African Health Sciences最新文献

{"title":"The practice of using repurposed medications as chemoprophylaxis for COVID-19 by healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria","authors":"Sylvanus B Udoette, Asukwo E Onukak, Victor A Umoh, Akpabio A Akpabio","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.47","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.47","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that has been reported in virtually every country. Healthcare workers (HCW) are more at risk of COVID-19 than the general population making them a priority group for vaccination. Before the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, some HCW were using some repurposed, unapproved drugs to possibly prevent the disease. This study evaluated the frequency and pattern of drug use for COVID-19 prevention.
 Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of HCW conducted in Southern Nigeria. Data was obtained from the participants using a questionnaire and blood sample was obtained for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.
 Results: One hundred and sixty-six participants were enrolled in this study. Thirty-two (19.3%) of them had taken a repurposed medication as prophylaxis for COVID-19. The most used drugs were Vitamin C (9%), Azithromycin (8.4%) and Zinc (6.6%). History of contact with patient with confirmed COVID-19 and being a pharmacist were independent factors associated with the use of COVID-19 prophylaxis.
 Conclusion: Several HCW in Nigeria take drugs to possibly prevent COVID-19. These medications may not offer significant protection against COVID-19. There is an urgent need to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in HCW in Nigeria.
 Keywords: COVID-19; Chemoprophylaxis; Healthcare workers.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of fertility awareness among selected married women of childbearing age in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey","authors":"Adaobi Uchenna Mosanya, Deborah Oyine Aluh, Chibueze Anosike, Maureen Ogochukwu Akunne, Chigozie Gloria Anene-Okeke, Abdulmuminu Isah","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.11","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Increased fertility awareness can help infertile couples to achieve pregnancy.&#x0D; Objectives: This study aimed to determine both the predictors and levels of fertility awareness among married Nigerian women of childbearing age.&#x0D; Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey. Data were collected via online and face to face questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential analysis were done with SPSS 25.&#x0D; Results: Most respondents married between ages 24-29 years old (40%) and just over half had good fertility awareness (53%). The associated factors were age at menarche (X2 = 9.962, p = 0.007), geopolitical zone of residence (X2 = 17.301, p = 0.008), level of education (X2 = 64.843, p < 0.001), employment status (X2 = 9.319 p = 0.025) menstrual cycle charting (X2 = 66.392, p < 0.001), use of internet to increase awareness (X2 = 39.849, p < 0.001) and books (X2 = 58.855, p < 0.001). Fertility awareness was lower for those with secondary education than postgraduates (AOR=0.213, 95% CI 0.116-0.390, p < 0.001). Moreover, the odds of having good fertility awareness were less in those who did not chart their menstrual cycle (AOR=0.363, 95% CI 0.245-0.538, p < 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Menstrual cycle charting and level of education were predictors of fertility awareness.&#x0D; Keywords: Nigeria; fertility; educational status; menstrual cycle; internet.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlations of intestinal microorganisms with liver and immune functions of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus coinfection","authors":"Yong Deng, Ke Yang, Guoqiang Zhou, Ning Wang, Chun Liu, Zhong Chen","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.53","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.53","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection has threatened the survival ofHIV-infected people. To explore the correlations of intestinal microorganisms with liver and immune functions of patients withHIV/HBV coinfection.&#x0D; Methods: Eighty-six patients positive for HIV antibody and HBV surface antigen diagnosed from January 2018 to June 2020were selected as HIV/HBV coinfection group. Another 86 patients positive for HBV surface antigen and 86 healthy people wereselected as HBV infection and control groups, respectively. The correlations of intestinal flora with liver function, inflammatoryindices and immune cells were explored through Pearson’s analysis.