Digital Commons Network^™

A Physician Survey On Research And Implementation Priorities For Caffeine Citrate Use In Newborn Care In Sub-Saharan Africa, Olufunke Bolaji, Osayame Ekhaguere, Franck Houndjahoue, Nicholas Embleton, Helen Nabwera

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background:Evidence on caffeine citrate (CC) for apnoeaof prematurity (AOP) originate from high-income countries. This study aimed to develop consensus on research design for evidence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods:We surveyed physicians in newborn units across SSA to assess their opinions on CC research and their preferred study designs.

Participants rated four study designs:a) an observational before-and-after study; a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of b) caffeine versus placebo; c) caffeine versus aminophylline; d) a traditional or stepped wedge cluster trial.  They  assessed  each  design  using  a  Likert  scale  for  evidence, feasibility, and ethics considerations.

Results:Ninety-two   newborn   physicians …

Caregiver Assessment Of Executive Function Deficits Among Hiv-Infected And Hiv-Exposed Uninfected Preschool Children In Kenya, Antipa Sigilai, Moses Nyongesa, Amin Hassan, Janet Thoya, Rachel Odhiambo, K. Katana, Beatrice Kabunda, Grace Bomu, Charles Newton, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: This study examined caregiver assessment of executive functioning (EF) in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) and perinatally HIV-exposed but uninfected (PHEU) Kenyan children, and explored the extent to which various biopsychosocial factors influence EF outcomes.

Methods: Children aged 3–5 years that were PHIV (n = 43), PHEU (n = 52), or HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU, n = 58) and their caregivers were enrolled in this study. EF was measured using the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory. Caregivers’ common mental disorders (CMDs) and parenting behaviour were evaluated using the Shona Symptoms Questionnaire (SSQ) and a parenting behaviour scale, respectively. We used analyses …

Key Predictors Of Postpartum Depression And Anxiety Symptoms Among Mothers In Kilifi, Kenya: A Machine Learning Approach, Faith Benson, Rachel Odhiambo, Willie Brink, Anthony Ngugi, Akbar Waljee, Eileen Weinheimer-Haus, Cheryl Moyer, Ji Zhu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background:

The burden of maternal postpartum depression and anxiety is disproportionately high in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet the use of advanced analytical methods to capture the complex interplay of variables influencing these conditions remains underexplored.

Objective:

To apply machine learning (ML) methods to predict depressive and anxiety symptoms in postpartum mothers and to identify key and actionable predictors.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 1,995 biological mothers of singleton infants aged 0–6 months, using survey data collected between March 2023 and March 2024 in Kaloleni and Rabai sub-counties, Kilifi County, Kenya, within the Kaloleni–Rabai Health and Demographic Surveillance …

Early Insights From A Multi-Centre National Stroke Surveillance Initiative In Tanzania, Sarah Shali Matuja, Azan Nyundo, Emmanuel Assey, Joel Bwelemo, Marieke Dekker, Sarah Urasa, Emanuel Makarius, Peter Kishimbo, Philip Adebayo, Paschal Ruggajo

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with sub-Saharan Africa, bearing the greatest burden. Tanzania has only one active stroke registry, limiting evidence-based care and policy development. We aimed to expand the registry into a multi-centre study across eight major tertiary hospitals to generate baseline data for a national stroke registry.

Methods: From January to August 2024, we analysed de-identified data from adults (≥18 years) admitted with a World Health Organisation defined stroke. Data collected included demographics, risk factors, imaging, and in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression identified predictors of mortality.

