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Determination Of Reference Intervals For Common Chemistry And Immunoassay Tests For Kenyan Adults Based On An Internationally Harmonized Protocol And Up-To-Date Statistical Methods, Geoffrey Omuse, Kiyoshi Ichihara, Daniel Maina, Mariza Hoffman, Elizabeth Kagotho, Alice Kanyua, Jane Mwangi, Caroline Wambua, Angela Amayo, Peter Ojwang, Zul Premji, Rajiv Erasmus

Pathology, East Africa

Background: Due to a lack of reliable reference intervals (RIs) for Kenya, we set out to determine RIs for 40 common chemistry and immunoassay tests as part of the IFCC global RI project.

Methods: Apparently healthy adults aged 18–65 years were recruited according to a harmonized protocol and samples analyzed using Beckman-Coulter analyzers. Value assigned serum panels were measured to standardize chemistry results. The need for partitioning reference values by sex and age was based on between-subgroup differences expressed as standard deviation ratio (SDR) or bias in lower or upper limits (LLs and ULs) of the RI. RIs …

Covid-19 And Stroke In Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Series From Dar Es Salaam, Philip Adebayo, Nadeem Kassam, Omar Aziz, Ahmed Jusabani, Samina Somji, Mugisha Clement

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Low and middle-income countries including those in sub-Saharan (SSA) Africa are experiencing a steady increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. To the best of our knowledge, reports of COVID-19 related strokes are scarce in SSA. The peculiar situation of stroke care in SSA makes COVID-19 associated stroke a bothersome entity as it adds other dynamics that tilt the prognostic balance. We present a case series of COVID -19 related stroke in 3 patients from Tanzania. We emphasized protected code stroke protocol.

Furrowed Tongue, Fatten Lip And Facial Droop, Philip Adebayo, Hanifa Mbithe

Internal Medicine, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Magnitude Of Screening For Gestational Diabetes Mellitus In An Urban Setting In Tanzania; A Cross-Sectional Analytic Study, Akampa Mukuve, Mariam Noorani, Ibrahim Sendagire, Miriam Mgonja

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Medical screening detects risk factors for disease or presence of disease in otherwise well persons in order to intervene early and reduce morbidity and mortality. During antenatal care (ANC) it is important to detect conditions that complicate pregnancy, like gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite international and local guidelines recommending screening for GDM during ANC, there is evidence to suggest that the practice was not being carried out adequately. A major challenge may be lack of consensus on uniform GDM screening and diagnostic guidelines internationally and locally.

The primary objective was to determine the magnitude of screening for GDM among …

Post-Vaccination Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial Variant Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Funmilola T. Taiwo, Daniel E. Ezuduemoih, Philip Adebayo

Internal Medicine, East Africa

The pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is very rare. It is characterized by weakness of the upper extremities associated with bulbar symptoms and facial diplegia. Documented cases were post-infectious, a post-vaccination occurrence has not been documented in the available literature. Even rarer is the occurrence of any variant of GBS following the mumps measles rubella (MMR) vaccine. The neurophysiological hallmark of PCB variant of GBS is a combination of myelinopathy and axonopathy, hence, its consideration as a subtype of the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) variant. It should be suspected in any case of acute-onset flaccid symmetrical weakness …

Video Analysis Of Newborn Resuscitations After Simulation-Based Helping Babies Breathe Training, Ingunn Anda Haug, Kari Holte, Catherine L. Chang, Carolyn Purington, Joar Eilevstjønn, Anita Yeconia, Hussein Kidanto, Hege L. Ersdal

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Simulation-based Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training is currently rolled-out in around 80 low-income countries with various results.

Method: Workflow was analyzed in 76 video-recorded newborn resuscitations performed by regularly HBB-trained nurse-midwives over 3 years in rural Tanzania.

Results: Actual newborn resuscitation practice deviated from HBB intention/guideline: most newborns underwent prolonged suction and stimulation before ventilation; ventilation was delayed and frequently interrupted. Nurse-midwives often worked together.