&#x0D; Results: Compared with control group, the proportions and numbers of T lymphocytes (CD3+), helper T lymphocytes (CD4+),cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+), CD4+/CD8+ and natural killer (NK) cells decreased in HIV/HBV coinfection group (P<0.05).IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, ALT, AST, GGT, DBiL and TDBi levels were correlated negatively with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroidesnumbers, but positively with Enterobacter and Enterococcus numbers (P<0.05). IL-10 level and proportions of CD3+, CD4+,CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells were correlated positively with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides numbers, but negativelywith Enterobacter and Enterococcus numbers (P<0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: HIV aggravates the liver damage and immuno-inflammatory response in HBV patients.&#x0D; Keywords: Intestinal flora; liver function; inflammatory factor; immune; human immunodeficiency virus; hepatitis B virus.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Abdominal obesity, serum estradiol and cardiovascular risk among Nigerian postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study","authors":"Omolara T Lewechi-Uke, Ikeoluwapo O Ajayi, Joshua O Akinyemi","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.12","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Rates of cardiovascular (CV) disease mortality is usually higher in men but this equalizes with that of women following menopause.&#x0D; Objectives: This was to determine the contribution of abdominal obesity and estradiol to cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women (PMW) as well as estimate their CV risk profile.&#x0D; Methods: 271 consenting PMW were recruited consecutively into this cross-sectional hospital-based study. Data relating to their socio-demography, blood pressure and anthropometry was obtained and laboratory analysis of lipid profile and serum estradiol was done. Cardiovascular risk of participants was estimated using standardized calculators.&#x0D; Results: Mean age of participants was 57.8±5.5 years. Significant correlation existed between each of triglyceride (Positive), High Density Lipoprotein (negative) and Waist-Hip-Ratio (WHR) (p=0.001 and 0.000 respectively). Hypertension and dyslipidaemia were significantly associated with WHR (p=0.01 and 0.031 respectively). Significant negative correlation existed between CV risk profile and serum estradiol (rs = -0.140, p = 0.028). Ten-unit increase in WHR was associated with two-fold risk of hypertension (OR&gt; 1.73, C.I.= 1.13-2.66). A unit change in age was associated with 0.61 increase in TC.&#x0D; Conclusion: Abdominal obesity and serum estradiol significantly influence cardio-metabolic risk. Newer risk calculator which incorporates factors peculiar to women such as serum E2 is hereby recommended.&#x0D; Keywords: Cardiovascular risk; postmenopausal women; abdominal obesity.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136213931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A feasibility study of 70 kV double low-dose coronary imaging technique in abdomen-fatty patients using dual-source CT","authors":"Lei Chen, Shang Ge, Yuan Chen, Ting-Ting Zhang, Ting-Ting Zhang, Zhao-Huan Zhu","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.70","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.70","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To investigate the aplication of low contrast agent concentration and low tube voltage in coronary CTA on patientswith high BMI (26kg/m2<BMI≤28kg/m2) and ultra-high BMI (BMI>28kg/m2).&#x0D; Methods: 60 patients with high BMI (26kg/m2<BMI≤28kg/m2) and 60 patients with ultra-high BMI (BMI>28kg/m2) wererandomly divided into two groups: double low group A (n=30, tube voltage = 70 KV), double low group B (n=30, tube voltage= 70 KV), processed by SAFIRE iterative reconstruction with 270 mgI/ml contrast agent. Conventional group a (n=30, tubevoltage = 120 KV), conventional group b (n=30, tube voltage = 120 KV), with filtered back projection (FBP) and 370 mg I/mlcontrast agent. the image excellent index (FOM), the effective radiation dose (ED), mean CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR),and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR) between corresponding groups were compared.&#x0D; Result: There was no significant difference in subjective scores of coronary artery image quality between the two high BMIsubgroups (P>0.05).The ED of group A (1.103±0.101 mSv) was significantly lower than that of group a (4.663±0.412 mSv)(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in mean CT value, SNR and CNR between the two subgroups (P>0.05).The imageexcellent index (FOM) of group A was higher than that of group a (P<0.05).The total iodine content and iodine injectionrate in group A were lower than those in group a (P<0.001).The difference of subjective scores of coronary artery image qualitybetween the two ultra-high subgroups was significant. The mean CT value, SNR and CNR of group B were lower than those ofgroup b (P<0.05). The images of 14 patients in group B could not meet the diagnosis demand.