bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depression, anxiety, and stress levels in pregnant women who do not have access to regular antenatal services due to existing COVID-19 community quarantine measures and their perception on telemedicine
Authors: Acriche Nicole Marie M. , Uyheng Geraldine Isabelle B. 
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about mental anguish to the general population. This pandemic has changed the way we deliver healthcare. The enhanced community quarantine measures have caused the institution to close the outpatient department, leading to apprehensions among patients. Shifting to telemedicine to reach out to the patients as an alternative to face-to-face prenatal services is the current practice.

OBJECTIVES:
This study was conducted to assess the level of depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women enrolled under obstetric (OB) service who now have no access to regular antenatal services, as well as to determine the acceptance of telemedicine as a satisfactory alternative to regular prenatal visits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This is a descriptive study among patients currently enrolled under OB service in a tertiary hospital in Cebu City and Mandaue City. Respondents have been provided the social media page and given prenatal checks by phone calls from the OB resident doctors since March 2020. A data collection form was filled up online consisting of three parts: (1) the mother's sociodemographic and obstetrical information, (2) a validated tool, the depression, anxiety, and stress-21 scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress, and (3) query on whether telemedicine has helped alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress.

RESULTS:
Among the 196 patients surveyed, 21.94% were found to be moderately to severely depressed, 35.2% were moderately to severely anxious, and 8.61% were moderately to severely stressed. About 96.43% of the patients felt that telemedicine alleviated depression, anxiety, and stress during this crucial time.

CONCLUSION:
The level of depression, anxiety, and stress among the patients was generally normal or low. However, 21.93%, 35.2%, and 8.61% were found to be moderately to severely depressed, anxious, and stressed, respectively. Telemedicine was found to be a satisfactory alternative to regular prenatal visits. Respondents accepted telemedicine for the following reasons: unwilling to go to the hospital for fear of contracting the virus, fear of certain lockdown measures such as no available public transportation and no crossing of borders were allowed.
Maternal and fetal outcomes of patients referred from primary health-care facilities to a tertiary hospital
Authors: Magno Rhacielle Cristina C. , Octavio Ma. Bernadette R. 
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCTION:
There is insufficient local data on the maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality of cases seen initially at the primary health-care facility (PHCF) and subsequently referred to a tertiary hospital for acute management. This study aimed to determine the maternal and fetal outcomes of such patients using the World Health Organization maternal near miss, mortality, and neonatal mortality rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was done that involved obstetric patients beyond 20-week gestation and in the immediate postpartum who were initially managed at the PHCF then referred to a tertiary hospital for management.

RESULTS:
There were 485 deliveries (85.5%) with a primary cesarean section rate of 16.6%. One patient underwent exploratory laparotomy for uterine rupture with extraction of a stillborn baby and hysterectomy. Eighteen cases (3.2%) necessitated other forms of surgical interventions including hysterectomy (6), transverse compression suture (3) with bilateral uterine or hypogastric artery ligation, uterine repositioning (1), evacuation of vaginal hematoma (4), balloon pack insertion (2), postpartum curettage (1), and removal of retained suture needle (1). The maternal near-miss rate is 46.7/1000 live births (46.7%). There were three intensive care unit admissions and 5 cases required ventilatory support. The maternal mortality rate is 10.6 maternal deaths per 1000 live births (1.06%). Majority of the babies had good APGAR scores at birth. Twenty-two babies (4.5%) required intensive neonatal management. The neonatal mortality rate is 0.42% or 4.2/1000 live births.

CONCLUSIONS:
Almost 40% of referred cases were primigravidas and have preexisting medical problems that should not have been seen at the primary care level but directed to secondary or tertiary center at the outset. It cannot be understated that education of the populace, more training, and monitoring the performance of base health facility workers should be done to prevent maternal and fetal catastrophes.
Comparative yield of different active TB case finding interventions in a large urban TB project in central Uganda: a descriptive study
Authors: Kazibwe Andrew , Twinomugisha Fred , Musaazi Joseph , Nakaggwa Florence , Lukanga Disan , Aleu Phillip , Kiyemba Timothy , Nkolo Abel , Sebuliba Kirirabwa Nicholas , B Freitas Lopez Debora , Birabwa Estella , Dejene Seyoum , Zawedde-Muyanja Stella 
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Systematic screening for TB among patients presenting to care and among high risk populations is recom- mended to improve TB case finding. We aimed to describe the comparative yield of three TB screening approaches imple- mented by a large urban TB project in central Uganda.
Methods: We abstracted data on the screening cascade from 65 health facilities and their surrounding communities (num- bers screened, with presumptive TB, receiving a diagnostic test and diagnosed with TB) from the different clinic and com- munity TB registers.
Results: From January 2018 to December 2019, 93,378 (24%) of all patients screened at health facilities had presumptive TB; 77,381 (82.9%) received a diagnostic test and 14,305 (18.5%) were diagnosed with TB. The screening yield (the number of patients diagnosed with TB out of all patients screened) was 0.3% and was three times higher among men than women (0.6% vs 0.2% p<0.01). During targeted community screening interventions, 9874 (21.1%) of all patients screened had presumptive TB; 7034 (71.2%) of these received a diagnostic test and 1699 (24.2%) were diagnosed with TB. The screening yield was higher among men, (3.7% vs 3.3% p<0.01) and highest among children 0-14 (4.8% vs 3.2% p<0.01).
Conclusion: Targeted community TB screening interventions improve access to TB diagnosis for men and children 0-14 years.
Keywords: Tuberculosis; screening; community; Uganda.
Challenges that healthcare practitioners experience in the comprehensive assessment of patients with non-communicable diseases: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Smith Lynn , Morris-Eyton Heather , Noorbhai Habib , Coopoo Yoga 
Published: October 2021

