The East African health research journal最新文献

{"title":"Exploring Recent Trends in Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake in Tanzania.","authors":"Joanes Faustine Mboineki, Changying Chen Professor","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.857","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite ongoing community awareness programmes in Tanzania, cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake remains low, with only 10 to 29% of eligible women participating. Improving screening is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which targets reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. This study explored recent changes in CCS awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women in urban Dar es Salaam.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Kawe ward, Dar es Salaam. Twenty-six women aged ≥21 years were purposively sampled. Data were collected between January and February 2020 using in-depth, face-to-face interviews guided by open-ended questions. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and analysed using five-step qualitative content analysis to develop codes, categories, subthemes, and themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All participants had heard of cervical cancer and CCS, yet only 2 of 26 had ever been screened. Awareness was high, but most women demonstrated inadequate knowledge of cervical cancer causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and screening guidelines. Major barriers to screening included absence of symptoms, limited knowledge, lack of health-seeking behaviour, time constraints, perceived costs, and long waiting times at screening sites. Despite these barriers, participants expressed strong positive attitudes toward CCS and showed readiness to undergo screening if services were accessible, affordable, and accompanied by adequate education.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While awareness of cervical cancer is high, knowledge gaps persist and remain a major barrier to CCS uptake. Ongoing community awareness initiatives have increased recognition of the disease's severity but have not translated into improved screening practices. Strengthening educational content, expanding community-level outreach, reducing waiting times, and improving service accessibility are essential to increase CCS participation among urban women in Tanzania.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"357-367"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126568/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824581","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":"Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Livelihoods and Social Support Mechanisms in Selected Regions of Tanzania: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Peter E Mangesho, Mohamed Seif, Elizabeth H Shayo, Leonard E G Mboera, Mark Urassa, Mtumwa Bakari, Esther Ngadaya, Blandina T Mmbaga, Nahya Nassor, Giuliano Russo, Kevin Deane, David Mccoy","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.822","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has contributed to massive disturbances in people's economic, social, and cultural affairs. Such experiences were brought about by the pandemic itself and the intervention measures put in place to contain the transmission of the disease. This study assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on social and economic dimensions in selected regions of Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted in Unguja, Pemba and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, employing a qualitative design. Thirty four interviews were conducted with key informants at the national, regional and district levels, comprising influential people, leaders, and healthcare workers. A total of 14 focus group discussions with community members and health care workers were conducted. All data were thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Study participants revealed the main impact of COVID-19 to be on businesses and trade, with loss of wage earnings due to a reduction in touristic activities and flow from abroad of essential goods for trade. This, in turn, was reported to affect people's purchasing power to fend for themselves, causing food insecurity at the household level. Trading activities of essential goods such as sugar and cooking oil were affected due to the reduction of their importation, which in turn caused their rental prices to rise. Restrictions imposed on gatherings created an atmosphere of fear that harmed traditional forms of support in times of need.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings from this study demonstrates how COVID-19 mitigation strategies significantly disrupted the social and economic fabric of the communities studied. We recommend that future pandemic preparedness plans should prioritize the implementation of comprehensive support programs for at-risk households and enact price controls on essential goods to protect the most vulnerable from economic hardship.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"48-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12590996/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484022","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":"Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Associated Gut Health Outcomes Among Alcohol Consumers in Musanze District of Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Christophe Higiro, Thierry Habyarimana, Cedrick Izere, Callixte Yadufashije, Francois Niyongabo Niyonzima","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.836","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Excessive consumption of alcohol contributes to gut dysbiosis, leading to adverse gut health outcomes such as gastrointestinal diseases. About 1.6%, or 200,000, Rwandans between 14 and 64 years old abuse alcohol. But there is a paucity of information on the effects of alcohol on intestinal health. This was a cross-sectional study carried out to determine the gut microbial imbalance and associated outcomes among alcohol consumers in the Musanze district.