bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Histological Appearances of the Adult Kidney in HIV Infection at Autopsy at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka
Authors: Mucheleng'anga Adam Luchen 
Published: January 2023

Background: Kidney disease in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is very common. The cause of the various histological appearances include HIV infection of the kidney, immunologic responses to the virus, opportunistic infections, neoplasms and consequences of anti-retroviral therapy that characterize the acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS). There are no autopsy studies conducted in HIV-infected cases in sub-Saharan Africa on the histological lesions of the kidney.
Objective: To describe kidney histological appearances in HIV infection using autopsy material at the UTH, Lusaka.
Methods: A descriptive study of 200 paraffin blocked kidney autopsy tissue samples collected between 2010 and 2012 in the Zambia Neuro-AIDS study (Subtype C Neuro-AIDS and pathogenesis in Zambia) was conducted at the University Teaching hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. The study aimed at describing the histological appearances of the adult kidney in Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. The study population consisted of all HIV infected cases above the age of 16years that had been on anti-retroviral therapy and those that were not commenced. The
decedents were unselected for the presence of overt kidney disease. Paraffin blocked kidney tissue samples were processed according to standard histopathology laboratory protocols at the University Teaching Hospital and examined at light microscopic level.
Results: Two hundred (200) cases were examined of which 128 cases were male and 72 were female. One hundred and sixty nine cases (84.5%) revealed renal lesions. The renal histopathological lesions included; tubulointerstitial 65%, glomerular 59%, vascular 2%, and 19.5 % of cases revealed renal tuberculosis. Fungal, viral infections and malignancies were not identified.
Conclusion: The investigation has shown that renal lesions are highly prevalent (84.5%) among HIV infected cases at the University Teaching Hospital.
Factors associated with delayed Antenatal Care attendance in Malawi: Results from a Qualitative study
Authors: Taylor Manda L , Sealy D A , Roberts J 
Published: January 2023

Background: Antenatal care has been identified as pivotal to improving maternal and child health in Malawi. Though Malawian women consistently seek antenatal care, they rarely do so during their first trimester. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to antenatal care uptake among Malawian women. This article adds to the literature by identifying common sociocultural barriers and their impact on ANC attendance.
Methods: Two large tertiary care hospitals in the central and southern regions of Malawi were selected as study sites. Twenty pregnant mothers and eight health workers were recruited and interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed to identify themes. Posters in health facilities were also analyzed.
Results: Results revealed many contributors to delayed antenatal attendance among Malawian mothers including: attitudes toward pregnancy, hospital inefficiencies, ANC promotion at the health facilities/communities, and spousal/significant other involvement all contributed to delayed antenatal attendance among urban Malawian women.
Conclusions: Incorporating spouses/significant others in antenatal care activities, providing a consistent message in promotion materials used with the women and addressing the inefficiencies within the health system could be targets to improve early antenatal attendance in Malawi.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Vitamin-D Receptor in Oral and Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma of a Black African Subpopulation
Authors: Adisa A O , Udeabor S E , Ogun G O , Orlowska A , Ghanaati Shahram 
Published: January 2023

Objective: The nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) is involved in multiple pathways that have a role to play in the biology of cancer. Recent evidence indicates that the active form of vitamin D (1alpha, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) (VD) exhibits several anti-growth effects. Thus it is useful as an anti-neoplastic agent in several human malignancies. We aim to analyze the expression of VDR in skin and oral squamous cell carcinomas (skin SCC and OSCC) from a black African sub-population to determine potential for active VD therapy in such patients.
Design: Nineteen formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks of OSCC and 15 Skin SCC FFPE were prepared for Abcam Rabbit polyclonal Anti-Vitamin D Receptor antibody ChIP Grade (ab3508). Nuclear brown staining was considered as positive for VDR. The Sinicrope scoring method was used to evaluate the stained epithelial cells. All slides were viewed with a Nikon ECLIPSE 80i microscope and microphotographs recorded.
Results: Among 15 moderately differentiated OSCC 7 (46.7%) showed moderate to strong positivity for VDR, while 8 were weak or negative for VDR. Among 10 well-differentiated SCC of the skin, 8 (80%) cases showed moderate to strong VDR positivity, while 2 cases showed weak expression. Overall, approximately the same number of OSCC (9 cases) and Skin SCC (10 cases) expressed moderate to strong positivity for VDR.
Conclusion: In our study, we noted that the OSCC and skin SCC have similar number of cases expressing moderate to strong positive staining for VDR. Thus we suggest that the chemotherapeutic role already established for VD is of relevance in OSCC and skin SCC in black Africans.
Screening of cardiovascular risk factors among workers of a Construction Company in a developing country, Senegal.
Authors: Mohamed Azhar S , Dia S A , Ndoye E O 
Published: January 2023

