The East African health research journal最新文献

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitude, and COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Among Drug Dispensers in Community Pharmacies: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Baraka Fundo, Betty Maganda, Deogratias Katabalo, Stanley Mwita","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.820","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.820","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). Drug dispensers are at risk of contracting COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 vaccination uptake among drug dispensers in community pharmacies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among drug dispensers in community pharmacies in Dar es Salaam from January to June 2022. Participants in the study were pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians, pharmaceutical assistants, and Accredited Drugs Dispensing Outlets (ADDO) dispensers. The calculated minimum sample size was 360. A stratified sampling technique was used to obtain the number of pharmacies and drug dispensers required for each district. Data was collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. To determine the predictors of COVID-19 vaccination status by the drug dispensers, multivariable binary logistic regression was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 375 participants were included. More than half (57.0%) of participants had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines, while 203 (54.1%) of respondents had a positive attitude. About 111 (29.6%) of respondents had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Drug dispensers aged 50 years and above and pharmacists were more likely to have received the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR 58.82; 95% CI, 7.407 to 500.0; <i>P</i><.001) and (AOR 5.025; 95% CI, 2.062 to 12.346, <i>P</i>=.005), respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Drug dispensers in community pharmacies possessed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccination; however, gaps in attitude and vaccine uptake persisted. Strengthening educational campaigns through professional associations, utilizing digital platforms for information dissemination, and integrating vaccine promotion into continuing professional development programs can enhance their role in public health response efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"33-40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484182","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":"Diagnostic Accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology for Thyroid Tumours at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Tanzania.","authors":"Bahati Robert, Samwel Chugulu, Kondo Chilonga, David Msuya","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.854","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.854","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroid diseases are common and serious diseases in the world and because of this fact, early diagnosis is necessary. Clinicians in our settings rely on clinical presentation, physical examination and biochemical findings in diagnosing patients with thyroid mass and sometimes this leads to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of cancerous lesions. Abnormal lymph node sometimes can be mistaken for a thyroid nodule. Clinical examination or biochemical findings become difficult differentiatingdifficult differentiating the two conditions. The global consensus is to employ FNAC as standard baseline test to pick out thyroid lesions with malignancy potential. The inherent pitfalls and unique presentation in developing countries have proven a challenge in using FNAC as a stand-alone tool for preoperative assessment Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology for thyroid tumours at a tertiary hospital in Northern Tanzania from January 2019 to June 2023.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A retrospective cross sectionalcross-sectional hospital-based study that was conducted from January 2019 to June 2023 in patients who had thyroidectomy done during the study period at KCMC. Structured Questionnaires were used to collect key information from case notes, descriptive data were summarized by median and interquartile range and proportions in percentage and analyzed by SPSS version 25.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 207 patients who underwent thyroidectomy across the period of study were eligible. Females were 89.37% and% and males 10.63% with a Female: Male ratio 8.4:1. The age of participants ranged from 8 to 81 years, median (IQR) 49 (37-56) years. Malignant lesions 47.83% were papillary carcinoma, 30.43% follicular carcinoma and the rest were squamous cell carcinoma 8.7%, follicular%, follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma 8.7% and 4.35% papillary carcinoma follicular variant.The study had a sensitivity of 36.36%, specificity 91.89%, positive predictive value of 34.78% negative predictive value 92.39% false positive rate 8.10%, false negative rate 63.64% and an overall accuracy of 85.99%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study reveals high specificity, a low sensitivity, and a within range diagnostic accuracy for FNAC at detecting malignancy in thyroid nodules. The findings are a baseline data on performance of FNAC in thyroid tumours at our facility, there is a consistent trend toward papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) than follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) across regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"334-340"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126609/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824526","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":"Changes in Sexual Risk-taking Behaviours Among Men After Participating in the PEST4MEN HIV Self-Testing Intervention in Two Fishing Communities in Central Uganda.","authors":"Joseph K B Matovu, Gloria Namazzi","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.824","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.824","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The availability of free HIV self-test kits in the community may alter people's sexual behaviours in some way. However, little evidence exists to confirm or refute this assertion. We assessed changes in sexual risk-taking behaviours among men living in a fishing community before and after participating in an HIV self-testing (HIVST) intervention.