Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Perpetrator Types And Gender-Based Violence On Condom Use Among Tanzanian Female Sex Workers, Lashonda Hall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

HIV status among female sex workers (FSWs) continues to be a significant public health concern. Condom use is associated with HIV cases among FSWs. Gender-based violence (GBV) plays a role in FSWs HIV status. While studies have investigated the relationship between GBV and condom use, little is known about the impact of factors such as perpetrator type and substance use. I aimed to examine whether perpetrator type and substance use affect the relationship between GBV and condom use among FSWs in Tanzania. Secondary data analysis was performed on 1,502 FSWs extracted from the 2020 Tanzanian, John Hopkins Program for International …

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Computed Tomography In Adults With Suspected Acute Appendicitis At The Emergency Department In A Private Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania, Nyamuryekun'ge Miten, Miten Wr Patel, Ahmed Jusabani, Ali Akbar Zehri, Athar Ali

General Surgery, East Africa

Introduction: The increasing incidence of acute appendicitis in sub-Saharan Africa emphasizes the need for accurate and reliable diagnostic tools. However, the variability in the diagnostic performance of computed tomography for suspected acute appendicitis coupled with comparatively higher negative appendectomy rates in this setting highlight a possible concern regarding the diagnostic accuracy. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a computed tomography scan for suspected acute appendicitis at the emergency department in Tanzania.

Methods: A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted from July to October 2020. All patients above 14 years of age who presented at the emergency department with …

Evaluation Of Venous Thromboembolism (Vte) Risk Assessment And Thrombo-Prophylaxis Practices In Hospitalized Medical And Surgical Patients At Aga Khan Hospital Dar Es Salaam: Single-Centre Retrospective Study, Allyzain Ismail, Nikhil Jadawji, Philip Adebayo, Ahmed Jusabani, Kamran Hamid, Ali Akbar Zehri, Willy Kiviri, Authar Ali

General Surgery, East Africa

Introduction: venous thromboembolism is a complication among admitted medical and surgical patients. International guidelines recommend patients are assessed upon admission and appropriate thromboprophylaxis should be initiated. However, studies have shown that thromboprophylaxis for patients at risk of venous thromboembolism is underutilized.

Methods: this was a retrospective study conducted on hospitalized medical and surgical patients at Aga Khan Hospital Dar es salaam from January to June 2019. Patient’s medical records were reviewed and data was collected for analysis of venous thromboembolism assessment and compliance with Caprini risk assessment model. The data was entered into statistical package for the social …

Severe Crohn’S Disease With Intra-Abdominal Fistula: First Reported Case From Tanzania, Nadeem Kassam, Omar Aziz, Eric Aghan, Melchisedeck Mandwa, Caroline Ngimba, Hanifa Mbithe, Salim Surani, Casmir Wambura

Internal Medicine, East Africa

We describe a case of Crohn's disease occurring in a young Tanzanian female. Crohn’s disease is rare in Africa and not encountered normally. The presentation of Crohn’s disease overlaps with many other abdominal disorders that are common in an African setting, such as tuberculosis and schistosomiasis. The disease is probably underdiagnosed in Africa due to limitations in diagnostic testing and rarity.

Delivery Room St Segment Analysis To Predict Short Term Outcomes In Near-Term And Term Newborns, Jørgen Linde, Anne Lee Solevåg, Joar Eilevstjønn, Ladislaus Blacy, Hussein Kidanto, Hege Ersdal, Claus Klingenberg

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: ST-segment changes to the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) may indicate fetal acidosis. No large-scale characterization of ECG morphology immediately after birth has been performed, but ECG is used for heart rate (HR) assessment. We aimed to investigate ECG morphology immediately after birth in asphyxiated infants, using one-lead dry-electrode ECG developed for HR measurement.

