Annals of African Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Mentors and Minds: Exploring Feedback of Students and Teachers on Elective Postings under Competency-based Medical Education Curriculum.","authors":"Vatsala Godara, Praveen Kulkarni, M Rakesh, Annaram Ravali, K Pushpalatha, D Sunil Kumar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_385_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_385_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In 2019, India shifted to competency-based medical education (CBME). This reform allows MBBS students to select electives in basic sciences, clinical programs, and research domains under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations 2019. Electives deepen learning through communicative and instrumental phases, contrasting with mandatory core courses.</p><p><strong>Aim and objectives: </strong>To identify the perceptions of students and teachers regarding the newly introduced electives under the CBME curriculum.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted for a 2-month duration among MBBS medical students following the CBME curriculum, particularly the 2019-2020 batch and teachers assigned for different electives in JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru. A total of 197 students underwent elective posting for 1 month. Data were collected using a structured digital self-administered questionnaire designed separately for the students and the coordinators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 197 students and 36 teachers, 65.4% (129) in Block 1 and 57.3% (113) in Block 2 felt the duration of elective postings was sufficient. The majority of the students expressed that one more month should have been extended for elective postings. Among the teachers, 38.8% in Block 1 and 33.3% (12) in Block 2 felt the duration of elective postings was sufficient. Regarding the effectiveness of elective postings in evoking students' interest in the subject, the majority, i.e., 49.4% agreed, whereas 19.4% expressed neutral opinion.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In the present study, the majority of the students and faculty expressed positive responses about the selection process, implementation, utility, and effectiveness of the electives in the MBBS program.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1707-1710"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145754675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comparative Study between Serum Cystatin C and Microalbuminuria in the Diagnosis of Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.","authors":"Shiny Manuel, C K Vijayasamundeeswari, Anita Johnson, Amal Johnson, Thamilselvi Ramachandran, K J Shiny","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_457_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_457_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic nephropathy is the most serious complication associated with diabetes mellitus and the diagnosis typically relies on the identification of albuminuria. However, there are cases of renal insufficiency without albuminuria reported in diabetic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the association between microalbuminuria and serum cystatin C, as well as to assess the clinical usefulness of cystatin C in predicting the renal impairment in diabetic patients.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>It was a cross-sectional study conducted on type 2 diabetic patients and healthy controls, who were categorized into four groups based on their albuminuria levels. All the participants were investigated for serum cystatin C, albuminuria, and traditional markers of nephropathy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The level of cystatin C was significantly elevated in diabetic patients as compared to healthy individuals. The mean ± standard deviation progressively raised among the normoalbuminuric diabetic patients (1.32 ± 0.32 mg/L) and reached the peak in nephropathy patients (1.86 ± 0.25 mg/L). There was a significant positive correlation of cystatin C with albuminuria ( P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of cystatin C showed an area under the curve of 0.881 (95% confidence interval, 0.832-0.930) with a sensitivity of 80.83% and a specificity of 86.67%, demonstrating the diagnostic efficacy of cystatin C ( P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Elevated serum cystatin C level was observed in type 2 diabetic patients before the development of notable albuminuria, and its concentration rises as nephropathy advances, indicating that cystatin C could serve as a potential and earlier marker of renal dysfunction compared to albuminuria.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1411-1416"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146103568","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":"Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Pathophysiological Insights, Diagnostic Advances, and Evolving Treatment Paradigms.","authors":"Roshni Sadaria","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_326_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_326_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are a diverse group of inherited disorders resulting from defects in enzymes, transporters, or cofactors involved in essential metabolic pathways. These defects disrupt normal biochemical processes, leading to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, deficiency of vital compounds, or impaired energy production. Although individually rare, IEM collectively contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, particularly in neonates and children. The clinical presentation is highly variable, ranging from acute metabolic crises in the neonatal period to chronic or late-onset manifestations. Common features include developmental delay, neurological impairment, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, hyperammonemia, and dysfunction of organs such as the liver, heart, and muscles. Due to their nonspecific presentation, early diagnosis remains challenging and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Advancements in diagnostic techniques, including plasma amino acid analysis; urine organic acid profiling; acylcarnitine analysis; and molecular genetic testing, have improved the accuracy of diagnosis. Expanded newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry has enabled early detection and timely intervention, significantly improving outcomes. Management of IEM is disorder-specific and includes dietary modifications, pharmacological therapy, and enzyme replacement. Emerging therapies such as gene therapy offer promising future prospects. Despite these advances, challenges in diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and long-term care persist, highlighting the need for continued research and improved healthcare strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1364-1370"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148275679","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 of Psychological Distress and its Risk Factors in Patients with Primary Bone Tumors - A Cross-sectional Single-center Study.","authors":"Deepak Kumar, Shailendra Singh, Sujeet Kumar Chaudhary, Mithilesh Kannaujiya, Vikas Verma, Sanjiv Kumar, Amit Arya","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_425_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_425_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Primary bone tumors, though rare, impose significant psychological stress due to chronic pain, disfigurement, and functional limitations. In developing countries like India, this burden is compounded by limited access to mental health services, economic strain, and social stigma. However, data focusing on the psychological impact of bone tumors in Indian populations remain sparse.