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 50 participants were recruited, of which 25 were alcohol consumers, while the remaining 25 were control subjects. Stool samples were collected and transported to the INES Ruhengeri clinical microbiology laboratory for microbial identification. Gut outcomes associated with alcohol consumption were evaluated by an interview-administered questionnaire. An independent t-test was performed to test for the microbial mean difference between alcohol consumers and non-alcohol consumers, while a chi-square test was performed to evaluate associations between gut dysbiosis and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>Escherichia coli</i> (17.5%) was the most predominant among alcohol consumers, while <i>Lactobacillus</i> (17.3%) was the most predominant among control subjects. There was a significant association between alcohol consumption and gut microbial alteration to <i>E. coli</i> (x² = 4.2, <i>P</i>=.04), <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> (x² = 9.9, <i>P</i>=.00165), <i>Lactobacillus</i> sp. (x² = 16.4, <i>P</i>=.000051), <i>Bacillus</i> sp. (x² = 5.8, <i>P</i>=.016), <i>S. epidermidis</i> (x² = 11.7, <i>P</i> =.000625), <i>S. pyogenes</i> (x² = 3.9, <i>P</i>=.048), and the overall association was statistically significant (x² = 65.75, <i>P</i> <.00001). The association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and gut health outcomes was also significant for <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (x² = 18.3, <i>P</i>=.001078), <i>S. pyogenes</i> (x² = 12.1, <i>P</i>=.016623), <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> (x² = 11, <i>P</i>=.026564) and the overall association (x² = 113.703, <i>P</i><.00001) with the imbalanced microbiota and outcomes being statistically significant. The odd ratio (OR) for pathogenic bacteria to non-pathogenic bacteria was OR = 5.11>1.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Alcohol consumption is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, which predisposes to intestinal disorders. Excessive consumption of alcohol should be stopped to prevent devastating outcomes to intestinal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"174-182"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591018/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484119","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":"Emergency Contraceptives Use Among Female Commercial Sex Workers in Tanzania: A Cross Sectional Study.","authors":"Elihuruma Eliufoo Stephano, Yohana Swebe Masubho, Yusheng Tian, Fabiola Moshi, Stephen Kibusi, Yamin Li","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.830","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.830","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Unintended pregnancies pose a significant health risk for Female Commercial Sex Workers (FCSW), a highly vulnerable population. Despite the availability of emergency contraceptives (EC) to prevent such outcomes, concerns still exist regarding potential misuse as a regular contraceptive method, and the specific factors influencing EC use among FCSWs remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of EC use among FCSWs to address this critical knowledge gap.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This analytical cross-sectional study involved 326 randomly selected female commercial sex workers in Tanzania. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire created from previous literature and analyzed using SPSS version 29. Given the sensitive nature of this population, detailed ethical procedures were followed to ensure voluntary participation and confidentiality. Our sampling approach utilized community-based outreach rather than a formalized registry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that a significant majority of the respondents (64.4%) had never used EC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several key factors independently associated with EC use. Education level showed an inverse relationship, with those having ordinary secondary education (AOR=0.37, 95% CI=0.16-0.88, <i>P</i>=.024) and college-level education (AOR=0.13, 95% CI=0.04-0.47, <i>P</i>=.002) being significantly less likely to use EC compared to those with no formal education. Furthermore, a history of drug use was strongly associated with a reduced likelihood of EC use (AOR=0.35, 95% CI=0.19-0.61, <i>P</i><.001). Conversely, prior awareness of emergency contraceptives emerged as a powerful predictor of use, with those who had ever heard about EC being substantially more likely to use them (AOR=6.20, 95% CI=3.44-11.17, <i>P</i><.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The use of emergency contraceptives among FCSW is still low for various reasons including educational attainment, and drug use. While awareness is a strong facilitator of EC use, higher education levels surprisingly showed an inverse relationship. This suggests that interventions are needed to address the unique barriers faced by this vulnerable group, including misconceptions among the educated and the compounding challenges posed by drug use. Several approach combining comprehensive education, integrated health services, and sustained awareness campaigns is essential to improve EC access and utilization for FCSW.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"127-133"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591003/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484015","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 Theory of Planned Behaviour in Predicting Determinants of Male Involvement in Reproductive Health Services.","authors":"Nyasiro S Gibore, Fatma Ali Issa, Deogratius Bintabara","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.845","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.845","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Male involvement in reproductive health services can facilitate timely utilization of these services by women, potentially reducing maternal mortality. This study examined the determinants of male involvement in reproductive health services, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data were collected from 366 randomly selected married men aged 20 years and above. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the strength of the association between the dependent and independent variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The odds of male involvement were three times higher for men who showed intention compared to those who did not show intention to be involved in reproductive health services (AOR 3.414, 95% CI, 1.519, 7.674). The odds of male involvement in reproductive health services were 57% lower for men who lived in rural areas when compared with their counterparts (AOR 0.426, 95 % CI, 0.237, 0.768). The odds of male involvement in reproductive health services were 71% lower for men with two wives compared to those with one wife (AOR 0.285, 95 % CI, 0.106, 0.765).