Results: A total of 1000 patients were …

Disseminated Iatrogenic Upper Gastrointestinal Kaposi Sarcoma Following Prolonged Steroid Use In A Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Case Report, Glory Makupa, Furaha Serventi, Leila Mwakipunda, Godwin Nnko, Edwin Liwa, Salum Lidenge, Ayesiga Herman, Lilian Gasper, Amos Mwasamwaja, Beatrice Kombole

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background Kaposi sarcoma is a malignant vascular neoplasm caused by human herpesvirus-8. It is mostly seen in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or organ transplants. Cutaneous and mucosal Kaposi sarcoma manifestation is common; however, Kaposi sarcoma may involve the visceral organs. Iatrogenic or drug-induced Kaposi sarcoma may develop in immunocompromised patients undergoing immunosuppressive medication. It is quite uncommon for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases on immunosuppressive medication to develop intestinal Kaposi sarcoma. This case report describes the clinical presentation of steroid-induced disseminated upper gastrointestinal Kaposi sarcoma in a patient with underlying Crohn’s disease and examines …

Seeking Traditional Health Practitioners And Use Of Complementary/Alternative Medicines In The Management Of Movement Disorders In Africa: A Multicenter Continental Study, Ali Shalash, Tamer Roushdy, Samia Sassi, Oluwadamilola Ojo, Yusuf Jamnagerwalla, Ahmed Sheikh, Yasser Mecheri, Maouly Fall, Juzar Hooker, Dilraj Sokhi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background Traditional health practitioners (THP) and complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) play a well-recognized role in Africa. However, their role in treating movement disorders (MD) remains poorly studied.

Objective This large multicenter continental study aimed to investigate the prevalence of seeking and consulting THPs and using CAMs among people with MDs in different African countries and the associated factors of their use.

Methods This study involved 12 sites within 11 African countries. We developed and distributed a structured questionnaire that documented frequency, attitudes, beliefs, and factors related to patients' engagement with THPs and use of CAMs.

Results We surveyed 1158 …

Awarded Research Grants As A Pathway To Sustainable Development Goals, Maha Inam, Salim S. Virani, Melaine D'Cruze, Veronica Robi, Peter Gatiti, Anil Khamis

Population Health, East Africa

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals that provide an agenda for sustainable growth and development across all sectors and disciplines. However, the contribution of academic institutions from the developing world towards the SDGs has not received adequate attention from the scientific community. A review of all the awarded grants in 2022 and 2023 at an international academic institution was conducted. The objectives outlined in the grant proposals were used to map the SDGs accordingly. A quantitative frequency analysis was conducted to tabulate the results. A total of 293 grants obtained in 2022 and …

Institute For Global Health And Development : Issue 13 - March 2026, Institute For Global Health And Development

IGHD Newsletters

• Dr Jai Das Receives AKU Award For Excellence In Research
•  
• Cochrane Review On Umbilical Cord Antiseptics Highlights Impact On Newborn Survival
• Strong Representation And Awards At The 27th National Health Sciences Research Symposium
• Dr Bhavita Kumari Represents Ighd At International Public Health Conference
• IGHD Contributes To National Polio Strategy Discussions At Eoc Meetings
• IGHD Hosts HEC Delegation For Strategic Discussion On Collaborations In Nutrition, Climate Change Courses And Women In Science
• Podcast Panel Explores Gender Equity In Science And Technology
• IGHD Showcases Shapes Research At Heatnexus International Convening
• CERL and NRL Visit By AKU Dean Of Medicine
• Field Visit To …

In Focus - Hr Highlights 2025, Human Resources

Human Resources (HR) Archives

• Message from the Vice President, Human Resources
• Our people, at a glance
• The AKU Leadership Appreciation Evening
• Launch of FAHM
• Developing Healthcare Leaders for Tomorrow
• AI in Action: From Insights to Impact
• Prioritising Health and Wellbeing
• Employee Health Screening
• Honouring Service, Commitment and Legacy
• Rewards Plus
• Building an Accessible and Inclusive Workplace
• Capacity Building
• Independence Day, Pakistan
• Engagement through Purpose and Partnership
• Policy Update: Engagement Beyond Primary Roles
• Driving Data-Driven HR Decisions
• Awards & Recognitions
• Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations - UK

Early Neonatal Admissions With Feeding Difficulties To Acute Paediatric Services At A Tertiary Paediatric Hospital In England: Sequential Audits Pre-Covid-19 And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kalvin Lee, Thomas Frederick Dunne, Mary Masoud, Hayley Gleig, Heidi Stott, Helen Nabwera, Halina Kamarova

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction: Our objective was to describe the population of infants < 7 days of age admitted to the acute general paediatric services at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and ascertain the proportion with feeding difficulties amenable to community-based support.