Background: Resource allocation and access to comprehensive treatment in the public healthcare sector are always under pressure. This pressure takes the form of staff shortages, treatment models and the holistic care of patients, compromising basic healthcare in South Africa.
Objectives: The study’s aim was to determine the challenges that healthcare practitioners experience while assessing patients with non-communicable diseases, in private and public healthcare sectors in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.
Methods: The research design was exploratory and contextual. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews among healthcare practitioners (n = 12). Data analysis took place using Atlas.ti 8.4 Windows (2020). Inter-rater reliability (r = 93.68%) was calculated to ensure the rigour and validity of the results.
Results: From the discussion, four themes emerged: 1) limited consultation time; 2) overwhelming economic impact and healthcare cost for facilities and patients; 3) holistic patient care encompassing physical, mental and socioeconomic compo- nents; and 4) lack of patient education due to time constraints experienced by healthcare practitioners.
Conclusion: Consultation times are reduced due to a shortage of medical staff, patient numbers, equipment, and poor working conditions. By improving these conditions, patients across all socioeconomic groups will be better assisted, treated, and educated, benefiting from equal access and quality healthcare.
Keywords: Healthcare practitioners; non-communicable diseases; qualitative research.
Preterm birth and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Waltengus Sendeku Fikadu , Yenealem Beyene Fentahun , Arega Tesfu Azimeraw , Animen Bante Simachew , Gedefaw Azeze Getnet 
Published: October 2021

Background: Preterm birth is a public health concern globally. In low- and middle-income countries, like Ethiopia, preterm birth is under reported and underestimated. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the pooled preva- lence and associated risk factors for preterm birth in Ethiopia.
Methods: In this review the databases used were PubMed, Google scholar, EMBASE, HINARI and African journal online. Publication bias was checked using a funnel plot and Eggers test.
Results: A total of 30 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of preterm birth in Ethiopia was 11.4% (95% CI; 9.04, 13.76). On pooled analysis, preterm birth was associated with pregnan- cy-induced hypertension being HIV-positive, premature rupture of membrane, rural residence, the mother having a history of abortion, multiple pregnancies, and anemia during pregnancy.
Conclusion: The national prevalence of preterm birth in Ethiopia was low. Early identifying those pregnant women who are at risk of the above determinants and proving quality healthcare and counsel them how to prevent preterm births, which decrease the rate of preterm birth and its consequences. So, both governmental and non-governmental health sectors work on the minimization of these risk factors.
Keywords: Prevalence; pre-term birth; determinants; systematic review; meta-analysis; Ethiopia.
Effect of massage therapy on preterm neonate's body temperature
Authors: Nyaga Emily , Esamai Fabian , Kyololo O'Brien 
Published: October 2021

Background: Low-cost care strategies can be implemented to avert the morbidity and mortality associated with hypother- mia in preterm neonates.
Objective: To determine the effect of massage therapy on body temperature of preterm neonates.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design was conducted among 72 preterm neonates at a level II special care nursery in Western Kenya. Neonates were recruited on the third day of life and followed up for 10 days. Neonates in the intervention group were massaged three times a day for 15 minutes. Body temperature was monitored and recorded before, during and after each therapy session. Neonates in the control group received routine care: temperature monitoring three times a day, feeding and diaper change.
Results: Neonates who received massage had higher mean body temperature than the control group during therapy on day 6 (p = .019) and after therapy on day 6 (p = .017) and day 8 (p = .005). A comparison within massage group (before/during, during/after, before/after) showed an increase in mean body temperature during therapy compared to before therapy (p <.001) and after therapy compared to before therapy (p <.001).
Conclusion: Massage therapy increases body temperature in preterm neonates. Keywords: Body temperature; massage therapy; preterm neonates.
Predictors of intention to use modern contraceptives among female senior secondary school students in the Kpando Municipality, Ghana
Authors: D Der Amanda , A Anaman-Torgbor Judith , O Charles-Unadike Veronica , E Tarkang Elvis 
Published: October 2021