Conclusions:There is a gap between training intention and clinical practice. HBB trainings should focus more on urgency, ventilation skills, and team training. Combining clinical debriefing with HBB simulations could facilitate continuous learning and …

Postoperative Myocardial Injury In A Patient With Left Ureteric Stone And Asymptomatic Covid-19 Disease, Nadeem Kassam, Omar Aziz, Ally Zain Ismail, Rodgers Swai, Samina Somji, Robert Mvungi, Mustaafa Bapumia, Ali Akbar Zehri, Salim Surani

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first identified on 8thDecember 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China, and has since spread globally to become an emergency of international concern. Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be asymptomatic or present with symptoms ranging from mild clinical manifestations: such as fever, cough, and sore throat to moderate and severe form of the disease such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In some patients, SARS-CoV-2 can affect the heart and cause myocardial injury which is evidenced either by electrocardiographic (ECG) changes …

Invasive Liver Abscess Syndrome Caused By Klebsiella Pneumoniae: First Tanzanian Experience, Nadeem Kassam, Omar Aziz, Samina Somji, Zainab Yusuf Fidaali, Salim Ramzan Surani

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Over the past 20 years there has been growing awareness of community-acquired primary liver abscess caused by strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) especially in patients of Asian descent, a minority of which are characterized by metastatic spread. A common and frequent destructive complication is endophthalmitis as well as the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS), causing suppurative meningitis or brain abscess. Here we report a case of invasive liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae in an Asian patient who presented to our hospital in Tanzania with bilateral lower limb swelling for 6 weeks with acute onset of difficulty …

Myocardial Echinococcosis: Rare Manifestation Of A Common Parasitic Disease In Northern Tanzania, Ahmed Jusabani, Clement F. Kalambo, Mubashir Jusabani, Salim Surani

Imaging & Diagnostic Radiology, East Africa

Hydatid (Echinococcal) disease often involves the liver and lungs but in sporadic cases, it can involve cardiac structures. A 24-year-old male was referred with symptoms of cough and shortness of breath and a provisional diagnosis of metastatic disease of unknown primary to the lung, which was based on a chest X-ray (CXR). Incidentally, on echocardiogram, he was found to have right ventricular (RV) and myocardial multiseptated cysts, which were compatible with cardiac echinococcosis, as the patient had multiple bilateral lung cysts as well. Imaging with ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has ameliorated the diagnosis of …

Establishing The College Of Pathologists Of East, Central And Southern Africa – The Regional East Central And Southern Africa College Of Pathology, Shahin Sayed, Rudo Mutasa, Ephata Kaaya, Victor Mudenda, Erasmus Rajiv, Edda Vuhahula, Jamilla Rajab, Robert Lukande, Edwin Walong, Angela Mutuku, Kenneth Fleming

Pathology, East Africa

Issues: The scarcity of pathologists in sub-Saharan Africa is a well established fact that is attributable to few training programmes in the region; this is further compounded by the lack of harmonised curricula, training and exams within and without member countries.

Description of the intervention: Through the Association of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa, the College of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (COPECSA) was formed with the clear-cut goal of establishing a regional and internationally recognised college to support and inform good quality medical and laboratory practice by promoting leadership, mentorship and excellence in the safe …

Trends In Hospitalisation For Human Immunodeficiency Virus In A Tertiary Hospital In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A Case Study, Grace Shayo, Tumaini Nagu, Lilian Msele, Patricia Munseri, Columba Mbekenga, Stephen Kibusi, Kisali Pallangyo, Ferdinand Mugusia

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Reports on a systematic evaluation of the impact of antiretroviral therapy(ART) on patients’ hospitalisation in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and Tanzania, in particular, are scarce. We aimed at documenting the trends of hospital admissions at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) following scale-up of free access to ART in Tanzania.

Methods: Records for all admissions at MNH from June 2005 to June 2015 were reviewed. We extracted data from the Hospital Information Management System as well as from patients’ charts. Data extracted included diagnosis at discharge, the reason for admission and thereafter assessed admission trends over the decade. We summarised …

Male Involvement Interventions And Improved Couples’ Emotional Relationships In Tanzania And Zimbabwe: ‘When We Are Walking Together, I Feel Happy’, Liz Comrie-Thomson, Webster Mavhu, Christina Makungu, Quamrun Nahar, Rasheda Khan, Jessica Davis, Erica Stillo, Saadya Hamdani, Stanley Luchters, Cathy Vaughan