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a large peer-led HIVST intervention for men (PEST4MEN) in two fishing communities located in Kalangala (1) and Buvuma (1) Island districts. Following a baseline interview in July 2022, enrolled men (n=400) received oral fluid-based HIV self-test kits from their peer leaders and were followed up in September 2022 (n=361) to determine use. Data were collected on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics using a structured questionnaire, configured in the KoboCollect tool, and loaded on mobile phones. We assessed changes in the proportion of men reporting multiple (2+) sexual partners, alcohol use before sex and condom use frequency before and after HIVST. We conducted descriptive analysis using STATA (version 14.0). Comparisons between proportions were made using Pearson's chi-square test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 361 men, 239 had complete HIVST and sexual behaviour data at the baseline and follow-up visits. Of these, 34.3% (n=82) were aged between 25 and 34 years with a mean age of 30.8 years (Standard Deviation: ±9.0). Fifty-six percent (n=134) were engaged in fishing or fishing-related activities. The proportion of men reporting multiple sexual partners reduced significantly from 52.3% (n=125) to 42.3% (n=101), <i>P</i>=.0279. However, there was a non-significant increase in condom use at last sex (from 17.2%, n=41, to 18.4%, n=44; <i>P</i>=.7197) and alcohol use before sex (from 10.0%, n=24, to 11.7%, n=28; <i>P</i>=.5568). Consistent condom use reduced somewhat between the two study visits (from 10.0%, n=24, to 8.0%, n=19; <i>P</i>=.4241).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The proportion of men reporting multiple sexual partnerships reduced significantly between the two study visits. However, this reduction was not observed in the other sexual risk behaviours. These findings suggest a need for integrating sexual risk-reduction messages into HIVST interventions in order to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors among potential users of HIV self-test kits.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"66-77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484067","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":"Knowledge on CLABSI Prevention Strategies and Associated Factors Among ICU Nurses in Dar es Salaam.","authors":"Venance Kahindi, Joel Seme Ambikile, Dickson Mkoka, Neema Mawi, Rashidi Heri","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.838","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.838","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is one of the major complications for patients with central lines (CLs) and a leading hospital-acquired infection. This infection is associated with increased length of hospitalization, medical costs, high morbidity, and mortality. As primary caregivers for patients with CLs in the ICU, nurses are crucial in preventing CL-related infections and complications. Despite this key role, there is limited knowledge about ICU nurses' understanding of CLABSI, especially in low-income countries like Tanzania. Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge on CLABSI prevention strategies and associated factors among ICU nurses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 250 ICU nurses in 3 tertiary hospitals. Data were collected from May to July 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire, with CLABSI knowledge assessed using 32 items. SPSS version 25 was employed to analyze data, and logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with knowledge of CLABSI prevention strategies. In all analyses, statistical significance was set at a <i>p</i>-value <.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean knowledge score was 52.2% (SD = 10.7), with a median of 50%. Among the participants, only 52 (28.2%; 95% CI: 22.6%-33.8%) demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding CLABSI prevention strategies and care. Receiving in-service CL training (AOR = 5.20; 95% CI: 1.79-15.07; <i>p</i> =.002), the availability of CLABSI prevention guidelines (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.05-6.03; <i>p</i>=.038), and the absence of pre-service CL training (AOR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.33-6.97; <i>p</i>=.008) were significantly associated with higher knowledge of CLABSI prevention strategies and care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ICU nurses demonstrated generally inadequate knowledge of CLABSI prevention strategies, with less than one-third (28.2%) showing a high level of knowledge. In-service CL training, availability of CLABSI guidelines, and absence of pre-service training were significantly associated with higher knowledge, suggesting the strong influence of practical, workplace-based learning. Targeted in-service training and consistent provision of evidence-based guidelines are essential to strengthen ICU nurses' competence, reduce CLABSI incidence, and improve patient safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"190-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591000/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484113","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":"Recurrent Sigmoid Volvulus in Pregnancy: Case Report.","authors":"Hayte M Samo, Martini Gemuwang, Fides Canuty, Joshua G Gidabayda, Emanuel Q Nuwass","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.818","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.818","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy is a rare condition occurring during the third trimester with a high recurrence rate and having fatal complications to both fetus and mother. It requires a prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach. We present a case of a 33 year old, pregnant woman, Gravida 4, Para 3, at 32 weeks of gestation, who presented with abdominal pain, distension, and tenderness. A Plain abdominal X-ray showed a dilated loop of the sigmoid colon. This was her second admission with similar symptoms. Having previously diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus one month earlier, she was treated conservatively, recovered, and discharged. On this admission she was diagnosed with recurrent sigmoid volvulus, after stabilization she underwent laparotomy which revealed sigmoid colon volvulus at 180 degrees twist. A resection of redundant sigmoid was done, resulting in uneventful postoperative care, discharge, and follow-up. A timely diagnosis and surgical interventions, especially through a multidisciplinary approach during late gestation can lead to favorable outcome for the baby and mother.