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Pseudomyxoma Pleurii And Peritonei Secondary To Sigmoid Colon Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Clinico-Pathologico-Radiological Presentation, Casmir Wambura, Ahmed Jusabani, Salim Surani

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition resulting from mucin-producing tumors that have disseminated intointraperitoneal implants and mucinous ascites. The extra-abdominal spread of PMP is exceptionally rare, with few reportedcases in the medical literature. Pseudomyxoma pleurii is an infrequently encountered clinical syndrome characterized bytransdiaphragmatic pleural extension and spread of PMP. The disease is highly fatal. We hereby report a case of 58 years oldwoman who presented with an abdominal distension and shortness of breath of 2 months duration. Histopathology confirmedthe diagnosis of large mucin-producing rectosigmoid adenomatous polypoid lesion with malignant transformation and PMPthat had spread to the right pleural space. …

Predictors Of Death Including Quality Of Positive Pressure Ventilation During Newborn Resuscitation And The Relationship To Outcome At Seven Days In A Rural Tanzanian Hospital, Robert Moshiro, Jeffrey M. Perlman, Hussein Kidanto, Jan Terje Kvaløy, Paschal Mdoe, Hege L. Ersdal

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Effective positive pressure ventilation (PPV) of non-breathing newborns is crucial in facilitating cardio-respiratory adaptation at birth. Identifying predictors of death in newborns receiving PPV is important in order to facilitate preventative strategies.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perinatal predictors of death including the quality of PPV administered among admitted newborns.

Methods An observational study of admitted newborns who received PPV after birth was conducted. Research assistants observed all deliveries and recorded perinatal events on data collection forms. Measured heart rate (HR) and ventilation parameters were then compared between newborns who died and survivors.

Results …

Tracking Facility-Based Perinatal Deaths In Tanzania: Results From An Indicator Validation Assessment, Marya Plotkin, Dunstan Bishanga, Hussein Kidanto, Mary Carol Jennings, Jim Ricca, Amasha Mwanamsangu, Gaudiosa Tibaijuka, Ruth Lemwayi, Benny Ngereza, Mary Drake

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Globally, an estimated 2.7 million babies die in the neonatal period annually, and of these, about 0.7 million die from intrapartum-related events. In Tanzania 51,000 newborn deaths and 43,000 stillbirths occur every year. Approximately two-thirds of these deaths could be potentially prevented with improvements in intrapartum and neonatal care. Routine measurement of fetal intrapartum deaths and newborn deaths that occur in health facilities can help to evaluate efforts to improve the quality of intrapartum care to save lives. However, few examples exist of indicators on perinatal mortality in the facility setting that are readily available through health management information …

A Care Bundle Including Antenatal Corticosteroids Reduces Preterm Infant Mortality In Tanzania A Low Resource Country, Augustine Massawe, Hussein Kidanto, Robert Moshiro, Edna Majaliwa, Flora Chacha, Aisa Shayo, Paschal Mdoe, Prisca Ringia, Mary Azayo, Georgina Msemo

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Preterm neonatal mortality (NM) has remained high and unchanged for many years in Tanzania, a resource-limited country. Major causes of mortality include birth asphyxia, respiratory insufficiency and infections. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) have been shown to significantly reduce mortality in developed countries. There is inconsistent use of ACS in Tanzania.

Objective To determine whether implementation of a care bundle that includes ACS, maternal antibiotics (MA), neonatal antibiotics (NA) and avoidance of moderate hypothermia (temperature < 36°C) targeting infants of estimated gestational age (EGA) 28 to 34 6/7 weeks would reduce NM (< 7 days) by 35%.

Methods A Pre (September 2014 to May 2015) and Post (June 2015 to June 2017) Implementation strategy was used and introduced at three University-affiliated and one …

Intermittent Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Using A Fetoscope Or Hand Held Doppler In Rural Tanzania: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Paschal Francis Mdoe, Hege Ersdal, Estomih Mduma, Jeffrey M. Perlman, Robert Moshiro, Peter Wangwe, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background: Neonatal mortality is a global challenge, with an estimated 1.3 million intrapartum stillbirths in 2015. The majority of these were found in low resource settings with limited options to intrapartum fetal heart monitoring devices. This trial compared frequency of abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) detection and adverse perinatal outcomes (i.e. fresh stillbirths, 24-h neonatal deaths, admission to neonatal care unit) among women intermittently assessed by Doppler or fetoscope in a rural low-resource setting.