Methods: Sequential retrospective audits of all infants < 7 days of age admitted to acute paediatrics at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, England, from March to September 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and March to September 2020 (during COVID-19). All the infants were born and discharged from maternity units in Merseyside, Northwest England. Anonymised data were extracted from the electronic clinical records by three members of the clinical team.

Results: Pre-COVID-19, 38.6% (93) of the 241 admissions to acute general paediatric services had feeding difficulties. 31.2% (29) presented solely with feeding difficulties and 31.2% (29) were exclusively breastfed. However, during COVID-19, although there were fewer admissions (104), more than half (51%, 54) had feeding difficulties and for 54% (29), this was the only reason for admission. Over half (53.7%, 29) were exclusively breastfed.

Conclusion: Our audits showed that at least a third of infants < 7 days of age admitted with feeding difficulties did not have any other features of severe illness. These admissions unnecessarily expose infants to hospital-acquired infections while disrupting the opportunity for families to build close and loving relationships that enhance the establishment of breastfeeding. Co-designing infant feeding strategies with the mothers and stakeholders will be a crucial next step to enhance infant feeding support, particularly in impoverished communities in the region.

The Global Cancer Crisis: A Review Of Growing Burden, Deepening Inequality And Initiatives For Prevention And Early Detection, Charles Yankah, Jonathan Nwiloh, Carlos Mestres, Abdelmalek Bouzid, Tom Mwambu, Andrew Duncan, Mohamed Debieche, Samuel Omokhodion, Uvie Onakpoya, Matthias Angres

General Surgery, East Africa

Cancer constitutes one of the most urgent global health crises, with over 20 million new cases diagnosed annually worldwide, claiming 10 million lives. This devastating burden disproportionately affects vulnerable populations: 75% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries despite these regions having lower reported incidence rates. Lung cancer leads the global toll, representing 12% of all cases but 19% of deaths, followed by breast cancer (12% of cases) and colorectal cancer (9.6%). A stark geographical inequity defines the cancer landscape—while wealthy regions such as North America, Northern Europe and Australia report the highest incidence rates, Africa and Latin …

International Normative Charts For Twin Weight, Length, And Head Circumference At Birth, By Gestational Age And Sex: The Twin Neonatal Cross-Sectional Study Of The Intergrowth-21st Project, Francesca Giuliani, Sonia Deantoni, Enrico Bertino, Yasmin A. Jaffer, Manorama Purwar, Fernando C. Barros, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Wu Qingqing, Ilaria Stura, Maria Carvalho

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Assessing the size of twins at birth using charts developed for singletons may over diagnose small for gestational age in this sub-population. The study aimed to produce international, twin-specific, newborn size normative charts by gestational age and sex. This longitudinal observational study in eight geographically diverse settings prospectively collected data between May 2009 and August 2013 from healthy pregnant women and their newborn twins. The participants were enrolled as part of the INTERGROWTH-21st study, and recruited based on World Health Organization recommendations for evaluation of anthropometric measures. All the women met, in addition to the underlying population characteristics of low …

Mapping Social Determinants Of Health Data In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol, Felix Anyiam, Jessica Gjonaj, Ngeresa Osango, Richard Mugo, Peace Aber, Jasmit Shah, Judith Mangeni, Rajesh Vedanthan, Joseph Hogan, Ann Mwangi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Introduction Research has increasingly underscored the impact of factors such as socioeconomic status, education, healthcare access, housing and environmental conditions in shaping population health outcomes. These factors, collectively called social determinants of health (SDOH), provide crucial context for understanding drivers of health outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the study of SDOH is critical due to the region’s unique sociocultural and economic conditions. Understanding how SDOH interacts with health systems and capturing SDOH in data is crucial for informing modelling efforts and policies improving population health more effectively. This scoping review aims to map the types of data used to capture …