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"20-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484154","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":"Artificial Intelligence and Medical Education (2013-2024): A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis.","authors":"Festus Mulakoli, Edward Misava","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.817","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.817","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming medical education by enabling personalised learning, adaptive feedback, simulation-based training, and automated assessments. While AI offers significant benefits, including curriculum optimisation and virtual tutoring, concerns around data privacy, access, and ethical implementation persist. Although bibliometric studies have explored AI in healthcare, comprehensive analyses of global collaboration and publication trends in AI-focused medical education remain limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to analyse global research trends, key contributors, and thematic developments in the application of AI within medical education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. The search strategy included terms such as \"Medical Education\", \"Artificial Intelligence\", \"Machine Learning\", \"Deep Learning\", \"Clinical Training\", \"Virtual Patients\", and \"Simulation\". Data were analysed using the Bibliometrix R package to assess publication volume, keyword co-occurrence, author collaboration, and citation patterns.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Research output on AI in medical education has grown significantly, peaking in 2024 with 1,081 publications. The United States leads in publication volume, followed by Russia and Canada. \"Artificial Intelligence\" was the most frequently used keyword. Co-authorship and co-citation networks revealed strong international collaboration, with emerging themes in clinical competence, virtual simulation, and ethical considerations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The future of artificial intelligence in medical education is promising, with applications in personalised treatment plans, drug development, and virtual healthcare assistants. AI has transformative potential for medical education, particularly in personalised learning and simulation-based training. Strategic investment in AI literacy, ethical frameworks, and infrastructure is essential to ensure equitable and effective integration across global contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"9-19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12974945/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438249","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":"Cognitive Ageing in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pre-Dementia Prevalence and Associated Factors.","authors":"Samwel Sylvester Msigwa, Jackline Zambi, Maiko Charles Mkwambe, Elizabeth Mareale","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.840","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.840","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Africa is experiencing rapid population ageing, yet the prevalence and determinants of pre-dementia stages - mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) - remain poorly defined. Global reviews include only a few African studies, limiting reliable estimates and obscuring regional risk factors. This study provides the first comprehensive synthesis of pre-dementia prevalence and associated factors across Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and African-specific databases from inception to March 2025. Studies reporting MCI or SCD prevalence in adults aged ≥50 years were included. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses examined heterogeneity by diagnostic criteria, setting, and study features. Meta-regression assessed links with demographic and cardiometabolic factors. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence checklist.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-eight studies from nine countries included 26,067 participants and 5,924 cases (SCD: 2,318 participants, 1,162 cases; MCI: 23,749 participants, 4,762 cases). Pooled prevalence was 50% (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 40 to 59%) for SCD and 20% (95% CI, 14 to 28%) for MCI. Heterogeneity for MCI was extreme (I²≈99%), mainly due to methodological variation. Studies using neuropsychological cut-offs alone reported nearly threefold higher MCI prevalence than those applying clinical criteria. Meta-regression identified associations between MCI prevalence and hypertension (β=.052; P=.017) and diabetes (β 0.053; <i>P</i>=.024).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pre-dementia stages are common in African older adults. Methodological variation underscores the need for standardized, culturally validated criteria. Cardiometabolic comorbidities are key modifiable risks, supporting integrated interventions for cognitive health in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"210-237"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126570/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824500","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":"Self-Care Practices and Knowledge of Hypertension Management Among Patients Attending Clinics in Tanzania: A Multi Centre Analytical Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Julius Edward Ntwenya, Joseph Nyanda Shilole, Edmund Boniface Bunyaga, Elihuruma Eliufoo Stephano","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.849","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.849","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension is a serious public health problem. Adherence to the recommended self-care practices (SCPs) significantly prevented hypertension and abated its undesired related health outcomes. This study assessed the SCPs, knowledge of hypertension management, and factors associated with SCPs adherence among adults attending clinics in selected hospitals in Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 adult hypertensive patients attending clinics in Dodoma and Dar-es-Salaam regions in Tanzania. This sample was systematically randomly selected during clinic visits, thus making a total of nine visits for the total sample. SCPs were assessed using the self-administered Hypertension Self-care Activity Level Effect Scale (H-SCALE). Analysis was done using SPSS, version 29.