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Impact of a Palliative Care Course on Pre-Registration Nursing Students’ Palliative Care Knowledge
Nahyeni Bassah,
John Ngunde Palle
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2019
Pages:
58-64
Received:
7 June 2018
Accepted:
1 February 2019
Published:
28 February 2019
Abstract: In resource-poor settings some preregistration nursing curricula, do not include any palliative care content, and practising nurses, both newly graduated and student nurses have limited knowledge about palliative care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a palliative care course on Cameroonian preregistration nursing students’ palliative care knowledge. The study employed a longitudinal quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design. A 30 hours classroom based palliative care course, underpinned by the experiential learning theory was delivered to second and third year nursing students in a University in Cameroon. An evaluation of the impact of the course on students’ palliative care knowledge was conducted via a pretest/posttest survey. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed very poor palliative care knowledge among preregistration nursing students, with a mean pretest score of 5.72/20 (Standard deviation of 2.54; Confidence Interval: 5.11-6.34). After the palliative care course there was a statistically significantly improvement in students’ overall palliative care knowledge, with a posttest score of 11.36 (SD= 2.03, CI 10.85-11.87). Demographic factors like students’ level in the nursing course and age were seen to be associated with students’ pre-course scores (P=0.002 and 0.027 respectively), but no demographic factor was implicated in the posttest score. There is therefore a need for curriculum revision to include palliative care content in the preregistration nurse training curricula of the pilot University.
Abstract: In resource-poor settings some preregistration nursing curricula, do not include any palliative care content, and practising nurses, both newly graduated and student nurses have limited knowledge about palliative care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a palliative care course on Cameroonian preregistration nursing students’ palli...
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Evaluation of Malaria Parasitemia Among HIV/AIDS Individuals Attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital Treatment Center
Eyong Clinton Achere,
Kechia Federick Agem,
Tembe Fokunang Estella,
Tatang Collins Asaah,
Wandum Gangdia Carlson,
Agbor Michael Ashu,
Mbanya Dora Shu,
Fokunang Charles Ntungwen
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2019
Pages:
65-76
Received:
12 January 2019
Accepted:
14 February 2019
Published:
28 February 2019
Abstract: Malaria parasitemia and HIV/AIDS coinfection is very common particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of both infections fall. Therefore, an understanding of how the two infections interact is important for the control of both diseases. In Cameroon some studies have been carried out on the prevalence of malaria parasitemia in HIV with varying results. A high prevalence of malaria parasitemia among these individuals could imply the need for systematic screening and/or treatment of HIV individuals for possible malaria infection hence improving on the care of these individuals. A low prevalence could also imply limiting resources directed towards the diagnosis of malaria in HIV individuals. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in HIV/AIDS individuals in Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH) Treatment Center. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 310 HIV-positive individuals attending the BRH HIV/AIDS Treatment Centre during a period of 3 months from 1st of February to April 30th 2018. Participants’ consent was obtained followed by sociodemographic and other useful data via a standardized questionnaire. Capillary blood samples were collected and malaria parasitaemia determined by blood smear microscopy. Results: An overall malaria parasitemia prevalence of 24.5% was observed in this study with mean parasite density of 150 trophozoites/µL. Malaria parasitemia prevalence was significantly higher in HAART naïve (37.5%) individuals than HAART experienced (23.81%) individuals (p<0.05). The differences in level of parasite density in relation to gender and marital status were statistically significant (p<0.05) while that of the various age groups was not significant (p<0.05). Lower CD4 count levels were significantly related to high density malaria parasitemia (p<0.05). Also the percentage of parasite density >400 trophozoites/µL was higher (80%) in those not using cotrimoxazole prophylaxis than those on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (20%). Hence non- use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was significantly associated with high density malaria parasitemia (p<0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of malaria parasitemia in HIV/AIDS individuals was high in the study area and malaria parasitemia prevalence in HAART naïve individuals was significantly higher than in HAART experienced individuals. Also gender, marital status low CD4 count and non use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were significantly related to high density malaria parasitemia.
Abstract: Malaria parasitemia and HIV/AIDS coinfection is very common particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of both infections fall. Therefore, an understanding of how the two infections interact is important for the control of both diseases. In Cameroon some studies have been carried out on the prevalence of malaria parasitemia in HIV with var...
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Impact of Meteorological Parameters on Distribution of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the City of Yaoundé, Centre Region of Cameroon
Serges Tchatchouang,
Anne Laure Wetewale,
Jean Claude Tedom,
Emmanuel Tekwu Mouafo,
Larissa Kamgue Sidze,
Jean Paul Assam-Assam,
Veronique Penlap Beng
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2019
Pages:
77-82
Received:
30 August 2018
Accepted:
30 October 2018
Published:
11 March 2019
Abstract: Tuberculosis remains a major health problem and particularly in the Centre Region of Cameroon where prevalence is still high in the city of Yaoundé. Climate has been proved to have impact on tuberculosis distribution. This study aimed at assessing possible association of TB notifications with some meteorological parameters. Daily, weekly, monthly and quaterly aggregates of tuberculosis diagnosis results for consecutive tuberculosis patients tested over one year (April 2010 until March 2011) at Jamot Hospital of Yaoundé were analysed (Microsoft excel and SPSS). A total of 665 tuberculosis patients were enrolled at the Jamot Hospital of Yaoundé during the study period. Weekly mean humidity and temperature were related to tuberculosis cases with respectively Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.291 and -0.342 even though the relation was weak. For the relationship magnitude 8.5% and 11.7% of the variance in tuberculosis cases were explained by weekly mean humidity and temperature respectively. A Poisson regression predicted more tuberculosis cases following weekly increase of humidity, a statistically significant result with p ˂ 0.001. There was 12.1% decrease in the number of tuberculosis cases for each decrease of temperature per week. However, rainfall had no impact on tuberculosis notifications even though most cases were recorded in rainy season while seasonal index changed over time. In short, tuberculosis notifications showed to be associated to two meteorological parameters: mean ambient temperature and relative mean humidity. The highest peak was in the month of June during the rainy season. Data from this work may contribute to the National Tuberculosis Control Program to model tuberculosis variation from recorded tuberculosis notifications since years in order to find an indicator for better intervention strategies for disease control.