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is feasible to reduce the tube voltage to 70KV in patients with abdominal BMI with high BMI (26Kg/m2<BMI≤28Kg/m2). For patients with abdominal obesity with ultra-high BMI (BMI>28Kg/m2), under the same conditions, the70KV can not meet the daily diagnosis requirement.&#x0D; Keywords: Radiation dose; tomography; coronary artery; iterative reconstruction; contrast agent; abdominal obesity.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136214064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of arthroscopic internal fixation with countersunk screw in the treatment of talus fracture","authors":"Bo Sun, Shibo Liu, Xinxin Xue, Yunfeng Gao, Shijie Fu, Pei Wang","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.61","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.61","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To explore clinical effects of arthroscopic internal fixation with countersunk screw in the treatment of talus fracture.&#x0D; Methods: Forty-eight patients with talus fracture treated in hospital of Chengde Medical University from February 2015 to December 2019 were enrolled for present investigation. The patients with talus fracture were randomly assigned into two groups, with twenty-four patients per group. The patients with talus fracture in the observation group were treated with arthroscopic internal fixation with countersunk screw, while the traditional open reduction and internal fixation were applied for the ones in control group. The clinical efficacy of the patients was evaluated three months after the operation, and the preoperative and postoperative ankle joint functions, fracture-healing time, hospital stay, and complications were carefully compared between observation and control group.&#x0D; Results: A total efficiency as high as 91.67% was showed in observation group, which is distinctly better than the effective rate of control group (66.67%, P<0.05). Before operation, ankle function scores (AOFAS) of control group and observation group is 42.08 ± 4.29 and 41.75±5.31 with no significantly difference (P>0.05); while after the surgery, AOFAS scores of control group is significantly lower than that of observation group: (66.28±7.51 vs. 53.0 ±6.79, P<0.05). Moreover, healing time and hospitalized duration of observation group are 3.19±1.04 months and 3.57±0.97 days, which are also significantly shorter than 4.18±1.25 months and 8.28±2.54 days in control group, respectively, (P < 0.05). And the total complication rate in control group is 20.83%, which is higher than 8.33% in observation group (P >0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Arthroscopic internal fixation with countersunk screw can significantly improve the efficacy and ankle joint functions, shorten the fracture-healing time and hospital stays without increasing the incidence of complications.&#x0D; Keywords: Arthroscopy; countersunk screw; curative effect; internal fixation; talar fracture.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136058234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Treatment of tibial traumatic osteomyelitis with negative pressure closure drainage combined with open bone grafting or bone migration and its effect on the levels of CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum","authors":"Xinqiang Wang, Liangbang Wu, Yuehong Zhang, Zhen-hai Hou, Longbao Zheng, Zenghui Gu","doi":"10.24205/03276716.2020.1075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24205/03276716.2020.1075","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To observe the effect of negative pressure closure drainage combined with open bone grafting or bone migration inthe treatment of tibial traumatic osteomyelitis. \u0000Methods: Eighty-six (86) cases of tibial traumatic osteomyelitis admitted to Hospital of the Chinese people's Liberation Armyfrom September 2017 to September 2018 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, forty-three (43)cases each. Debridement, open bone grafting or bone migration was given to the control group.The observation group was treated with negative pressure closed drainage on the basis of the control group. In addition, the serumcomponents such as CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 of the control group and observation group were detected respectively after surgery. \u0000Results: Observation group granulation cover wound, fracture healing time was shorter than the control group, fracture healingrate was better than the control group, the difference has statistical significance (P<0.05). By comparing serum CRP, TNF-α,IL-6 levels before and after treatment in the two groups, it was found that the observation group was lower than the controlgroup (P<0.05, respectively). Serum CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 levels were significantly (P<0.05). \u0000Conclusion: The treatment of tibial traumatic osteomyelitis with negative pressure closure drainage combined with open bonegrafting or bone displacement has a good effect on fracture healing and is worth popularizing. \u0000Keywords: Bone removal; CRP; IL-6; Negative pressure closure drainage; Tibia; TNF-α; Traumatic osteomyelitis.