Methods: This was an open-label randomized controlled trial conducted at Haydom Lutheran Hospital from March 2013 through August 2015. Inclusion criteria were; women in labor, …

Challenges In Day-To-Day Midwifery Practice; A Qualitative Study From A Regional Referral Hospital In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Hanna Strømholt Bremnes, Åsil Kjøl Wiig, Muzdalfat Abeid, Elisabeth Darj

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background:

Maternal and infant mortality rates in Tanzania have decreased over the past decades, but remain high. One of the challenges the country faces, is the lack of skilled health care workers. High fertility rates make midwives and their patients particularly susceptible to stress as a result of understaffing.

Objective:

This paper explores the challenges midwives face in their day-to-day practice at a regional referral hospital in Tanzania, and investigates which measures the midwives themselves find necessary to implement to improve their situation.

Methods:

A qualitative study design with focus group discussions (FGDs) was employed to explore which challenges the …

Predictors Of Low Birth Weight And 24-Hour Perinatal Outcomes At Muhimbili National Hospital In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis Of Obstetric Records, Benjamin Anathory Kamala, Andrew Hans Mgaya, Matilda Michael Ngarina, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Introduction: The global prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) is 16%, representing more than 20 million infants worldwide, of which 96% are born in low-income countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, predictors and perinatal outcomes of LBW newborns.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data obtained from the hospital's obstetric and neonatal database. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The prevalence of LBW was 21% (n = 8,011) and two-thirds of these were delivered at term. Seven percent of newborns were stillbirths and 2% died within 24hrs after birth. …

Factors Associated With Women's Intention To Request Caesarean Delivery In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, C G. Misaeli, B A. Kamala, A H. Mgaya, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background. In the past decade, the rate of caesarean section (CS) has increased dramatically in many parts of the world. At Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) there has been a dramatic rise in the caesarean section rate over the past decade.

Objective. To determine the incidence of maternal request for CS and factors associated with intention to request caesarean section at the MNH antenatal clinic.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from August to October 2014. A structured questionnaire gathered participants’ background and obstetric information, perceptions and opinions regarding a request for caesarean section, and the respective reasons for …

Control Of Hypertension Among Diabetic Patients In A Referral Hospital In Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study, Semvua B. Kilonzo, Daniel W. Gunda, Fatma Bakshi, Fredrick Kalokola, Henry A. Mayala, Hollo Dadi

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background:

Hypertension is common among diabetic patients. The co-existence of two conditions carries an excessive risk of severe complications and mortalities. Limited information exists on the determinants of poor hypertension control among these patients. We aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with poor hypertension control in these patients.

Methods:

Data of diabetic patients who were also hypertensive attending an outpatient clinic from 1 August 2015 to 31 December 2015 at Bugando Medical Centre were retrospectively analyzed. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as a blood pressure of ≥130mmHg and/or ≥80mmHg systolic and diastolic respectively. A designed questionnaire was used …

Is Time Of Birth A Predictor Of Adverse Perinatal Outcome? A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study In A Low-Resource Setting, Tanzania, Andrew H. Mgaya, Januarius Hinju, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Inconsistent evidence of a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes during off-hours compared to office hours necessitated a search for clear evidence of an association between time of birth and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital compared perinatal outcomes across three working shifts over 24 h. A checklist and a questionnaire were used to record parturients’ socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcomes, including 5th minute Apgar score, and early neonatal mortality. Risks of adverse outcomes included maternal age, parity, referral status and mode of delivery, and were assessed …

Quality Assurance Self-Assessment: A Catalyst At Aga Khan University, Tashmin Khamis, Khairunnisa Dhamani

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

This article describes the establishment of the Aga Khan University’s Network of Quality Assurance and Improvement in promoting the principles of quality in its programmes. As an international university, the experiences and lessons learned have the potential to inform quality assurance and improvement in similar contexts. The authors reflect on past attempts to improve the quality of educational offerings, which were primarily traditional quality assurance audits. With the advent of the Inter-University Council for East Africa self-assessment process, the next generation of quality assurance and improvement was launched for the Aga Khan University programmes. They found the self-assessment process effective …

Improving Standards Of Care In Obstructed Labour: A Criteria-Based Audit At A Referral Hospital In A Low-Resource Setting In Tanzania, Andrew H. Mgaya, Hussein Kidanto, Lennarth Nystrom, Birgitta Essén

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Objective In low-resource settings, obstructed labour is strongly associated with severe maternal morbidity and intrapartum asphyxia, and consequently maternal and perinatal deaths. This study evaluated the impact of a criteria-based audit of the diagnosis and management of obstructed labour in a low-resource setting.