Methods: Observational study in Tanzania, between 2013-2018. Near-term and term infants that received bag-mask ventilation (BMV), and healthy controls, were monitored with one-lead dry-electrode ECG with a non-diagnostic bandwidth. ECGs were classified as normal, with ST-elevations or other ST-segment abnormalities including a biphasic ST-segment. We analyzed ECG …

Epstein-Barr Virus, But Not Human Papillomavirus, Is Associated With Preinvasive And Invasive Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasias In Zambian Patients, Peter Julius, Stepfanie N. Siyumbwa, Phyllis Moonga, Fred Maate, Trevor Kaile, Gleb Haynatski, Veenu Minhas, Jazmine Snow, Kerstin Peterson, Patience Gihozo, Sam Streeter, Salan Kaur, Annika Evans, Daniela Gonzalez, Kandali Samwel, Guobin Kang, John T. West

LSU-LCMC Cancer Center Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The etiopathogenesis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is not fully understood. We assessed the frequency of oncogenic viruses in OSSN by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), Kaposi sarcoma virus, and adenovirus. Cases from Zambia were prospectively enrolled using a cross-sectional study design between November 2017 and March 2020. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data [age, sex, HIV status, antiretroviral therapy (ART) history, CD4 count, plasma viral load] and tumor biopsies were collected from 243 consenting patients. Tumor samples were bisected, and half was used for DNA …

Risk Factors Associated With Mother-To-Child Transmission Of Hiv In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Felix Elias, Nyimvua Shaban, Edwin Rutalebwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Despite Tanzania's efforts and substantial progress in PMTCT, about 11% new infections were recorded among Tanzanian children in 2019 (UNAIDS 2020a). The objective of this study was to determine the rate of HIV transmission and to identify its risk factors among HIV exposed infants born to HIV-positive mothers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective data collected from HIV-positive mothers and their exposed babies who were followed and registered in health facilities in four administrative districts (Ilala, Temeke, Kinondoni, and Ubungo) in Dar es Salaam between January 2016 and December 2019.  To identify risk factors …

Absence Of Germline Brca1 C.68_69delag And C.5266dupc Mutations Among Hormone Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer Patients: A First Impression At A Tertiary Cancer-Care Facility In Tanzania, Linus P Rweyemamu, Gokce Akan, Christopher H Mbotwa, Nazima Dharsee, Lucy A Namkinga, Sylvester L Lyantagaye, Ted F Mselle, Fatmahan Atalar

Tanzania Journal of Science

The germline BRCA1 c.68_69delAG (185delAG) and c.5266dupC (5382insC) mutations are associated with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer (BC).  Limited studies have examined their contribution to alarming BC incidence in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Our study aimed to examine the contribution of  germline BRCA1 c.68_69delAG and c.5266dupC mutations to BC incidence among hormone receptor-negative BC patients admitted to Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to capture socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, family history of cancer and reproductive information from each patient. Their  histopathological data were extracted from the hospital medical records. The germline BRCA1 founder mutations were analyzed on …

Mitigating The Spread Of Measles Under Constrained Health Care Resources In Tanzania Using Social Contact Network Models, Herieth Rwezaura, Seán Mcgarraghy

Tanzania Journal of Science

Tanzania revaccinates individuals during measles outbreaks, despite having scant healthcare resources. We construct epidemiological models of measles spread by employing a hybrid of existing social contact networks models to develop SEIR simulation model. Using demographic and measles surveillance data from three rural villages in Tanzania, we simulate the spread of measles and examine which vaccination strategies can effectively control outbreaks. Results strongly indicate the spread of measles largely depends on contact rates among infected individuals within a population. Findings indicate a need for targeted vaccination for children of 6 months to 15 years of age, but equally for unvaccinated older …

Does Digital Literacy Empower Adolescent Girls In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review, Salima Meherali, Komal Abdul Rahim, Sandra Campbell, Zohra S. Lassi

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Background: The vast majority (90%) of the world's adolescents aged 10-19 live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); and in those resource-limited settings, girls face distinct challenges across multiple health, social, and economic domains. Gender equality and girls' empowerment are key goals in their own right and are central to all other development goals. Digital literacy is a great enabler for the empowerment of young girls. This systematic review aims to assess the range and nature of digital literacy interventions implemented to empower adolescent girls in LMICs and identify evidence about adolescent girls' access and use of digital technologies in …