Background: Improving the reproductive health of young women in developing countries requires access to safe and effec- tive methods of fertility control. Volta Region records one of the highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy and adolescents aged 15-19 years are the least acceptors of contraceptives in the Region. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this study determined predictors of intention to use modern contraceptives among female Senior Secondary School students in the Kpando Municipality, Ghana.
Method: A cross-sectional design was adopted, collecting data among a multistage sample of 270 participants, using a pre- tested self-administered questionnaire and analysing them using Stata software Version 16 at the 0.05 level of significance.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 16.78 ± 1.31. About 40.2% of the sexually experienced participants used a modern contraceptive during ther first sexual encounter. However, the majority (69.3%) had the intention to use modern contraceptives. Regarding subjective norms, the majority of the significant others (63.0%) were not supportive of modern contraceptive use and more than half of the respondents (59.3%) had a positive attitude towards modern contraceptive use, while 54.1% perceived that they had control over modern contraceptive use. The majority (69.3%) had the intention to use modern contraceptives. Perceived behavioural control was the only significant predictor of the intention to use modern contraceptives [AOR= 9.80 (C.I: 5.11, 18.77); p< 0.001].
Conclusion: Interventions to increase the perception of control over contraceptive use is of the essence. This will help increase their intention to use modern contraceptives.
Keywords: Modern contraceptive use; theory of planned behaviour; senior secondary school students; Ghana; Kpando Municipality.
Towards a better understanding of attitudes and beliefs held by traditional healers and recipients of traditional medicine concerning mental health conditions in post-conflict Liberia: a qualitative investigation
Authors: J Pullen Samuel , R Herman Augusta , CL Lange Brittany , Christian-Brathwaite Nicole , Ulloa Melissa , P Kempeh Michael , G Karnga Dyujay , P Fallah Mosoka , Menyongai Jeremiah , Harris Benjamin , Alonso Yadira , C Henderson David , PC Borba Christina 
Published: October 2021

Background: A better understanding of attitudes and beliefs held by traditional healers and utilizers of traditional medicine concerning mental health conditions in Liberia is important as Liberia seeks to improve its delivery of mental healthcare in the context of scarce resources and recovery from civil war.
Methods: A qualitative research design was used to collect data from 24 Liberian traditional healers, and 11 utilizers of Liberian traditional medicine. Participants were queried about mental health problems in Liberia, treatments, and attitudes towards modern healthcare. Qualitative data were probed and aggregated using content analysis.
Results: Mental health problems described by study participants included: Open Mole, African Science, Epilepsy, Depres- sion and Mental Illness (trauma/substance use). Mental health problems were often associated with socioeconomic distress, and participants described their attitudes and beliefs concerning mental healthcare, traditional medicine, and modern health- care.
Conclusion: Traditional medicine is an important part of mental healthcare in Africa. Mental illness, social factors, and healthcare access were important problems in Liberia. Mental health problems blended local cultural beliefs with Western- ized nosology and social factors. Traditional healer’s attitudes towards Western medicine reflected ambivalence. There is a desire for collaboration with ‘modern’ health care providers, but this will require reciprocal trust-building.
Keywords: Traditional healer; mental healthcare; Liberia; qualitative research.
Association of trace elements abnormalities with thyroid dysfunction
Authors: M Al-Bazi Maha , A Kumosani Taha , L Al-Malki Abdulrahman , Kannan Kurunthachalam , S Moselhy Said 
Published: October 2021

Background: The metabolic pathways can be affected by dysregulation in thyroid hormone levels which in turn can arise from environmental chemical exposure. This study investigated the association of selected trace elements with thyroid dis- orders in a Saudi population.
Methods: Urine samples collected from 100 participants (50 thyroid disorder patients and 50 controls) were analyzed to determine trace elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney Test, were used to examine the association between socio-demographic as well as clinical characteristics of thyroid profile levels (T3,T4 and TSH) and urinary trace element concentrations.
Results: Urine from patients with thyroid disorders had significantly higher concentrations of Ni, Cu, and Cd (p-values <0.0005). In contrast, urinary Cr and Zn (p-values <0.013 and 0.005) were low in thyroid patients compared to the control.
Conclusion: First study to report urinary trace element levels showed a possible link between thyroid disorders and trace element exposure which reflect the environmental pollution.
Keywords: Trace metals; heavy elements; thyroid dysfunction.
Public health implication of solid waste generated by households in Bekwarra Local Government area
Authors: Kwun Omang Donald I , Egbe John Godwin , Alain Inah Simon , Owan Bisong Jude 
Published: October 2021