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 80 patients aged 18-50 years with histologically confirmed primary bone tumors between April 2023 and September 2024. Psychological distress was assessed using validated tools: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) (quality of life [QoL]). Associations with sociodemographic and clinical variables were statistically analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 80 patients, 58% were male, and the mean age was 31.08 ± 6.69 years. Severe-to-extremely severe psychological distress (DASS-21 score >35) was found in 57.5% of participants. Moderate-to-high perceived stress (PSS score >30) was present in 90% of cases. Poor-to-moderate QoL (WHOQOL-BREF score <45) was observed in 85% of patients. Psychological distress was significantly higher in patients with malignant tumors compared to benign ones ( P < 0.005). Other significant risk factors included younger age, lower income, rural background, and nuclear family structure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Psychological distress is highly prevalent among patients with primary bone tumors, particularly those with malignant pathology. Routine psychological screening and early psychosocial interventions should be integrated into orthopedic oncology care, especially in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1614-1618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645280/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145601883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Study of Clinical and Psychological Effects in Major Postburn Adult Survivors.","authors":"Atul Saxena, Shuchi Nigam, Abhishek Kumar Rai, Shammi Purwar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_448_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_448_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Burn injuries impose trauma with lasting physical and mental effects. Despite improvements in immediate burn care, survivors often deal with long-term disabilities, ongoing pain, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was done in 135 adult survivors of major burns to assess their clinical status and psychological health at least 6 months after their injuries.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were significant physical impairments, chronic pain, and scarring, all linked to increased psychological distress and lower quality of life.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings emphasize the need for combined approaches in burn rehabilitation that meet both physical and mental health requirements. The study stresses the necessity for ongoing psychological support, pain management, and social reintegration strategies to improve outcomes for burn survivors.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1683-1686"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645282/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145443749","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 Efficacy of the World Society of Emergency Surgery Classification in the Management of Splenic Injury: A Validation Study.","authors":"Adithi Shankar, Talha Ahmed, Sumith Marian Colaco, Aswin Kumar, Peranbu Loganathan","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_396_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_396_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Due to increased recognition of the immunological role of the spleen and the long-term complications that follow splenectomy, nonoperative management (NOM) has come to the forefront in the management of splenic injuries in hemodynamically stable patients. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) classification of splenic injury represents a holistic algorithm that enables standardized care and is hence recommended across all high-volume trauma centers.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A prospective single-center observational study was carried out in the busiest trauma center of South India between December 2021 and December 2022, with the shortlisting of 65 candidates who satisfied the inclusion criteria. They were stratified in accordance with the WSES classification and managed, and outcomes were quantified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the 12-month study period, 65 patients were included in the study. Among the study population, 84.6% of them were planned to have NOM and 15.4% of them had operative management at the emergency department (ED) ( P = 0.042). The definitive treatment was a success in 92.3% of the patients, and it was a failure in 7.7% of the patients. The association between the plan at ED and variables such as gender, mechanism of injury, age, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma score, and WSES staging, was statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As per our inferences, the WSES category IV is the solitary criterion relevant to immediate operative management, thus showing that the physiological status of the patient is the only variable that dictates need for an emergency laparotomy. Hence, it can be inferred that the WSES classification can be popularized as a standard of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1563-1568"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145601900","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":"Vitamin D Status and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study from North India.","authors":"Muniba Alim, Nishant Sharma, Dushyant Rastogi, Anand Singh Yadav, Dinesh Kumar, Himanshu Gupta","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_530_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_530_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome frequently presents with Vitamin D deficiency due to urinary losses of Vitamin D-binding protein. The relationship between Vitamin D status and clinical outcomes remains incompletely understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate Vitamin D status in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and assess its association with remission time and relapse patterns.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This prospective observational study (October 2022-March 2024) included 60 children aged 1-14 years with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome at a tertiary care center in North India. The study involved 60 patients divided into supplemented (Group I, n = 30) and control (Group II, n = 30) groups. Vitamin D levels were measured at presentation, after 1 month, and at relapse events. Primary outcomes included baseline Vitamin D status, time to remission, and 6-month relapse rates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All participants demonstrated Vitamin D deficiency (51.7%) or insufficiency (48.3%) at presentation. Children with relapses had significantly lower baseline Vitamin D levels compared to those with initial episodes (8.76 ± 2.75 vs. 15.78 ± 2.04 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Despite this association, time to remission was similar between groups with adequate versus inadequate Vitamin D status (11.60±3.2 vs 11.93 ± 3.4 days, p = 0.994). Six-month relapse rates showed no significant correlation with baseline Vitamin D levels ( r = -0.18, P = 0.17).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Vitamin D deficiency is universal in pediatric nephrotic syndrome, with lower levels observed in relapsing disease. However, Vitamin D status does not appear to significantly influence time to remission or short-term relapse patterns, suggesting its role may be primarily nutritional rather than therapeutic.