Population Health, East Africa

Male involvement in maternal and child health is recognised as a valuable strategy to improve care-seeking and uptake of optimal home care practices for women and children in low- and middle-income settings. However, the specific mechanisms by which involving men can lead to observed behaviour change are not well substantiated. A qualitative study conducted to explore men’s and women’s experiences of male involvement interventions in Tanzania and Zimbabwe found that, for some women and men, the interventions had fostered more loving partner relationships. Both male and female participants identified these changes as profoundly meaningful and highly valued. Our findings illustrate …

Determinants Of Occupational Hazards Knowledge And Safety Practices Among Textile Workers In Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Study, Natasha Shaukat, Hasan Nawaz Tahir, Tanzil Jamali, Mohammed Moizul Hassan, Asaad Ahmed Nafees

Community Health Sciences

Objective: To determine the factors associated with good knowledge and safe practices regarding occupational hazards among textile workers.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi from September 2015 to February 2016, and comprised male workers from seven textile mills. A 45-item structured questionnaire was developed and pretested in Urdu, the local language. One part of the questionnaire comprised 31 items related to good knowledge, and the other part comprised 14 items related to safe practices. Data was analysed using SPSS 19.
Results: Of the 300 subjects, 123(41%) were aged 18-27 years, 183(63%) were educated, 184(61.3%) worked more than eight …

Endobronchial Tuberculosis: A Rare Presentation, Nadeem Kassam, Omar M. Aziz, Samina Somji, Grace Shayo

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is an infection of the tracheobronchial tree by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is common among young females. Patient can present with fever, cough, wheeze, with or without any constitutional symptoms. It presents as a diagnostic dilemma, as patient sputum smear can be false negative. CT scan may or may not show any abnormality, or any endobronchial lesion. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy offers the diagnostic choice. We hereby report a case of a young immunocompetent Asian female who was found to have endobronchial pathology, leading to diagnosis and timely therapy.

Disseminated Carcinomatosis Of Bone Marrow In An African Man With Metastatic Descending Colon Carcinoma, Harrison Chuwa, Nadeem Kassam, Casmir Wambura, Omar Sherman, Salim Surani

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked third worldwide and seventh in Tanzania. The liver and lungs are the most commonly involved sites. Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM) from colorectal carcinoma is rare and typically indicates widespread disease and poor prognosis. We report a case of a 40-year-old African male, who presented to us with abdominal distension, weight loss, fever and change in bowel habit over the past month. He underwent colonoscopy which revealed a necrotic mass in the descending colon. Biopsies were taken, and histopathology confirmed the presence of poorly differentiated mucin-producing adenocarcinoma. The patient suffered a colonic perforation …

Religious Beliefs, Social Pressure, And Stigma: Rural Women’S Perceptions And Beliefs About Vasectomy In Pwani, Tanzania, Eunice Pallangyo, Agnes Msoka, Sharon Brownie, Eleanor Holroyd

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Despite being a reliable and cost effective family planning method, vasectomy remains underutilized in many low resource settings such as East Africa. We explored rural women’s perceptions and beliefs regarding barriers to vasectomy use in the low resource setting of Pwani, Tanzania. The qualitative study used in-depth semi-structured interviews to obtain data. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 married/cohabiting women with two or more children. Thematic analysis guided the data analysis, with qualitative data reporting informed by COREQ guidelines. Most participants were Muslim and had between two and six children. Most had completed primary-level education and were engaged in …

Family Medicine In Tanzania: Seize The Moment, Riaz Ratansi, Bernhard M. Gaede

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

In the context of addressing the pressing health needs for the global population, the World Health Organization has repeatedly called for universal health coverage (UHC) to be prioritised by its member countries. This is to be achieved through a high-quality primary health care (PHC) approach that provides comprehensive and integrated generalist care as close to where people live as well as links the clinical care to health promotion and disease prevention. In this paper, we argue for the introduction of family medicines as a critical player in the healthcare system of Tanzania to strengthen the strategies towards UHC. The paper …

Adherence To Universal Precautions And Associated Factors Among Nurses Caring For Critically Ill Patients In Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, Salma A. Wibonela, Columba Mbekenga, Fatina B. Ramadhani, Ally Mwanga, Pedro Palangyo

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Globally, it is known that heath care workers particularly in critical care settings are at higher risk of occupational exposure to infections. Surveillance systems to monitor body fluid exposure have been established in developed world. However, such systems are not available and consequently, exposure to body fluids is rarely reported, documented and monitored in many African countries.