Background: This study was conducted in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, to determine the public health implication of solid waste generated by households.
Methods: A cross sectional descriptive design was employed, using a semi-structured questionnaire together with an obser- vation checklist to elicit information from the respondents. Proportionate sampling was used to select 400 respondents of 18 years and above for the study area. Data collected were analysed using the Microsoft Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.
Results: Respondents knowledge concerning solid waste disposal was assessed and the results showed that majority of the respondents 193 (63.7%) had high level of knowledge of solid waste disposal, while 170 (42.5%) had average level of knowl- edge of solid waste disposal. Wastes produced by households in the study include vegetables (95.5%), ash (94%), clothing/ rag (94.2%), wood (95%), and animal waste (86.2%) had the highest abundance. Diseases associated with these wastes pro- duced by households include cholera (18.2%), malaria (47.2%), lassa fever (10.7%) and diarrhea (23.9%) with malaria been the most prevalence infection.
Conclusion: The result shows solid waste posed a serious health hazard and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. These issues can be addressed through health education and enlightenment of the people on waste disposal.
Keywords: Municipal waste; public health; infection; health hazard; environmental pollution.
Summer temperature and all-cause mortality from 2006 to 2015 for Hyderabad, India
Authors: K Rathi Suresh , R Sodani Prahlad 
Published: October 2021

Background: Studies have documented a significant association between temperature and all-cause mortality for various cities but such data are unavailable for Hyderabad City.
Objective: The objective of this work was to assess the association between the extreme heat and all-cause mortality for summer months (March to June) from 2006 to 2015 for Hyderabad city population.
Methods: We obtained the data on temperature and all-cause mortality for at least ten years for summer months. Descriptive and Bivariate analysis were conducted. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship between heat and all-cause mortality for lag time effect.
Results: A total of 122,117 deaths for 1,220 summer days (2006 to 2015) were analyzed with mean daily all-cause mortality was 100.1±21.5. There is an increase of 16% and 17% per day mean all-cause mortality at the maximum temperature of ≥40oC and for extreme danger days (Heat Index >54oC) respectively. The mean daily all-cause mortality shows a significant association with maximum temperature (P < 0.001) and Heat Index from caution to extreme danger risk days (P < 0.0183). The lag effect of extreme heat on all-cause mortality for the study period (2006 to 2015) was at peak on same day of the maximum temperature (r = 0.273 at p<0.01).
Conclusion: The study concludes that the impact of ambient heat in the rise of all-cause mortality is clearly evident (16% mean deaths/day). There was no lag effect from the effect of extreme heat on all-cause mortality as the peak period was the same as the maximum temperature. Hence heat action plans are needed. However, extreme heat-related mortality merits further analysis.
Keywords: Heat wave; all-cause mortality; urban; humidity; heat index; India.
The use of low-cost ruggedized Android tablets to augment in-service training of community health workers in Mukono, Uganda: perspectives and lessons learned from the field
Authors: E Stiles Christina , O’Neil Jr Edward , Kabali Kenneth , O’Donovan James 
Published: October 2021

Background: Despite potential for community health workers (CHWs) to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, they still face multiple barriers including access to on-going and refresher training. Digital technology offers a potential solution to improve the provision of ongoing training for CHWs.
Objectives: This report shares participant insights and experiences following the implementation of a mobile health (mHealth) assisted Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) refresher training programme for CHWs in Mukono, Uganda. We seek to document benefits and challenges of such an approach.
Methods: CHWs were trained to recognize, treat and prevent childhood pneumonia via locally made videos preloaded onto low cost, ruggedized Android tablets. Subsequent interviews were compiled with key stakeholders including CHWs, CHW leaders and programme supervisors to better understand the strengths, barriers and lessons learned following the interven- tion.
Results: Success factors included the establishment of CHW leadership structures, the ability to use the tablets to learn on an “any pace, any place” basis and using the tablets to conduct community teaching and outreach. Barriers included appro- priate consideration of the implementation timeline and avoiding a “one size fits all” approach to digital literacy training.
Conclusions: The strength of the program stemmed from a grassroots approach that prioritized stakeholder input at all stages. Leadership at a local level, a history of local engagement and trust built up over a period time were also integral. As organizations aim to scale up digitally enhanced training initiatives, it is paramount that attention is paid to these human factors which are key for program success.
Keywords: Low-cost ruggedized Android tablets; in-service training; community health workers; Mukono.