Abstract: Tuberculosis remains a major health problem and particularly in the Centre Region of Cameroon where prevalence is still high in the city of Yaoundé. Climate has been proved to have impact on tuberculosis distribution. This study aimed at assessing possible association of TB notifications with some meteorological parameters. Daily, weekly, monthly a...
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Contraceptive Use Related Health Benefits as Women’s Experiences Explored Phenomenologicaly in the Rural Part of Southern Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2019
Pages:
83-91
Received:
11 January 2019
Accepted:
19 February 2019
Published:
14 March 2019
Abstract: Despite the existence of notable remedies for maternal and child health, mothers and children in developing nations are affected disproportionately. Contraceptive service has been contributing for the betterment of maternal and child health by averting unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. However, the effect is not uniform across the nation and the globe. This study is conducted with the purpose of exploring the experiences of current contraceptive users and cascade to the non-users to enhance the benefits of contraceptive use for maternal and child health. The study employed an interpretive phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of current user. Focus group discussions and individual in-depth interview methods used to collect information. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The finding indicates that contraceptive use has created great changes both in the lives of mothers and children when compared to the non-use period. They acclaimed that they got time to care for themselves and their children by averting unplanned pregnancies. Based on the study finding it is concluded that women are able to control their body, their fertility and hence relieved from the trap of unplanned pregnancies. The experiences of the current user women can be best lesson for the non-user, hence, further improve the health status of mothers and children in rural part of the country.
Abstract: Despite the existence of notable remedies for maternal and child health, mothers and children in developing nations are affected disproportionately. Contraceptive service has been contributing for the betterment of maternal and child health by averting unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. However, the effect is not uniform across the nation and the ...
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Standard of Care and Transparency in Clinical Trials Conducted in Developing Countries of Africa
Pia Mielczarek,
Anna Streichhardt,
Dnyanesh Limaye,
Vaidehi Limaye,
Firas Fneish,
Gerhard Fortwengel
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2019
Pages:
92-97
Received:
30 August 2018
Accepted:
26 February 2019
Published:
28 March 2019
Abstract: Background: Clinical trials are conducted all over the world, including developing economies in Africa. Pharmaceutical companies could easily take advantage of the regulatory situation in these vulnerable countries. This research study examines ethical statements of the 25 top pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials in Africa regarding three questions in objectives according to their policies or their websites. Objectives: 1. Do pharmaceutical companies mention clinical trials in developing countries? 2. Do pharmaceutical companies mention the issue with standard of care? 3. Do pharmaceutical companies mention NDA (New Drug Application) and special prices for countries and participants? Methods: To evaluate the statements found in their policies or websites, a rating scale with a maximum of 10 points was developed. The statements of the pharmaceutical companies have been rated by at least two independent researchers. High points are equal to high standards, the maximum points were 10. Results: Only 15 out of the biggest 25 pharmaceutical companies were conducting at least 10 clinical trials in developing countries in Africa during the last five years. On average, the pharmaceutical companies achieved a score of 6.93 of 10. Conclusion: On one hand, the result shows that some companies achieved high scores. On the other hand, it shows that some companies need to improve their policies and statements of commitment to serve as a role model.
Abstract: Background: Clinical trials are conducted all over the world, including developing economies in Africa. Pharmaceutical companies could easily take advantage of the regulatory situation in these vulnerable countries. This research study examines ethical statements of the 25 top pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials in Africa regarding ...
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Prevalence, Causes and Pattern of Tooth Loss among Elderly People in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Braimoh Omoigberai Bashiru,
Alade Grace Oyenashia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2019
Pages:
98-101
Received:
12 February 2019
Accepted:
12 March 2019
Published:
30 March 2019
Abstract: Tooth loss constitutes a condition of public health interest and can be used as a measure of the oral health of a population. The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, pattern and causes of tooth loss among the elderly in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study was an observational research design carried out using pensioners 60 years and above. Subjects were selected by systematic random sampling and data was collected by the use of questionnaire and clinical oral examination. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. No case of complete edentulousness was recorded in this study. The prevalence of tooth loss was 43.6%. Although the prevalence was higher in males than in females and older than younger age group, the difference was not significant. The mean tooth loss was 8.9±2.1. Tooth loss was higher in the maxillary anterior segment (14.2%) than the mandibular anterior segment (13.3%) and in the mandibular posterior segments (38.8%) than the maxillary posterior segments (33.7%). These differences were however not significant. Periodontal disease accounted for 50.3% (2435) of the tooth loss, dental caries and trauma accounted for 44.2% (2142) and 5.5% (264) of tooth loss respectively. The prevalence of tooth loss was high among the study population. Periodontal disease and dental caries were the main cause of tooth loss in this group. Therefore, there is need to educate and promote oral health among the populace geared towards improving oral hygiene and change in dietary pattern.
Abstract: Tooth loss constitutes a condition of public health interest and can be used as a measure of the oral health of a population. The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, pattern and causes of tooth loss among the elderly in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study was an observational research design carried out using pensioners 60 years and abo...
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