Objectives: To assess knowledge, practice and factors influencing adherence of Universal Precautions of infection prevention among nurses at Muhimbili national hospital and Muhimbili orthopaedic institute Dar es salaam Tanzania.

Design: Quantitative cross-sectional and observational study. SPSS was used for data …

Factors Associated With First Antenatal Care Booking Among Pregnant Women At A Reproductive Health Clinic In Tanzania: A Cross Sectional Study, Lucy Kisaka, Sebalda Leshabari

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is a key basic intervention targeting maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the first ANC booking before 12 weeks of gestation. This enhances positive maternal and fetal outcomes through early detection of complications, prompt treatment, referral, and management of expected physiological changes. Despite high ANC coverage (98%), free contacts, and easy accessibility, little is known why few (24%) pregnant women in Tanzania book their first ANC-visit early. This study aimed to identify factors associated with first ANC booking among pregnant women in a Tanzanian reproductive health clinic.

Methods: Systematic …

Adequacy Of Hemodialysis And Its Associated Factors Among Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Samina Somji, Pascal Ruggajo, Sibtain Moledina

Internal Medicine, East Africa

The worldwide prevalence of maintenance hemodialysis continues to rise. An adequate delivery of hemodialysis dose as measured by Kt/V or urea reduction ratio is a crucial determinant of clinical outcome for chronic hemodialysis patients. )e aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of hemodialysis and its associated factors among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in Dar es Salaam. )is was a cross-sectional study done on patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in four dialysis centers in Dar es Salaam. Sociodemographic information and treatment characteristics were collected. Urea reduction rate and single-pool Kt/V were calculated to determine the adequacy of hemodialysis. )e …

Adequacy Of Hemodialysis And Its Associated Factors Among Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Samina S. Somji, Pascal Ruggajo, Sibtain Moledina

Internal Medicine, East Africa

The worldwide prevalence of maintenance hemodialysis continues to rise. An adequate delivery of hemodialysis dose as measured by Kt/V or urea reduction ratio is a crucial determinant of clinical outcome for chronic hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of hemodialysis and its associated factors among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in Dar es Salaam. This was a cross-sectional study done on patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in four dialysis centers in Dar es Salaam. Sociodemographic information and treatment characteristics were collected. Urea reduction rate and single-pool Kt/V were calculated to determine the …

Menstrual-Related Headaches Among A Cohort Of African Adolescent Girls, Philip Adebayo, Folajimi M. Otubogun, Rufus O. Akinyemi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Introduction: Migraine attacks associated with menstruation are generally perceived as more severe than attacks outside this period.

Aim and Objective: The study aimed at determining the frequency of menstrual-related headaches among a cohort of senior secondary school girls in Abeokuta, Nigeria. We also determined its burden among these school girls.

Methodology: This study was cross-sectional using a validated adolescent headache survey questionnaire. A self-administration of the instrument was done during a school visit. A headache was classified using the ICHD-II criteria.

Results: Of the 183 students interviewed, 123(67.2%) had recurrent headaches. Mean age ±SD, 16.18± 1.55 (range 12– …

Profile Of Cardiac Arrhythmia In Acute Stroke Patients, Julius Stephen Nkhondeya Msukuya

Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine

Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias are common and can be fatal in acute strokes, but they are often under-recognized. The presence of cardiac arrhythmia in acute stroke doubles the mortality. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the types of cardiac arrhythmia in acute stroke patients admitted in two urban hospitals in Dar es Salaam, The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam and Muhimbili National Hospital. The secondary objectives were to determine the associations between the characteristic of stroke and cardiac arrhythmias as well as to determine the impact of cardiac arrhythmia on 30- days stroke outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal …

Validation Of Kiswahili Version Of World Health Organization Quality Of Life-Hiv Bref Questionnaire Among People Living With Hiv/Aids In Tanzania., Nuru Abdallah Kondo

Master of Medicine in Family Medicine

Background: WHO has developed an HIV specific quality of life tool (WHOQOLHIV-BREF) for assessing Quality of life of HIV positive individuals. This tool takes to account the different cultural variations that exist worldwide and hence enable assessment of the quality of life across different cultures/context. This tool has been validated in different cultures and is cross-culturally a promising tool. It is simple to use in routine clinics as it is self-administered. Despite its sound validity and reliability from several studies, the developers recommend it to be validated in different cultures to fully assess its psychometric properties before its adaptation. Objectives: …