Caring For Post Icu Patients: Knowledge And Attitude Among Nurses Working In General Wards, At Tertiary Hospitals, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Nazahed Mkiramweni, Kahabi Isangula, Masunga Iseselo, Dickson Mkoka, Emmanuel Mlay

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Caring for patients from the Intensive Care Unit (post-ICU) in general wards iscritical in determining patient outcomes. As primary caregivers, nurses provide hour-to-hour care and are essential in monitoring and addressing any signs of deterioration during this crucial transition period. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitudeare vital for ensuring the timely identification and management of complications. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nurses caring for post-ICU patients in general wards.

Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study wasconducted from May to August 2021 at Muhimbili National Hospital (MHN), Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI), and Jakaya …

The Impact Of Lipid Apheresis On Changes Of Lipoprotein(A): A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Bahman Razi, Masoud Eslami, Saeed Aslani, Shahab Alizadeh, Alireza Hatami, Wael Almahmeed, Salim Virani, Amirhossein Sahebkar

Population Health, East Africa

Aims Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of lipid apheresis therapy on serum Lp(a) levels in a wide array of disorders, particularly CVDs.

Methods and results Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to May 2025. Studies reporting pre- and post-treatment Lp(a) levels in participants undergoing lipid apheresis were included. A random-effects model was used when heterogeneity was significant. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. A total …

Institute For Global Health And Development : Annual 2025, Institute For Global Health And Development

IGHD Newsletters

• Message From the Director
• Workshops & Conferences
• Climate Change and The Built Environment
• Supporting Women in Science (SWIS)
• Field Immersion & Community Engagement
• Global & Regional Engagements
• Climate, Health & Equity Engagements
• Capacity Building & Research Strengthening
• Webinars Hosted by IGHD
• Research Contributions & Global Recognition
• Media Stories, Awards & Achievements
• Policy Advocacy & National Dialogues
• Looking Ahead: Commitment to Equity & Impact
• Shining Light on Achievement
• Climate Change and Maternal Health: Dr. Jai Das Featured in The Economist
• Pakistan Urged to Make Bold Nutrition Pledges
• N4G Summit 2025
• Climate Change Disproportionately Affects Women and Children
• National Seminar Advances Agenda …

Cete Newsletter Volume 4, Centre Of Excellence For Trauma & Emergencies

Centre of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies (CETE) Archives

• Welcome Message from Dr. Junaid Razzak
• Tribute to Dr. Adil Haider
• Research Updates
• Publications
• Pakistan Life Savers Programme
• Pakistan Basic Life Support
• Medical First Responder Course
• Community-Based Disaster Preparedness & Response Initiatives
• Emergency Medicine Training Initiatives
• Community & Policy Impact
• CETE Beyond the Desk

Data Visualization In Private Sector University Libraries In Sindh, Pakistan, Sadaf Shahid, Rafat Parveen Siddiqui

Libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to know the understanding of librarians about data visualization, the perceptions of the librarians toward this new and emerging trend and know the librarian’s capabilities in the use of data visualization tools and its impact on their library services.
Design/methodology/approach – To acquire the desired results, a survey was conducted using a quantitative approach. The study’s target audience was the library professional staff at private sector university libraries in Sindh, Pakistan. All respondents were sent an e-mail inviting them to participate in the survey on their own time.
Findings – The sample …

Longitudinal Implementation Of A Neurodevelopmental Screening Program For Children Born To Mothers Living With Hiv In Maternal–Child Clinics In Kenya: A Mixed Methods Study, Megan S. Mchenry, Eren Oyungu, Amina Abubakar, Ananda Roselyne Ombitsa, Micaela Gaviola, Cleophas Cherop, Beatrice Kaniaru, Carolyne Jerop, Alan Mcguire, Rachel C. Vreeman

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Children with perinatal HIV exposure are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental (ND) delays, yet little is known about ND screening implementation for this population.