Baphia Macrocalyx Leaf Extract Attenuates Rotenone-Induced Toxicity In Drosophila Melanogaster Model Of Parkinson’S Disease, Flora Stephano

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a motor disorder mostly affecting aged people, with not known standard therapy. The use of natural products is increasingly gaining attention for the treatment of different diseases. Baphia macrocalyx is a plant previously associated with antioxidant activities in in vitro studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative potential of methanolic leaf extract of Baphia macrocalyx (MEBM) on rotenone-triggered toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. To this end, the study used a neurotoxin, rotenone, to induce PD in the fruit-fly to create a chemical PD in vivo model. Using biochemical, behavioural and molecular analyses, …

Action Leveraging Evidence To Reduce Perinatal Mortality And Morbidity (Alert): Study Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomised Trial In Benin, Malawi, Tanzania And Uganda, Joseph Akuze, Kristi Sidney Annerstedt, Lenka Benova, Effie Chipeta, Jean-Paul Dossou, Mechthild M. Gross, Hussein Kidanto, Bruno Marchal, Helle Mölsted Alvesson, Andrea B. Pembe

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Insufficient reductions in maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in the past decade are a deterrence to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3. The majority of deaths occur during the intrapartum and immediate postnatal period. Overcoming the knowledge-do-gap to ensure implementation of known evidence-based interventions during this period has the potential to avert at least 2.5 million deaths in mothers and their offspring annually. This paper describes a study protocol for implementing and evaluating a multi-faceted health care system intervention to strengthen the implementation of evidence-based interventions and responsive care during this crucial period.

Methods: This is a cluster …

Effect Of 3 Days Of Oral Azithromycin On Young Children With Acute Diarrhea In Low-Resource Settings: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Antibiotics For Children With Diarrhea (Abcd) Study Group, Tahmeed Ahmed, Farah Naz Qamar, Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Shahida Qureshi, Sadia Shakoor, Rozina Thobani, Aneeta Hotwani, Furqan Kabir, Jan Mohammed

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Importance: World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines do not recommend routine antibiotic use for children with acute watery diarrhea. However, recent studies suggest that a significant proportion of such episodes have a bacterial cause and are associated with mortality and growth impairment, especially among children at high risk of diarrhea-associated mortality. Expanding antibiotic use among dehydrated or undernourished children may reduce diarrhea-associated mortality and improve growth.
Objective: To determine whether the addition of azithromycin to standard case management of acute nonbloody watery diarrhea for children aged 2 to 23 months who are dehydrated or undernourished could reduce mortality and improve linear …

Performance In Mortality Prediction Of Saps 3 And Mpm-Iii Scores Among Adult Patients Admitted To The Icu Of A Private Tertiary Referral Hospital In Tanzania: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Nadeem Kassam, Eric Aghan, Samina Somji, Omar Aziz, James Orwa, Salim R. Surani

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Illness predictive scoring systems are significant and meaningful adjuncts of patient management in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). They assist in predicting patient outcomes, improve clinical decision making and provide insight into the effectiveness of care and management of patients while optimizing the use of hospital resources. We evaluated mortality predictive performance of Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS 3) and Mortality Probability Models (MPM0-III) and compared their performance in predicting outcome as well as identifying disease pattern and factors associated with increased mortality.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to the ICU of the …

Young Key Populations Left Behind: The Necessity For A Targeted Response In Mozambique, Makini A. S. Boothe, Cynthia Semá Baltazar, Isabel Sathane, Henry F. Raymond, Erika Fazito, Marleen Temmerman, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: The first exposure to high-risk sexual and drug use behaviors often occurs during the period of youth (15–24 years old). These behaviors increase the risk of HIV infection, especially among young key populations (KP)–men how have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID). We describe the characteristics of young KP participants in the first Biobehavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys conducted in Mozambique and examine their risk behaviors compared to adult KP.

Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) methodology was used to recruit KP in three major urban areas in Mozambique. RDS-weighted pooled estimates were calculated …

Harnessing Nutritional Benefits Of Spirulina Platensis: Standardization Of Cultivating Conditions Of Spirulina In Kilimanjaro, David O. Nyakundi, Phocus Cleophas

Tanzania Journal of Science

Malnutrition remains a challenge in Tanzania, notwithstanding government initiatives and health education geared towards assuaging the problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there will be more than 600,000 severely malnourished children in Tanzania by the year 2030. In particular, protein based malnutrition remains the greatest challenge due to the irreplaceable nature of its essential amino acids. Macronutrients and micronutrients which are found in Spirulina platensis have been recommended by WHO to address malnutrition in developing countries. Spirulina platensis is a filamentous Cyanobacterium microalgae with the highest recorded protein content of plant origin with several immune boosting nutrients. Spirulina …

Comparison Of Nutritional And Anti-Nutritional Qualities Of Grewia Forbesii Hav. Ex Mast And Grewia Bicolor Juss Fruits From Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve In Iringa District, Vendeline E. Tairo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The Grewia forbesii and Grewia bicolor fruits were collected from Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve and were analysed for proximate, nutrients and anti-nutrients compositions. Results showed low moisture contents in G. forbesii and G. bicolor amounting to 14.14 and 13.98 percent, respectively. Crude fibre percent was slightly higher in G. bicolor (33.15%) than G. forbesii (31.95%). Lipid content was slightly higher in G. bicolor (1.37%) compared to G. forbesii (1.28%). The crude protein content of G. forbesii (7.44%) was slightly higher than G. bicolor (7.00%). Total carbohydrate content of G. forbesii (68.9%) was higher than that of G. bicolor (70%). Mineral analysis …

Predictors Of Fear Of Childbirth And Depressive Symptoms Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Pwani Region, Tanzania, Agnes Fredrick Massae, Margareta Larsson, Sebalda Leshabari, Columba Mbekenga, Andrea Barnabas Pembe, Agneta Skoog Svanberg

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Many women experience fear of childbirth (FoB) and depressive symptoms (DS) during pregnancy, but little is known about FoB among Tanzanian women. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of FoB and DS among pregnant women and determine predictors of each and both, focusing on sociodemographic and obstetric predictors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at six health facilities in two districts in Tanzania between 2018 and 2019. In total, 694 pregnant women with gestational age between 32 and 40weeks and expecting vaginal delivery were consecutively recruited and assessed for FoB and DS. We collected data …

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Knowledge, Willingness To Use & Uptake Among Black Heterosexual Men, Akeen Lowell Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a pill, taken orally, that has been shown to be effective at reducing the chance that someone who is HIV-negative and at-risk for HIV will contract the disease during sexual intercourse with someone who is living with HIV. One demographic group that has been under-researched is Black heterosexual men. This dissertation presents research on evaluating the heterosexual Black men’s awareness of, prior use, and network of friends/family’s perceived interest in learning more about PrEP.

METHODS: Two-hundred and six Black heterosexual men living in Brooklyn, New York City, were surveyed about their sexual behaviors and PrEP …

Men’S Comfort In Distributing Or Receiving Hiv Self-Test Kits From Close Male Social Network Members In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: Baseline Results From The Step Project, Joseph K.B. Matovu, Gaspar Mbita, Akeen Hamilton, Frank Mhando, Wynton M. Sims, Noah Thompson, Albert N. Komba, Jackson Lija, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Thomas Van Den Akker, Dustin T. Duncan, Augustine T. Choko, Donaldson F. Conserve

Faculty Publications

Background

A variety of strategies have been used to reach men with HIV self-testing services, including social network-based HIV self-test kits distribution. However, few studies have assessed men’s comfort to distribute to or receive HIV self-test kits from close male friends within the same social network. In this study, we assessed men’s comfort to distribute to and/or receive HIV self-test kits from close male friends and associated factors among men who socialize in networks locally referred to as “camps” in Tanzania.