Revisiting Caroli Syndrome In A Tanzanian Patient, Casmir Wambura, Sharma, Munishi, Salim Suran

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Caroli disease and Caroli syndrome are two rare congenital diseases of the intrahepatic bileducts. Caroli syndrome is characterized by the saccular dilatation of intrahepatic bile ductsassociated with congenital hepatic fibrosis. It is rarely diagnosed in childhood. We herebydescribe a case of Caroli syndrome in a young Tanzanian female who had abdominal pain anddistension since childhood. Her history suggested the presence of portal hypertension possiblyfrom congenital hepatic fibrosis. The diagnosis was reached based on ultrasound, computedtomography (CT) scan of the abdomen, and magnetic resonancecholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

An Assessment Of The Role Of Clinical Supervision In Improving The Quality Of Teaching: A Case Study Of A Secondary School In Kilifi North Sub-County, Kenya, Hurriet Riziki Karani

Master of Education

The quality of teaching is greatly dependent on the supervision approach employed. Clinical supervision is very pivotal in developing the teachers’ pedagogical techniques, which improves the quality of teaching, culminating into improved learners’ outcome. Clinical supervision, introduced in 2016 as part of the TPAD requirements, was meant to develop teachers’ pedagogical skills and practices in order to improve the quality of teaching. However, it was received with a lot of hostility as it is seen as deficiency detecting and spying tool. The study therefore assessed the role of clinical supervision in improving the quality of teaching in a secondary school …

Barriers To Timely Disclosure Of Hiv Serostatus: A Qualitative Study At Care And Treatment Centres In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Neelam Akber Ismail

Master of Family Medicine

Introduction: Disclosure of HIV status is important for HIV prevention and maintenance of health for People living with HIV (PLWHIV), their spouses and the community. Despite the benefits of disclosure, there are PLWHIV who delay in disclosing their status thus increasing the risk of transmission of the disease. Objective: This study aimed at determining the barriers to timely disclosure of HIV serostatus among HIV seropositive individuals in Dar es Salaam and what motivated them to disclose. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using in depth individual interviews was conducted. Ten participants attending the care and treatment centres took part. Qualitative content …

Mathematical Symbolization: Students’ Proficiency In Using Symbols, Peter Okoth Oyoo

Master of Education

This study examined the students’ proficiency in using mathematical symbols. The study objectives explored how learners connect symbols and their meanings, find out how learners use mathematical symbols in problem solving and ways in which learners’ problem-solving goals, activities and organization of results are influenced by mathematical symbols. The study was conducted in a public secondary school in Rarieda Sub-county in Western part of Kenya. It employed a qualitative approach with case study research design. The sampling techniques used to identify research location and recruit participants included convenience, purposive and stratified sampling where 2 secondary mathematics teachers and 8 secondary …

Mobile Application For Summative Assessment Of Language Literacies In Primary Education In Tanzania, Musa Saimon

Master of Education

Summative assessment of language literacies in Tanzanian primary education is based on paper-pencil. This kind of assessment limits learners from being assessed in other significant aspects of literacies such as oral, digital, and listening skills, which results in learners‟ lack of proficiency in using language, especially the English language. As an effort to improve the current situation, the present study explored the possibility of using mobile applications in summative language assessment of primary education in Tanzania. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and participatory action research design in which the researcher underwent three stages: reconnaissance, planning, and action. The …

Examining The Integration Of Information And Communication Technology By Chemistry Teachers In Ndhiwa Sub-County, Kenya, David Omondi Olela

Master of Education

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can transform teaching and learning. It can improve collaborative learning, creative and critical thinking, active learning environment, and transform the classroom into a learner-centred environment for active knowledge acquisition and deepening of understanding. However, the pace of integrating ICT in education has been relatively slow compared to other sectors such as banking and financial services. This study explored how chemistry teachers integrate ICT in teaching and learning in Ndhiwa Sub-County, Kenya using a mixed-methods research design. In phase one data on ICT implementation strategies, learning activities, and challenges teachers faced while integrating ICT in education …