Methods: This longitudinal study evaluated ND screening implementation at a health clinic in Kenya, from 9/2021 to 8/2023. Children aged 18-36 months with perinatal HIV exposure were screened using a 12-item general ND tool. Implementation outcomes—acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and sustainability—were assessed through time-motion observations, clinic records, and semi-structured interviews with caregivers and staff.

Results: Of 507 eligible children, 405 (80%) were screened. Screening rates were consistent over 24 months, with average time …

Leveraging Research-Based Knowledge Translation Via Rural Libraries To Improve Maize Postharvest Practices In Uganda, Jackline Estomihi Kiwelu, Patrick Ngulube

Libraries

Background: Rural community libraries are increasingly recognised for providing localised knowledge, yet their potential to support agricultural extension services and improve access to postharvest knowledge in Uganda remains underexplored.
Objectives: This study examined the postharvest information needs of smallholder maize farmers and explored how community libraries can be leveraged to translate and repackage research-based knowledge to meet these needs.
Method: A mixed-methods parallel design was employed. Data were collected from a survey of 312 maize farmers, personal interviews and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 extension workers and four librarians. Desk research was conducted to analyse relevant documents. Quantitative …

Social Protection To Foster Inclusive, Resilient Early Childhood Education In Kenya, Uganda, And Tanzania, Nyagwegwe Wango

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

In order to evaluate the efficacy of systems approaches in enhancing early childhood education (ECE), this study summarizes outcomes from the SESEA and F4L programs in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study investigates how context-responsive ECE, social-emotional learning (SEL), and social protection (SP) interventions contribute to improvements in teaching practices, inclusion, and learner outcomes using mixed-methods data, including teacher surveys, classroom observations, and policy analysis. The findings show significant improvements in inclusive classroom practices, gender-sensitive pedagogy, and teacher confidence, especially when reflective peer learning and continuous mentoring are incorporated. Children’s academic performance and well-being have been linked to the integration …

Altered Natural Killer Cell Function In Children With Severe Malaria, Grace Turyasingura, Kagan A. Mellencamp, Ruth Namazzi, Robert Opoka, Chandy C. John, Geoffrey T. Hart

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Memory-like natural killer (NK) cells with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) have correlated with protection from uncomplicated malaria in prior studies. However, the role of NK cells in severe malaria (SM) has not been characterized. In Ugandan sites with moderate and low malaria transmission, we evaluated NK cell (CD56bright, CD56dim, CD56neg) phenotype and ADCC function by flow cytometry in children < 5 years of age with SM (n = 21) and control community children (CC, n = 19). Children with SM had similar total NK cell counts to CC. Children with SM had a higher proportion of LILRB1+ NK cells than CC. The level of malaria transmission …

Predicting Off-Track Development In Infants Aged 0–6 Months In Low-Resource Settings Using Machine Learning, Faith Benson, Rachel Odhiambo, Anthony Ngugi, Willie Brink, Akbar Waljee, Cheryl Moyer, Ji Zhu, Felix Agoi, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background This study aimed to address the critical gap in the limited application of machine learning (ML) for identifying developmental delays in low-resource settings by developing models to predict off-track development in infants aged 0 to 6 months and identify key predictors.

Methods A cross-sectional study involving 1,995 singleton infants aged 0 to 6 months was conducted in Kaloleni and Rabai sub-counties, Kilifi, Kenya, between March 2023 and March 2024. Development was assessed using the World Health Organization’s Indicators of Infant and Young Child Development tool, with Development-for-Age Z-scores used to classify infants as on- or off-track. Ridge logistic regression …

One-Stop-Shop (Oss): Community Health Nursing: (For Undergraduate Nurses), Sarmad Muhammad Soomar

Books

No abstract provided.