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in workplace and the global risk among workers of a Construction Company in a developing country.
Methods
It was a retrospective and descriptive survey over two years in a construction company in Dakar, Senegal.
Results
We collected 64 workers with a male predominance. The average age of workers was 44.9 years. Evaluation and analysis of cardiovascular risk reflected four levels: low in 78.12%, moderate in 15.62%, high in 4.69% and very high in 1.57%. Sedentary was strongly associated with moderate or high cardiovascular risk. Metabolic syndrome was strongly associated with moderate or elevated cardiovascular risk.
Conclusion
Our study reveals a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Senegalese workers. It would be important to include a screening program and correct assessment of overall cardiovascular risk in this population.
Medical prescription pitfalls of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in government healthcare facilities in Zambia
Authors: Besa Chola , Siziya S 
Published: January 2023

Objectives: The aim of this evaluation was to identify pitfalls in medical prescriptions of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in government healthcare facilities in Zambia.
Design: The study was a cross sectional study and healthcare facilities were conveniently sampled.
Main outcome measures: Rate of compliance to Zambia national prescribing guidelines.
Results: A total of 42 (75.0%) out of 56 students participated in the survey of whom 66.7% were males. Findings in this study has demonstrated significant drug misuse and over-prescription as participants were healthy individuals. Only 75.6% of prescriptions indicated patient’s name and very small proportions of prescriptions (11.5%) indicated patients’ address. In addition, relatively small proportion of prescriptions (68.8%) had generic names and many prescriptions (58.1%) had large blank spaces left. Furthermore, relatively large proportion of prescriptions were not signed (10.7%) and not dated (12.0%). Almost half of the prescriptions (47.6%) did not show prescribers’ names and only small proportions of prescriptions had precribers’ identification number (24.%) and address or department (21.5%) indicated.
Conclusions: Overall, the evaluation has shown poor prescribing practices and not in compliance with national prescribing guidelines among prescribers in government healthcare facilities in Zambia.
A Comparative study of Depression among fertile and infertile women in southwestern Nigerian city
Authors: Ojo O , Oluwole Oluwole Lateef 
Published: January 2023

Background: Studies have identified a high prevalence of depression among women with infertility; few studies have explored this association in this environment.
Aims and objectives: the study is aimed at evaluating depression in a group of infertile women; compare the prevalence of depression among this group with prevalence among a control group of fertile women, and to identify demographic characteristics associated with depression in infertile women.
Method: One hundred (n=100) infertile women and one hundred and three (n=103) fertile women as controls were recruited for the study. They were assessed with a socio-demographic questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30) and a clinical interview with depression module of the Structure Clinical Interview Schedule for axis I DSM-IV.
Results: The prevalence of depression among infertile women was 32 percent compared with 10.7 percent among the controls. Among the infertile women that were depressed there was a significant association between depression and belonging to a polygamous family with more than one co wife, menstrual abnormalities, primary infertility.
Conclusion: The infertile women are vulnerable group to depression and will require psychological support.
Socio Demographic Determinants of Maternal Health Service Utilization among Women 15 to 49 Years in Zambezi District in Northwestern Zambia
Authors: Chamileke N 
Published: January 2023

Maternal mortality recorded in Zambia is one of the highest in the world.According to the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey1, the mortality ratio was 398/100,000.This ratio is unacceptably high. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of socio-demographic factors on utilization of maternal health care services.
Methods: A cross sectional study of the utilization of maternal health services was carried out among 400 women of child bearing age from 15 to 49 years in Zambezi district in north-west Zambia after having received ethical approval from the Eres Converge research ethics committee. Multistage systematic sampling was done from the 12 clinics’ catchment areas in the district. To estimate the effect of the socio-demographic variables on maternal health service utilization three outcome variables were used, which were; use of antenatal care services, assisted (facility) delivery and postnatal care services. Logistic regression was used to estimate models of the outcome variables.
Results: The results showed that 38.5 percent (154) of the women received antenatal care, 32.3 percent (129) of the women received delivery services while 48.3 percent (193) received postnatal care services. In the logistic regression model, reduced income level was associated with decreased use of antenatal care (OR=0.1, P<0.05). In assisted delivery, increased distance to the health facility was associated with reduced use (OR=0.1, P <0.05). In postnatal care, reduced education level of the respondent was found to be associated to decreased use of postnatal services (OR=0.51, P<0.05). Increased maternal age was associated with increased utilization of maternal health services (OR=2.1, P<0.05). On the other hand, decision making roles by the male spouse alone or both partners was associated with increased use of postnatal services (OR=4.5,P<0.05)
Conclusion: To increase women’s utilization of health care services and improve maternal health in Zambia, some crucial steps should be taken on educating women such as integrating of reproductive health programs in the school curriculum. Attention should be given to scaling up male involvement in order to ensure there is understanding of the importance of maternal health services. There is need to strengthen the linkage of postnatal services to under-five services to improve coverage of postnatal services.
Prevalence of Epistaxis among Patients Receiving Otorhinolaryngology Services at Muhimbili National Hospital and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Abraham Z S , Chugulu S , Liyombo E , Massawe E R 
Published: January 2023