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Male involvement in reproductive health services was higher among men who intended to participate, but lower among those living in rural areas and those with two wives. The findings suggest that efforts to improve male involvement in reproductive health services should focus on strengthening men's intention to participate and addressing contextual barriers faced by men in rural and polygamous households. Tailored community-based strategies targeting these groups may enhance uptake and support broader reproductive health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"268-277"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126567/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147823891","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":"Reliability and Intra Urban Variability of a Quality of Life Index: Findings of Pilot Studies of Young Women in Kampala, Uganda.","authors":"Rachel E Culbreth, Monica H Swahn, Jane Palmier, Rogers Kasirye","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.859","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.859","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Research on health and quality of life among young adults living in the slums is relatively sparse. This analysis aimed to: 1) assess the reliability of the Uganda Youth Quality of Life (QOL) Index across two pilot studies, and 2) examine intra-urban differences in QOL domains among young women in three slum communities of Kampala.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from two consecutive pilot studies conducted among young women and girls in Kampala, Uganda were utilized for this analysis (n=60). These pilot studies were originally designed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of daily diaries and wearable devices for the larger cohort study (\"TOPOWA\", meaning empowerment). The QOL domains (living conditions and lifestyle, social relationships, and personal independence) were obtained from the Uganda Youth Quality of Life Index (part of baseline survey). Comparisons in QOL domains between the two pilots were conducted to examine reliability, and inter-urban differences were analyzed across the three study sites (Banda, Bwaise, and Makindye).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of all participants was 20.1 years, and nearly one-third reported having children. While the QOL index demonstrated reliability across pilots (no significant differences in domain scores or life satisfaction, p=0.59), significant intra-urban differences were found. Participants in Bwaise reported consistently higher satisfaction across multiple domains compared to Banda and Makindye. However, satisfaction with their current dwelling was highest in Makindye (F=4.7, <i>p</i>=.02). Overall life satisfaction also differed significantly by site (F=5.2, <i>p</i>=.008).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Uganda Youth Quality of Life Index was reliable across the two pilot studies. However, intra-urban differences were noted across Kampala, suggesting that urban slum communities have a high degree of variability in life satisfaction and may warrant targeted interventions which address community differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"377-385"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126597/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824555","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":"Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness and Uptake among Female Health Sciences Students at Islamic University in Uganda.","authors":"Mahmud Sulaiman Ishaq, Annet Amadrio, Abdille Said Mohamed, Najjemba Aminah Sembatya, Farah Amal Fandhe, Aremu Babatunde Abdulmujeeb","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.847","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women in Uganda. This study assessed awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female health science students at the Islamic University in Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 189 female students using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While 84.7% of respondents were aware of cervical cancer, only 57.7% had acceptable knowledge of symptoms, and merely 11% had ever been screened.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite high awareness, cervical cancer screening uptake is very low. Targeted educational and screening interventions are urgently needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"282-286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126574/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824429","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":"Concurrent Presentation of Bipolar Affective Disorder and Recent Alcohol Cessation: Diagnostic Challenges in Resource Limited Setting.","authors":"Milton Anguyo, Emmanuel Alyoomu, Habert Aziku, Joel Masette","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.841","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.841","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) frequently coexists with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), creating diagnostic complexities, particularly when manic symptoms occur close to alcohol cessation. Accurate differentiation between primary mania and substance induced symptoms is critical for appropriate management.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We describe a male in his early 30s with a two week history of elevated mood, irritability, reduced need for sleep, increased goal directed activity, and psychotic features, occurring shortly after abrupt cessation of chronic alcohol use. Although the patient initially reported stopping alcohol 3 months prior, collateral history revealed continued use until days before presentation. A previous untreated manic episode three years earlier strongly suggested primary BPAD. Diagnostic evaluation using DSM-5-TR criteria and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) supported a diagnosis of BPAD, current manic episode with psychotic features.