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45098444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Erratum to: colorectal cancer in a region of western of Algeria: results of 581 cases in 5 years","authors":"Bouchra Dahmani, L. Boublenza, Naffissa Chabni, D. Behar, H. Hassaine, N. Masdoua, A. Nahet, K. Meguenni, Ilyes Zatla","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.89","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.89","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p>NIL.</jats:p>","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139320497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on Tuberculosis (TB) case notification in Ogun State, Nigeria","authors":"Olusoji J Daniel, Janet O Bamidele, Adekunle D Alabi, Musibau A Tijani, Callistus A Akinleye, Kolawole S Oritogun, Festus O Soyinka, Olusola A Adejumo","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.44","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.44","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in disruptions in delivery of Tuberculosis services especially, in resource-limited settings. Provisional data by the WHO from 84 countries indicates that about 1.4 million fewer people received care for tuberculosis in 2020 than in 2019. This study assessed the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis case notification rates in Ogun state, Nigeria&#x0D; Methods: A retrospective review of presumptive TB and diagnosed TB cases that were notified in 2019 and 2020. Analysis was done using Epi-info version 7.2.3.1. Level of statistical significance was p < 0.05&#x0D; Results: A total of 3102 and 3326 confirmed cases were reported in 2019 and 2020 respectively with an increase of 7.2%. There was significant decline in total number of cases notified in Q2, 2020 compared to 2019 (p=0.001) with a significant increase in proportion of TB cases notified by private facilities from 11.65% in 2019 to 20.27% in 2020.&#x0D; Conclusion: Total TB cases notified in Ogun state increased during the covid-19 pandemic. There was significant decline in TB cases during the lockdown but an increase in proportion of TB cases notified by private facilities demonstrating that private facilities can withstand disruptions to TB case notifications due to the Covid-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Keywords: Tuberculosis; COVID-19; case notification; private-public mix; private sector.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136211813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and predictors of hepatitis C infection among antenatal attendees in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria","authors":"Ganiyu Oluwedolapo Shittu, Aniekan Monday Abasiattai, Aniefiok Jackson Umoiyoho, Ifeanyi Abraham Onwuezobe","doi":"10.4314/ahs.v23i3.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i3.8","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Hepatitis C virus infection as it specifically relates to pregnancy has been a neglected condition, thus its recognitionand treatment in pregnancy is relevant because of the risks of the long-term complications of the infection in the mother,potential effects of the infection on the pregnancy and risk of vertical transmission to the newborn.&#x0D; Objectives: To determine the proportion of pregnant women with serologic markers of hepatitis C infection, identify risk factorsas well as factors that predict the occurrence of the infection in them.&#x0D; Methodology: Over a 3-week period, blood samples from 456 pregnant women were assessed for antibodies to hepatitis Cvirus, while a pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data and the presence of risk factors in the Universityof Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of HCV infection in pregnancy was 4.6%. No known risk factors for HCV infection in pregnancy wereidentified. Only increasing gestational age was a predictor of HCV infection in pregnancy in the study.&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis virus infection among the study population was high. Second trimester and increasinggravidity were protective of the infection in pregnancy. There is therefore need for introduction of general routine screening ofall pregnant women presenting for antenatal care.&#x0D; Keywords: Hepatitis C virus infection; pregnant women; Uyo; prevalence of hepatitis C.","PeriodicalId":7853,"journal":{"name":"African Health Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136211964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}