Background
Epistaxis is the commonest ear, nose and throat emergency. It’s mostly self-limited but it may be severe such that medical attention is sought and in such cases it may be life threatening. There is paucity of data on the prevalence and management options for epistaxis in Tanzania and at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI), no any published study has unveiled it despite being the commonly encountered emergency in our department. The aim of this study was thus to determine the prevalence, aetiology and treatment modalities of epistaxis among patients receiving otorhinolaryngology services at MNH and MOI.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional, hospital based study was done to 427 patients at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI). Data was collected using structured questionnaires from June to December 2015 and it was then analyzed using SPSS program.
Results
A total of 427 patients aged 1-82 years were recruited with majority of the patients being females (54.6%). The mean age at diagnosis was found to be 27±23 years.The prevalence of epistaxis was found to be lower among patients below 20 years (12.5%) of age and higher among patients over the age of 40years (34.9%). Prevalence of epistaxis was found to be higher among males (29.9%) compared to females (18 %). Majority of patients had anterior epistaxis (73%) whereas the remaining percentage was constituted by those with posterior epistaxis.Posterior epistaxis was more common among patients aged 21-40 years (40.7%) compared to patients aged 0-20 years (20%). 75% of the patients had epistaxis due to local etiologies while 25% was due systemic causes. Majority of patients with epistaxis had history of trauma (25%). Other reported aetiologies were malignancy of nasal and post-nasal space (22%) and hypertension (15%). Anterior nasal packing was the most commonly used method in management of patients with epistaxis compared to conventional posterior nasal packs. Fewer number of patients required surgery as the treatment modality where 3% of the patients undergone electro cauterization and only 1% required external carotid artery ligation.
Conclusion
Epistaxis is quite prevalent at MNH and MOI with males being more affected than females. Trauma resulting from road traffic crashes remain the common etiological factor for epistaxis in our setting is the leading cause of epistaxis among the patients studied. Efforts directed at reduction in the incidence of road traffic crashes will reduce the prevalence of epistaxis in our hospital settings.
Disability and Quality Of Life among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Olaleye O A , Adetoye A A , Hamzat T K 
Published: January 2023

Background: Improvements in medical and pharmacologic management of HIV/AIDS has led to increased life expectancy for the afflicted individuals. Hence, the focus of management for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has shifted to issues relating to function and Quality of Life (QoL). Information is scarce on disability issues and quality of life among people living with HIIV/AIDS in Nigeria. This was the premise of this study that assessed the level of disability and how it related to quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ibadan, the largest city in Nigeria.
Methods: 360 PLWHA (274 females; 86 males) aged 37.79±9.37 years participated in this study. They were recruited from the anti-retroviral clinics of one secondary and one tertiary healthcare facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Disability and QoL were assessed using the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and the WHOQOL_HIV Bref respectively. Data were analysed using Chi square and Kruskal Wallis test at p = 0.05.
Results: Almost a quarter (23.6%) reported being currently ill, with HIV/AIDS-related symptoms accounting for the highest perceived illness (42.5%). Majority of these participants (71.1%) had mild to extreme disabilities. There were no significant associations (p > 0.05) between disability and each of age, sex and employment status. Disability was however, significantly associated with level of education, alcohol use, CD4 count, history of tuberculosis and QoL (p <0.01).
Conclusion: Disability was relatively high among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ibadan, Nigeria. Although mostly rated mild, disability was associated with poor QoL. This underscores the need for early identification of disability in people living with HIV/AIDS to minimise its impact on their QoL.
Availability of Essential Antihypertensive and Antidiabetic Medicines in Public Health Facilities in Lusaka District, Zambia
Authors: Kalungia Chichonyi A , Mwale M , Sondashi I S , Mweetwa B , Yassa P , Kadimba G 
Published: January 2023