</p><p><strong>Management and outcome: </strong>Treatment comprised carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, and a short diazepam course for anxiolysis. Psychoeducation and motivational interviewing addressed both the mood episode and AUD. The patient achieved full symptomatic remission and remained abstinent on follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case emphasizes the importance of longitudinal psychiatric history, collateral information, and standardized diagnostic tools in distinguishing primary BPAD from alcohol related presentations in low resource settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"238-240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126586/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824605","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":"Predictors of Knowledge and Risk Perception on Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Rabi Msabi Sumbuka, Erick Donard Oguma, Stephen M Kibusi","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.844","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Globally, an estimated 15.6 million individuals inject drugs, with about 1.4 million living with HBV infection. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) represent one of the populations most vulnerable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to frequent exposure to contaminated injecting equipment and limited access to preventive and treatment services. Despite this high vulnerability, a substantial gap persists in knowledge and risk perception regarding HBV infection transmission and prevention among PWIDs. This study aimed to assess the predictors of knowledge and risk perception toward HBV infection among PWIDs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2021 at the Itega Methadone Clinic in Dodoma, Tanzania. A total of 206 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and risk perception toward hepatitis B virus infection. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of poor knowledge and low risk perception, with statistical significance set at <i>p</i> <.05 and 95% confidence intervals (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission and prevention among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) was poor, with only 36% demonstrating adequate knowledge. Inadequate knowledge was significantly associated with low education level (AOR 2.44; 95% CI, 1.29-4.68; <i>p</i>=.005), short duration of methadone treatment (<1 year) (AOR 2.26; 95% CI, 1.12-4.55; <i>p</i>=.023), and low economic status (≤ TZS 100,000) (AOR 3.93; 95% CI, 1.01-15.25; <i>p</i>=.048). Regarding risk perception, the majority of participants underestimated their susceptibility to HBV infection, with only 25% perceiving themselves at high risk. Low risk perception was strongly predicted by low education level (AOR 12.68; 95% CI, 3.44-46.83; <i>p</i><.001) and inadequate knowledge (AOR 2.63; 95% CI, 1.28-5.39; <i>p</i>=.008).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed that knowledge and risk perception on hepatitis B virus infection among PWIDs remain alarmingly low. Only one-third of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, and merely a quarter perceived themselves at high risk of infection. Low education level, economic disadvantage, and shorter duration of methadone treatment were the strongest predictors of poor HBV knowledge, while low risk perception was significantly associated with both low education and poor knowledge. These findings underscore the urgent need to integrate comprehensive HBV education, counselling, and vaccination awareness into harm-reduction and methadone programs. Interventions should particularly target newly enrolled clients and those with limited formal education or low income to foster accurate risk perception and improve preventive behaviours.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"259-267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126600/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824575","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":"Evaluating the Knowledge and Practices of General Practitioners in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment at Three Referral Hospitals in Bujumbura, Burundi.","authors":"Zacharie Ndizeye, Ghislain Mutwenzi, Désiré Habonimana, Jean Claude Nkurunziza, Sandra Nkurunziza, Elysée Baransaka","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.833","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) encompass a range of non-communicable conditions that share a common pathophysiological process related to atherosclerosis. Currently, CVD are the leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 17.9 million deaths attributed to these conditions in 2019. In Africa, the burden of CVD is steadily increasing, leading to a rise in years lived with disability. In Burundi, however, cardiovascular diseases are poorly documented, and there is a lack of data on the extent to which general practitioners (GPs) assess cardiovascular risk among their patients. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of GPs regarding global cardiovascular risk assessment, providing evidence to inform policymakers and training institutions on potential strategies for improving cardiovascular care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in three national hospitals in Burundi: Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Bujumbura (CHUK), Hôpital Prince Régent Charles (HPRC), and Hôpital Militaire de Kamenge (HMK), all located in Bujumbura capital city. Study participants were general practitioners working in the outpatient departments of these hospitals. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were generated to analyse the findings. The level of knowledge regarding cardiovascular disease was assessed based on scoring systems derived from the questionnaire. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Burundi.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participation rate was 86.8%, with 66 participants out of 76 completing the study. Among respondents, 68% had less than five years of professional experience. Only 40.9% demonstrated adequate knowledge of cardiovascular disease, and a mere 18.18% possessed sufficient knowledge of therapeutic objectives and treatment strategies. In practice, 77.3% of participants reported routinely assessing cardiovascular risk; however, 42% of those in need of lipid-lowering therapy did not prescribe such medications, highlighting gaps between clinical practice and guideline adherence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Identified gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practitioners concerning cardiovascular disease prevention highlight the need for decision-makers, training institutions, and universities to prioritise the development of ongoing in-service training programmes to enhance their capacity in this area.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"152-157"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591021/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484018","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}