Methods

Data are from the baseline survey of a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in June 2019 with 18 social …

Residency Training On The Frontlines Of The Covid-19 Pandemic - A Qualitative Study From Tanzania, Mariam Noorani, Hussein Manji, Elizabeth Mmari, Samina Somji, Nahida Z. Walli, Sherin Kassamali, Shabbir Adamjee, Nancy Matillya, Hanifa Mbithe, Aliasger Nagri, Neelam Ismail

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Introduction: the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic has affected residency training globally. The aim of this study was to understand how the pandemic affected teaching and learning in residency programs in low resource settings where residents and faculty were working on the front line treating patients with the disease.

Methods: this qualitative study enrolled residents and faculty from the Aga Khan University in Tanzania who were providing front line care during the pandemic. Purposeful sampling was used and data was collected using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews between August and September 2020. Analysis was done using qualitative content analysis.

Results: …

A Susceptible Exposed Infected Recovered Susceptible (Seirs) Model For The Transmission Of Tuberculosis, Latifat M Erinle-Ibrahim, Waheed O Lawal, Olukayode Adebimpe, Gbemisola R Sontan

Tanzania Journal of Science

In this paper, a deterministic mathematical model was proposed and analyzed to understand the dynamics of tuberculosis based on the SEIRS model. The disease-free equilibrium, the endemic equilibrium, and their stabilities were examined. The R0 (basic reproduction number) was derived using the Next Generation Matrix method and its sensitivity analysis showed that the birth rate and infectious rate were the most sensitive parameters of R0. The behaviour of exposed individuals at the latent period with varied treatment rates were examined through numerical simulation. From the analysis carried out, the effect of variations of the treatments of latent TB shows that …

An Age-Structured Model For Transmission Dynamics Of Malaria With Infected Immigrants And Asymptomatic Carriers, Asha S Kalula, Eunice Mureithi, Theresia Marijani, Isambi Mbalawata

Tanzania Journal of Science

Abstract An age-structured (children and adults) model for the transmission dynamics of malaria with asymptomatic carriers and infected immigrants has been analyzed. We first analyze a model without infected immigrants. It shows that the disease-free equilibrium exists and is stable when and unstable for . Also, we compute the sensitivity indices of the basic reproduction number. The basic reproduction number is most sensitive to the mosquito biting rate. Besides, the sensitivity of the basic reproduction number shows that the children's class parameters are more sensitive than those of adults. In the presence of infected immigrants, the model does not admit …

Effects Of Hydroxyurea Treatment On Haemolysis In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease At Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania, Azra Gangji, Upendo Masamu, Josephine Mgaya, Joyce Ndunguru, Agnes Jonathan, Irene Kida Minja, Julie Makani, Emmanuel Balandya, Paschal Ruggjao, Siana Nkya

Tanzania Journal of Science

Tanzania is one of the countries with a high burden of sickle cell disease (SCD). Haemolytic anaemia is a clinical feature of SCD, and has been linked to major complications leading to morbidity and mortality. Treatment with hydroxyurea (HU) has shown to induce foetal haemoglobin (HbF) which in turn decreases haemolysis in patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HU on haemolysis in SCD patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania by comparing their haemolytic parameters before and after therapy. Patients meeting the criteria were initiated on HU therapy for 3 months. Two haemolytic biomarkers: unconjugated plasma bilirubin levels …

Spatial Modelling For Cholera Incidence Rates In Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, Caroline Ngereza, Rosalia S. Katapa, Ali R. Mniachi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Spatial modelling was conducted to examine community factors associated with cholera incidence rates in Morogoro Municipality. The study employed both secondary (cholera cases) and primary (geographic coordinates of community risk factors) data. Spatial lag model was applied in examining association between the variables. All wards of Morogoro Municipality were considered in the study to capture their variations because cholera cases have a tendency to be clustered. Results indicated that market density, distance to the market and distance to the dumpster are significant factors associated with cholera incidence rates in the wards (p < 0.05). Geographically weighted Poisson model was used to show the variations of those factors between the wards in Municipality. A statistically significant positive association of cholera incidence rates; and market density was only found in Mazimbu ward (p < 0.05) and distance from the community to the dumpster was found in Kihonda, Kingolwira, Bigwa, Kichangani, Kilakala and Boma wards (p < 0.001) and some wards at the centre of the municipality which are Mji Mkuu and Kingo (p < 0.05). A statistically significant negative association of cholera incidence rates and distance from the centre of the community to the market was found in Kihonda, Kingolwira and Kichangani (p < 0.001) and Bigwa wards (p < 0.05). Therefore, measures taken to control and prevent cholera disease should base on the variations of the risk factors found in the Municipal wards.  Keywords:    Cholera incidence rate, Spatial lag regression model, Community risk factor, Geographically weighted Poisson model