Background: The non-communicable disease (NCD) burden in Zambia remains quite high. Providing access to essential medicines for hypertension and diabetes remains a major challenge in low-middle income countries, Zambia is no exception in this regard.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine and describe the availability of essential antihypertensive and antidiabetic medicines in selected public health facilities in Lusaka district.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken in Lusaka district involving 15 randomly selected public health facilities. Data on availability of five (5) essential antihypertensive medicines and three (3) essential antidiabetic medicines was collected for the period January to June 2016 at each health facility, including the central Medical Stores. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results: In the 15 public health facilities surveyed, overall availability of essential antihypertensive and antidiabetic medicines in public health facilities was 58.2% and 44.7% respectively during the period reviewed. Stock-outs were high for parenteral Frusemide (92%), Hydralazine (83%), Insulin short-acting (83%) and long acting (69%) preparations, respectively. Parenteral Frusemide and Hydralazine were only available in less than 40% of facilities while less than 40% of facilities did not have any Insulin preparations available. About 40% of facilities did not have a medical doctor present, 86.7% did not have a pharmacist and 80% did not have medical licentiates present. Majority of facilities had at least Nurses, Clinical Officers, Pharmacy Technologists and Pharmacy Assistants.
Conclusion: Availability of essential antihypertensive and antidiabetic medicines in public health facilities in Lusaka district continues to be a challenge with less than 60% of facilities surveyed experiencing stock-outs over six months. This could be significantly affecting effective management of patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the district and requires to be addressed.
Binge Drinking and Psychomotor Performance in Female Social Drinkers of Kalingalinga in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Likashi Vumbi , Paul R , Jason L 
Published: January 2023

Introduction
Consuming large amounts of alcohol on an irregular basis is a common form of alcohol misuse among female adolescents and young women. This form of alcohol misuse is called binge drinking (BD) and is associated with harm to the central nervous system mainly due to repeated alternations between intense intoxication and withdrawal episodes. Adverse effects of BD on cognitive functions such as psychomotor skills negatively impact on women’s daily living.
Methodology
Using a matched-pairs design and snowball sampling method, the present study investigated the relationship between binge drinking and psychomotor performance in a population of female social drinkers of Kalingalinga in Lusaka, Zambia. Two specific objectives based on continuity hypothesis guided the study; to identify characteristics of binge drinking among female social drinkers; to compare motor skills performance between female binge drinkers and their non-drinking female counterparts.
Sixty female participants (30 drinkers and 30 non-drinkers) were enrolled. Data was collected through a two-phase approach; AUDIT questionnaires in the first place and neuropsychological testing of motor skills using Grooved Pegboard and Finger Tapping tests, over a two-weeks period. Pearson’s Chi-square revealed no significant differences in demographic characteristics. Data was normally distributed as shown by Shapiro Wilk’s test and skewness and kurtosis results. Hence the use of the independent samples t-test whose results showed slower psychomotor performance among binge drinkers (M=84.07, SD=10.581; M=1.2167, SD=7.260 and M=42.17, SD=.88749) on both the Grooved Pegboard and Finger tapping tests than the non-drinking control group (M=66.77, SD=8.295; M=.5167, SD=5.050 and M=50.45, SD=.62261).
Conclusion
In conclusion, these results seem to suggest that there is a statistically significant relationship between BD and psychomotor performance among female social drinkers. The implication is that these women may be at risk of home and/or road accidents and that BD may impinge on their multitask-taking skills which may in turn affect their families and society. It is hoped that the results of the study will; open research prospects on female alcohol BD in Zambia and help therapists to consider focusing their efforts on the intensity and frequency of alcohol consumption as predicted by the study’s regression analyses.
Anaemia in Pregnancy among Pregnant Women in Lusaka District, Zambia
Authors: Lubeya Mwansa K , Vwalika B 
Published: January 2023

Objectives: This study investigated the problem of anaemia in pregnancy and its associated factors.
Methods: The study involved 216 women booking for antenatal care between September 2015 and January 2016. A structured questionnaire was administered to all eligible women to determine their socio demographic and economic status, reproductive factors, health seeking behaviour and clinical state. Blood for a full blood count was collected. Women found with anaemia were immediately referred to their clinicians for further management.
Data was analysed using SPSS software. Inferential analyses were conducted using Chi square and T-test. For the historical independent variables with a known significant association with anaemia, a stepwise backward logistic regression was done.
Results: Out of 216 women enrolled in the study, Seventy nine (36.2%) were found to be anaemic. The mean haemoglobin was 11.2g/dl. Thirty six women (45.6%) had mild anaemia, forty one (51.9%) had moderate anaemia while two (2.5%) had severe anaemia.
In bivariate analysis lower family income and lower intake of vegetables were statistically significant with p values of 0.020 and 0.023 respectively.
After adjusting for confounders, HIV infection remained significant with HIV positive women being 2.7 times more likely to have anaemia (OR 2.7, CI 1.06-6.70)
Conclusion: Anaemia remains a public health problem among pregnant women in Zambia. Risk factors include HIV infection, Low intake of vegetables and low family income.