and higher-income households, to improve child health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"502-513"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204299","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":"Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Its Associated Factors among Workers of Roofing Factories in Rwanda.","authors":"Kevin Uchechukwu Nwanna, Theophile Ngendahimana, Samuel Maniraguha, Jean Paul Twiringiyimana, Kitema Felix, Mojeed Gbadomosi","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.17","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.17","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>An estimated 2.78 million work-related deaths and 374 million non-fatal injuries occur at workstations annually. Developing Countries place a low priority on safety, and many companies still operate without even the most basic health and safety procedures. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the level of compliance with occupational safety and health standards and their associated factors among roofing factory workers in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study utilised a simple probability sampling technique with a sample size of 202 participants from the roofing industry. A structured questionnaire was utilized to gather primary data. The compliance level was the outcome variable. Univariate, Bivariate, and Multivariable analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Analysis revealed that the compliance level was high (64%); the major challenge faced with occupational safety and health standards was lack of training (44.5%); the predicting factors to OSH compliance were age (36-45 years) (AOR=3.12, P-value=0.008, CI-1.35-7.21), being married (AOR=2.15, P-value=0.047, CI=1.01-4.58), and workers level of experience (16 years and above) (AOR=4.12, P-value=0.001, CI=1.76-9.64); these were statistically significant at P<0.05.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Absence of training, age, marital status, and workers' level of experience influenced occupational safety and health compliance. Thus, refresher and constant training on compliance with occupational safety and health standards should be effectively and continuously carried out.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"669-679"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204835","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":"Thyroid Function Test Abnormalities in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy at Matyazo Health Center, Huye, Rwanda.","authors":"Emile Tuyishimire, Jean Aime Ngirinshuti, Herbert Tendayi Mapira, Vedaste Nsanzimana, Cuthbert Musarurwa","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.8","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroid dysfunction (TD) is commonly found in people living with HIV infection (PLHIV) and is exacerbated by ART. While TD is documented in PLHIV, its prevalence in Rwanda remains underexplored. This study investigated thyroid dysfunction in HIV-positive patients on ART at Matyazo Health Centre, Butare, Rwanda. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of thyroid function test (TFT) abnormalities among HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Matyazo Health Centre, Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study involving 200 participants (100 HIV-positive on ART and 100 HIV-negative controls, mainly healthcare workers and university students) was undertaken. Blood specimens were obtained for thyroid function assessments, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) when indicated. A standardised questionnaire captured sociodemographic information and clinical data were extracted from medical records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thyroid dysfunction prevalence was greater among HIV-positive participants compared to HIV-negative controls (47% vs. 16%). The predominant abnormality was central hypothyroidism/euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS), particularly in those on ART for over 24 months. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was less common. Educational attainment (p=0.006) and employment status (p=0.028) were significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of TD among HIV-positive patients on ART suggests an association between HIV infection, ART, and thyroid dysfunction, underscoring the importance of regular thyroid function screening. To build on these findings, longitudinal studies are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"538-549"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204307","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 Influencing Family Planning Use among Women with Non-Communicable Diseases in Urban Areas in Rwanda.","authors":"Violette Dushimiyimana, Louise Marie Tuyishimire, Christine Igikundiro, Michel Nkuranyabahizi, Deborah Mukamuhirwa, Leatitia Marie Ishimwe, Joella Mukashyaka, Christine Marie Umutesi, Seraphine Nyiraneza, Richard Nsengiyumva, Claudien Thierry Uhawenimana, Triphonie Mukaziboneye, Jean de Dieu Habimana, Ferdinard Bikorimana, Ruth Dusabe, Vincent Dusingizimana, Gerard Kaberuka","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.18","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.18","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are at an elevated risk of experiencing pregnancy-related complications. Usually, they are advised to use effective family planning (FP) methods. This study assessed the prevalence of FP use and the factors influencing their use among women with NCDs in urban areas in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for 244 women aged 15-49 years attending follow up care in NCDs clinics at selected health centers and hospitals. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Simple logistic regression was used to identify the association between independent variables and FP use, while multinomial logistic regression examined the strength of the identified association between both modern and natural FP methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of FP use among female with NCDs in reproductive age is 68.4%. The most common NCDs in the group are hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and heart failure. Women aged 25-34 mostly prefer to use modern FP method, the same as women living in the Southern Province. Furthermore, living with a partner had higher odds of using both natural and modern methods of FP.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Use of FP among women with NCDs remains suboptimal. There is a need for more individualized health education and counselling to support reproductive aged women with NCDs in making informed decisions about FP. Such efforts are essential to empower these women and promote their overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"680-690"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204815","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":"Barriers in Implementing the Accreditation Standards for a Safe Environment in Public Hospitals of Rwanda: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Jean Pierre Bideri, Jean de Dieu Habimana, Erigene Rutayisire, Theoneste Ntakirutimana, Cyprien Munyanshongore","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.14","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.14","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The adherence to hospital accreditation standards in health facilities, which are designed to ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality healthcare services, remains a challenge. Therefore, this study sought to examine the key barriers affecting the implementation of hospital accreditation standards among health professionals in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study in which 40 semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted from January to March 2024, in selected public hospitals. Participants aged 27-48 years were purposively recruited based on their roles and experience in hospital operations. The interviews explored the barriers affecting the effective implementation of Risk Area 3, which addresses ensuring a safe environment for staff and patients. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to capture participants lived experiences and perceptions of the implementation process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The present study identified the barriers that deterred the implementation of IPC measures such as overwhelming workload, financial constraint, absence of training, turnover of staff, paucity of appropriate infrastructure, lack of enough coordination of IPC measure, lack of enough supervision by EHO, insufficient space for hazardous materials and other related materials.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Limited resources are the key contributor to non-compliance with IPC measures. Greater investment in both physical and human resources, along with continuous professional training, is essential to enhance the implementation and compliance with hospital accreditation standards. Policymakers should actively engage multinational organisations and international development partners to provide technical assistance and support capacity-building initiatives that strengthen local efforts toward effective and sustainable accreditation implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"617-630"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895265/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204824","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":"Rural Inhabitants' Perception-Induced Immunisation Status: The Case of Yellow Fever Vaccination in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.","authors":"Magdalene Abiana Quantson, Emmanuel Keku, Abigail Kwamekyi, Alfred Quantson, Solomon Aruna Nelson","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.6","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vaccines effectively reduce infectious disease mortality worldwide, including in Africa. Immunization is critical to lowering morbidity and improving public health, yet uptake in some rural areas remains low. This study assessed perceptions of yellow fever (YF) vaccination and their influence on immunization status among residents across 10 rural communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study involving 130 respondents used structured questionnaires to assess knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward YF vaccination. Logistic regression identified factors associated with immunization status, with significance set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants (96.9%) had good or fair awareness of vaccination, and nearly all (98.5%) valued staying healthy. However, many lacked understanding of vaccination benefits (89.2%) and vaccine-preventable diseases (66.2%). Significant predictors of non-immunization included poor vaccination awareness (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.48-3.12, p = 0.009), poor knowledge of benefits (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.26-3.35, p = 0.042), lack of campaign awareness (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 2.62-5.14, p = 0.038), and perceived poor campaign coverage (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI: 1.57-7.49, p = 0.037).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While general awareness of vaccination is high, substantial knowledge gaps and limited campaign visibility hinder uptake. Strengthened public health education and broader outreach could improve vaccination rates and reduce preventable disease burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"514-529"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895266/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204832","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, Predictors, and Moderators of Relapse in Severe Mental Disorders: Evidence from Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, Rwanda.","authors":"Charles Nkubili, Pascal Uwamungu, Schadrack Ntirenganya, Eric Ferdinand Twizeyimana, Emmanuel Kagabo, Emmanuel Ntakiyisumba, Jean Claude Musabyimana, Michel Nshimiyimana, Andrine Mbabazi, Emile Niyonsaba, Béatrice Uwamwezi, Felix Uwimana Baho, Fidele Sebera, Fortunée Nyirandamutsa, Japhet Niyonsenga","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.15","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.15","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Relapse remains a major challenge in managing mental disorders, particularly in low-resource settings where empirical evidence is limited. This study estimated relapse prevalence and associated factors, and examined whether disorder type and psychological well-being moderated, and self-stigma mediated, the medication adherence-relapse link.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 outpatients at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and validated scales measuring relapse, self-stigma, medication adherence, and psychological well-being. Chi-square tests assessed associations, while binary logistic regression identified independent predictors using SPSS version 29.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Relapse prevalence was 76.1% in schizophrenia, 69.4% in bipolar disorder, 47.8% in depression, and 64.9% in substance misuse. Disorder type strongly predicted relapse: schizophrenia (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.28-7.09) and bipolar disorder (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.19-6.31) showed significantly higher risk than depression. Substance misuse, self-stigma, poor medication adherence, and low psychological well-being were associated with relapse in crude models but lost significance after adjustment. Moderation analysis revealed that psychological well-being significantly strengthened adherence's protective effect, reducing relapse from 91.7% at low adherence to 34.8% at high adherence. Disorder type shaped adherence effects: high adherence reduced relapse only in schizophrenia, with inconsistent effects in other disorders. Self-stigma did not mediate the adherence-relapse link.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Medication adherence alone showed inconsistent effects; its protective role was pronounced in schizophrenia and among patients with high psychological well-being. Relapse prevention should prioritize enhancing adherence in schizophrenia and integrating psychological well-being interventions. Tailoring management to diagnostic subgroups is essential for improving outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"631-649"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204837","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 Risk Factors For Childhood Diarrhoea in Rwanda: A Secondary Data Analysis of Three Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys (RDHS 2010, 2014/15, and 2019/20).","authors":"Eric Butera, Jean de Dieu Habimana, Noel Korukire, Etienne Nsereko, Sunday François Xavier, Solange Nikwigize, Habtu Fissehaye Michoel","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.4","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diarrhoea continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, particularly in developing countries, including Rwanda. This study examined trends and risk factors for childhood diarrhea in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A secondary analysis of children's records was conducted among 8,706 households in 2010, 7,261 in 2014/15, and 4,409 in 2019/20. The univariate analysis summarized the variables and described the trends in diarrhea by districts during the 2010, 2014/15, and 2019/2020 RDHS. Simple logistic regression identified associations between diarrhea and potential factors, while a multivariable model retained significant variables after addressing multicollinearity. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and p-values <0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of childhood diarrhoea in Rwanda followed a U-shaped trend, falling from 12.81% in 2010 to 11.62% in 2015, and then rising to 13.65% in 2020. Factors independently associated with diarrhea included household heads less than 25 years old, households with ≥4 members, not breastfeeding, less frequent radio/TV exposure, bottle feeding and unimproved toilet facilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Interventions should focus on supporting less educated caregivers through health education, improved water, hygiene, and sanitation practices, and promotion of breastfeeding. Ensuring equitable access to clean water is also essential for reducing diarrhoea.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"483-501"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204713","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}