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the surveyed hypertensive patients was 53.6 ± 7.5 years. Overall, 25.1% had good SCPs, 76.2% adhered to prescribed antihypertensive drugs, 99.0% were non-smokers, 95.2% were non-alcohol users, 59.5% observed recommended dietary plans, 64.3% had regular physical activities, and 66.2% observed a diverse set of recommended eating and lifestyle behaviour. 71.1% had adequate knowledge about hypertension management. On binary logistic regression analysis, high odds of SCP adherence among hypertensive patients was associated with the absence of a family history of hypertension (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=1.2-5.0, <i>P</i>=.01) and adequate knowledge (AOR=2.3, 95% CI=1.8-4.4, <i>P</i>=.003). Conversely, the absence of comorbidities was associated with lower odds of SCPs among hypertensive patients (AOR=0.5, CI=0.3-0.9, <i>P</i>=.03).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that most hypertensive patients had poor SCPs. There is a discrepancy between the level of knowledge and the day to day SCPs among hypertensive patients. Interventions should be responsive to how familial health history and comorbidities impact SCPs, thus empowering the patient with such knowledge and skills to manage hypertension properly.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"307-314"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126587/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824543","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":"Dietary Knowledge and Its Associated Factors Among Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension in Tertiary Hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Elizabeth Madikenya, Erick Donard Oguma, Osward Sevin Lyimo, Julius E Ntwenya, Leornard Katalambula, Stephen M Kibusi","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.850","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.850","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dietary knowledge plays a central role in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. However, limited evidence exists on patients' understanding of appropriate dietary practices within the Tanzanian context. This study assessed the level of dietary knowledge and its associated factors among patients attending two tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Central Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among adults diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or both at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital between July and September 2021. A total of 335 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and dietary knowledge was categorized as adequate or inadequate based on the mean score. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with inadequate dietary knowledge, with significance set at <i>p</i><.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nearly half of the respondents, 47.8% (n = 160) had hypertension, 21.2% (n = 71) had diabetes, and 31.0% (n = 104) had both conditions. More than half, 53.4% (n = 179), demonstrated inadequate dietary knowledge. Middle-aged adults (30-44 years) (AOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.76-8.61), unemployed individuals (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.36-5.05), and those who consumed alcohol (AOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.18-4.12) had significantly higher odds of inadequate dietary knowledge. Conversely, participants with hypertension only had lower odds of inadequate knowledge compared with those with both diabetes and hypertension (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23-0.77).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed that more than half of patients living with diabetes, hypertension, or both had inadequate dietary knowledge, highlighting a significant gap in the nutritional understanding required for effective NCD self-management. Hence, underscore the need for targeted, context-specific dietary education interventions, particularly for socio-economically vulnerable groups, to strengthen NCD management and improve long-term health outcomes in Tanzania.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"315-324"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824520","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 Intimate Partner Physical Violence Among Pregnant Women in Rwanda.","authors":"Annet Murungi, Hinda Ruton, Noel Gahamanyi, Joseph Ntaganira","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.853","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intimate partner physical violence (IPPV) during pregnancy is a public health concern and a breach of human rights. Physical violence has major consequences for the mother, fetus, and newborn child. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and factors associated with IPPV among pregnant women in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic Health Survey 2019-2020. A total of 1,849 women aged 15-49 years were included in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence and frequency of different attributes while a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with IPPV among pregnant women. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were used to report the magnitude of the association between different variables and IPPV among pregnant women. Stata 16 was used for analysis and survey commands were applied to all analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of IPPV among pregnant women in Rwanda was 4.5% and the associated factors were the partner's alcohol drinking habits, drinks and sometimes gets drunk (AOR 3.68, 95% CI (1.3-10.1), drinks and gets drunk often (AOR 14.67, 95% CI (5.2-41.4), number of living children 3-5 (AOR 2.64 95% CI (1.2-5.6), and polygamous couple (AOR 2.81 95% CI (1.2-6.4).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IPPV against pregnant women is still present in Rwanda. Having a male partner that drinks alcohol and gets drunk, polygamy, and having 3-5 children were factors associated with this IPPV. It is important to address the issue of substance abuse, refine social norms, and attitudes that promote gender inequalities through several stereotypes in families, empower women, and encourage them to use contraceptives. These findings emphasize the need for evidence-based policies and integration of prevention measures in the maternal health services to prevent IPPV against mothers and protect their unborn children.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"325-333"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126605/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824553","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}