Postoperative Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Rare Complication, Hussam Uddin Soomro, Isaac Mawalla, Shabbir Adamjee, Nadeem Kassam, Authar Ali

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a common urological procedure performed for complicated upper urinary tract stones. The advantages of PCNL include lower morbidity and mortality rates and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. A number of complications have been reported which can be life threatening. Here we present a case of 71 years old lady, who developed subcutaneous emphysema following PCNL.

Maternal Health Care Professionals’ Experiences And Views On The Use Of Obstetric Ultrasound In Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ingrid Mogren, Joseph Ntaganira, Jean Paul Semasaka Sengoma, Sophia Holmlund, Rhonda Small, Lan Pham Thi, Hussein Lesio Kidanto, Matilda Ngarina, Cecilia Bergström, Kristina Edvardsson

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background This study, undertaken in Rwanda, aimed to investigate health professionals’ experiences and views on the following topics: current clinical guidelines for ultrasound from second trimester at the clinic, regional and national levels, and adherence to clinical guidelines; medically indicated ultrasound examinations; non-medical use of ultrasound including ultrasounds on maternal request; commercialisation of ultrasound; the value of ultrasound in relation to other clinical examinations in pregnancy; and ultrasound and medicalisation of pregnancy.

Methods A cross-sectional design was adopted. Health professionals providing antenatal care and delivery services to pregnant women in 108 health facilities were invited to complete a survey, which …

Barriers To Timely Disclosure Of Hiv Serostatus: A Qualitative Study At Care And Treatment Centers In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Neelam Ismail, Nancy Matillya, Riaz Ratansi, Columba Mbekenga

Family Medicine, East Africa

Introduction: Disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status is important to prevent the spread of HIV and maintain the health of people living with HIV, their spouses, and the community. Despite the benefits of disclosure, many people living with HIV delay disclosing their status to those close to them thereby increasing the risk for disease transmission. This study aimed to determine the barriers to timely disclosure of HIV serostatus for people living with HIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and identify what motivated disclosure.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using in-depth individual interviews was conducted with10 participants attending …

Smart Watch Detection Of Supraventricular Tachycardia (Svt): First Case From Tanzania, Nadeem Kassam, Omar Aziz, Eric Aghan, Samina Somji, Hanifa Mbithe, Mustaafa Bapumia, Robert Mvungi, Salim Surani

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch have been on the rise worldwide and their use is gaining popularity in developing countries. Their ability to detect dysrhythmias is well documented. Present practice discourages the use of these devices as a diagnostic tool. Nevertheless, atypical findings from these devices should be clinically investigated. This case demonstrates an eventual diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) based on an Apple watch alert which was subsequently confirmed by electrophysiological evaluation.

Factors Associated With Mortality Among Hospitalized Adults With Covid-19 Pneumonia At A Private Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Nadeem Kassam, Eric Aghan, Omar Aziz, Hanifa Mbithe, Kamran Hamid, Reena Shah, Salim Surani, James Orwa, Samina Somji

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused millions of deaths worldwide. There has been paucity of data for hospitalized African patients suffering from COVID-19. This study aimed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients suffering from COVID-19 in Tanzania.

Methods: This was a single center, retrospective, observational cohort study in adult patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Demographics, clinical pattern, laboratory and radiological investigations associated with increased odds of mortality were analyzed.

Results: Of the 157 patients, 107 (68.1%) patients survived and 50 (31.8%) died. Mortality was highest in patients …