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1678-1682"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145602041","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":"Predicting Postinduction Hypotension in Patients for Elective Surgery under General Anesthesia using a Preanesthesia Ultrasonography of the Subclavian Vein.","authors":"Zubin Zia, Aparna Satish, Anitha Nileshwar, Laxmi Shenoy, Malavika Kulkarni, Megha Thaleppady, Rama Rani Krishna Bhat","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_285_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_285_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Estimating fluid status before surgery is not routine, but ultrasound can be used for this purpose. Previous studies have shown a correlation between collapsibility indices of the subclavian vein (SCV) and inferior vena cava (IVC). There is a limited data regarding the suitability of studying SVC for predicting hemodynamic events like hypotension during induction anesthesia. By studying SCV width variations prior to surgery, we hope to get an indirect estimate of the fluid status of the patient, which may predict the occurrence of postinduction hypotension during surgery.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This was a prospective, observational, single-center study registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India. Patients aged 18 years and above, with ASA physical status 1 or 2, undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia (GA) and endotracheal intubation were enrolled as per inclusion criteria. There were two observers performing the procedure: observer 1 measuring the blood pressure every minute for 10 min and observer 2 doing the measurements of the SCV ultrasonographically. The measurements included SCVDmax, SCVDmin, and SCVCI, which indicate maximum and minimum diameters of the SCV and its collapsibility index. Measurements were taken both during spontaneous breathing, deep breathing, and after passive leg raising.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 80 patients were recruited for the study, and these data were analyzed. Patients were analyzed into two groups: a hypotension group (defined by absolute mean arterial pressure (MAP) <65 mmHg or a drop in MAP by more than 30% from baseline) and a no hypotension group. There were no significant differences between the two groups for baseline heart rate ( P = 0.0673), SCV diameters (maximum and minimum diameters measured in spontaneous, deep, and during PLR), and collapsibility indices (for spontaneous, deep, and during PLR).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Preoperative measurements of SCV diameter and its collapsibility index during spontaneous breathing, deep breathing, and passive leg raising are not reliable to predict the occurrence of hypotension after induction of GA.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1510-1517"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802842","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":"Clinico-Hematological Evaluation of Bicytopenia in Adults: A Hospital-based Observational Study.","authors":"Vidya Kuchanur, Appu Patil, Shivani S Rao","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_680_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_680_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bicytopenia is defined as a reduction in any two of the three major blood cell lineages and may result from a wide spectrum of infectious, nutritional, hematological, and systemic disorders. Early identification of the underlying etiology is essential for appropriate management.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To study the etiological spectrum, hematological profile, clinical presentation, and patterns of bicytopenia among patients attending a tertiary care Center.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study analyzed the clinical and hematological profile of 110 patients with bicytopenia. Patients were categorized based on age, gender, hematological parameters, etiologies, symptoms, and type of bicytopenia. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients in the study had a mean age of 41.5 ± 15.42 years with female predominance (54.5%). Viral fever, including dengue, was the leading cause (23.6%), subsequently nutritional deficiency (13.6%) and sepsis (11.8%). Leukopenia with thrombocytopenia was the most common type of bicytopenia (37.3%). Fever was the predominant presenting symptom (48.2%). The type of bicytopenia showed a significant association with of underlying etiology ( P < 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Bicytopenia is associated with diverse etiologies ranging from transient infections to serious hematological disorders. Infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies constituted the major causes in the present study. Recognition of hematological patterns along with systematic clinical evaluation can aid in early diagnosis and timely management.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1484-1490"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148872672","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":"Low Vision Intervention in Individuals with Age-related Macular Degeneration.","authors":"Riddhi Ajay Bora, Priyanka Aher, Renu Ajay Magdum, Rohan Jagdish","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_329_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_329_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible central vision loss in older adults. Low vision interventions (LVIs) aim to enhance residual visual function and promote independence. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of structured LVIs on visual performance, daily functioning, and quality of life in individuals with AMD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective interventional study was conducted over 1 year at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital, and Research Centre in Pune. Eighty-four participants with confirmed AMD and low vision were enrolled and assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months postintervention. The rehabilitation program included optical, nonoptical, and electronic assistive devices, along with specialized visual training. Primary outcomes included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, and reading speed. Secondary outcomes were assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) and the modified Barthel index, evaluating self-reported visual function and independence in daily activities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 84 participants, 78 completed the full follow-up. Statistically significant improvements were observed in BCVA (mean gain: 0.17 logMAR), reading speed (mean increase: 18.8 words/min), and contrast sensitivity (mean gain: 0.22 units). The NEI VFQ-25 composite score improved by an average of 17.3 points, with marked enhancement in near-vision tasks and social engagement. Functional ability, as measured by the Modified Barthel Index, also showed meaningful improvement. No device-related complications were reported, and more than 85% of participants adhered to their prescribed rehabilitation plans.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Structured low vision rehabilitation leads to significant improvements in visual performance, functional independence, and perceived quality of life among patients with AMD. These findings support the integration of LVIs into standard ophthalmic care protocols for elderly individuals with low vision.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":"25 6","pages":"1400-1404"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148975493","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}