Potential Of Crispr/Cas9 Genome Engineering For Biofuel Production From Economically Relevant Algae, Sundram Kumar, Ankur J. Phillips, Bashir Adelodun, Francesco Di Maria, Suresh Sundaramurthy, Tarun Pal

Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre

The worldwide energy demand continues to rise, while reliance on fossil fuels remains unsustainable due to global warming, declining reserves and rising oil prices. This has intensified the search for renewable alternatives. Among these, microscopic algae have emerged as a promising feedstock for third-generation biofuels. Owing to their rapid biomass productivity, high lipid content and ability to generate diverse bioproducts, microalgae offer distinct advantages over terrestrial plants. Lipids derived from algae can be converted into biodiesel, while their biomass yields valuable co-products such as carbohydrates, proteins and polyunsatu- rated fatty acids (FAs). These attributes position algae as critical contributors to …

Determinants Of Awareness And Acceptability Of Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Among Men In Kenya, John Baptist Asiimwe, Lilian Nuwabaine, Isaac Alinda, Earnest Amwiine, Robert Kiza, Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Abstract: Background Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is prioritised for men at heightened risk of HIV, examining the determinants of PrEP awareness and acceptability among men in the general population is essential for informing inclusive and effective HIV prevention strategies in Kenya.

Methods: We analyzed secondary data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), which comprised 14,402 men aged 18–54 years who were selected using a two-stage stratified sampling. Data were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses using SPSS (version 29).

Results: Overall, 49.3% (95% CI: 47.4–51.2) of men were aware of PrEP. Among those who …

Factors Associated With Emergency Hospitalization Of Kidney Disease Patients In A National Hospital Kenya., Dorcus Miyombe

MSc in Advanced Practice Nursing

Introduction: Emergency hospitalizations among End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) is a major global health burden, with low- and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), experiencing the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. Limited resource, economic burden, and insufficient health infrastructure were the main challenges. Emergency hospitalizations at Kenyatta National Hospital remains high due to systemic gaps and poor continuity of care. Prerenal, intrarenal, post-renal injuries, as well as any combination of these, are the primary causes of ESKD. There are stipulated guidelines for ESKD patients’ management however, realization of these goals has not been achieved leading to hospitalization KDIGO …

Community Health Promoters’ Experiences In Mitigation Of Cardiovascular Diseases In Lari Sub-County - Kiambu County, Kenya, Emily Njeri Muchina

MSc in Advanced Practice Nursing

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a rising public health issue in low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya, where there is an escalation of their deaths and preventable risk factors. Community health promoters (CHPs) have a crucial role in the prevention of CVDs. Yet, low knowledge of CVD prevention and low detection of CVD risk factors characterise most underserved communities in Kenya. Little has been documented about CHPs' experiences in mitigating CVDs despite the presence of multilevel barriers and facilitators that can shape their experiences.

Aim: To gain an in-depth insight into the experiences of CHPs in mitigating CVD …

Optimal Anthropometric Discharge Criteria From Treatment Of Wasting: Meta-Analysis Of Individual Patient Data From 34 Studies, Lilia Bliznashka, Sandhya Chaudhary, Susan Rattigan, Sheila Isanaka, Ruth Adah, Tahmeed Ahmed, Nur Alam, Rodrigue Alitanou, Paluku Bahwere, Helen Nabwera

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Community-based treatment of acute malnutrition saves lives, but recovered children remain at risk of relapse post-discharge. Strategies to reduce this risk may include modification of anthropometric discharge criteria.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of anthropometric indices to reduce post-discharge relapse risk.

Methods: We searched PubMed from inception to June 2022. We included studies that enrolled children aged 0–59 mo successfully treated for severe or moderate acute malnutrition (SAM or MAM), assessed anthropometry at discharge, and had ≥1 follow-up assessment ≤6 mo post-discharge. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for anthropometric indices at discharge over multiple cutoffs were …

Burden Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders In Kenyan Children, Symon Kariuki, Patricia Kipkemoi, Martha Kombe, Mary Bitta, Jacqueline Phillips Owen, Amina Abubakar, Charles Newton

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Importance: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability contribute to one-tenth of the global burden of mental and neurologic disorders. The burden of NDDs is not well documented in Africa.

Objective:To assess the prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities of NDDs in young Kenyan children.

Design, setting and participants: This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6 to 9 years residing in the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Kenya. In stage I of the study, children were screened for NDDs from March 16, 2015, to September 14, 2016; those …