Methods A baseline criteria-based audit was conducted from October 2013 to March 2014, followed by a workshop in which stakeholders gave feedback on interventions agreed upon to improve obstetric care. The implemented interventions included but were not limited to introducing standard guidelines for diagnosis and management of obstructed labour, agreeing on mandatory review by specialist for cases …

Breech Delivery At A University Hospital In Tanzania, Ulf Högberg, Catrin Claeson, Lone Krebs, Agneta Skoog Svanberg, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background There is a global increase in rates of Cesarean delivery (CD). A minor factor in this increase is a shift towards CD for breech presentation. The aim of this study was to analyze breech births by mode of delivery and investigate short-term fetal and maternal outcomes in a low-income setting.

Methods The study design was cross-sectional and the setting was Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Subjects were drawn from a clinical database (1999–2010) using the following inclusion criteria: breech presentation, birth weight ≥ 2,500 g, single pregnancy, fetal heart sound at admission, and absence of pregnancy-related complication as …

Criteria-Based Audit To Improve Quality Of Care Of Foetal Distress: Standardising Obstetric Care At A National Referral Hospital In A Low Resource Setting, Tanzania, Andrew H. Mgaya, Helena Litorp, Hussein Kidanto, Lennarth Nyström, Birgitta Essén

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background In Tanzania, substandard intrapartum management of foetal distress contributes to a third of perinatal deaths, and the majority are term deliveries. We conducted a criteria-based audit with feedback to determine whether standards of diagnosis and management of foetal distress would be improved in a low-resource setting.

Methods During 2013–2015, a criteria-based audit was performed at the national referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Case files of deliveries with a diagnosis of foetal distress were identified and audited. Two registered nurses under supervision of a nurse midwife, a specialist obstetrician and a consultant obstetrician, reviewed the case files. Criteria for …

‘Essential But Not Always Available When Needed’ – An Interview Study Of Physicians’ Experiences And Views Regarding Use Of Obstetric Ultrasound In Tanzania, Annika Åhman, Hussein Kidanto, Matilda Ngarina, Kristina Edvardsson, Rhonda Small, Ingrid Mogren

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background The value of obstetric ultrasound in high-income countries has been extensively explored but evidence is still lacking regarding the role of obstetric ultrasound in low-income countries.

Objective We aimed to explore experiences and views among physicians working in obstetric care in Tanzania, on the role of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management.

Design A qualitative study design was applied. Data were collected in 2015, through 16 individual interviews with physicians practicing in obstetric care at hospitals in an urban setting in Tanzania. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results Use of obstetric ultrasound in the management of …

Glycaemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Among Children And Adolescents In A Resource Limited Setting In Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania, Mariam Noorani, Kaushik Ramaiya, Karim Manji

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a rapidly growing problem in Tanzania. Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes have previously been found to have poor glycaemic control and high prevalence of complications. Strict glycaemic control reduces the incidence and progression of chronic complications. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with glycaemic control among children and adolescents.

Methods

A cross sectional study was done at the diabetes clinic for children and adolescents. Data on socioeconomic, demographic and diabetes specific variables including adherence, diabetes knowledge, caregivers knowledge and their involvement in the care of the child …

Lung Functions Among Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Dar Es Salaam – A Cross-Sectional Study, Mohamed Manji, Grace Shayo, Simon Mamuya, Rose Mpembeni, Ahmed Jusabani, Ferdinand Mugusi

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Approximately 40–60 % of patients remain sufferers of sequela of obstructive, restrictive or mixed patterns of lung disease despite treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The prevalence of these abnormalities in Tanzania remains unknown.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 501 patients with PTB who had completed at least 20 weeks of treatment. These underwent spirometry and their lung functions were classified as normal or abnormal (obstructive, restrictive or mixed). Logistic regression models were used to explore factors associated with abnormal lung functions.

Results

Abnormal lung functions were present in 371 (74 %) patients. There were …

Dual Antiplatelet Agents And Rivaroxaban For Massive Intracoronary Thrombus In Stemi, Nasiruddin Jamal, Mustaafa Bapumia

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Management of intracoronary thrombus in patients presenting more than 12 hours after the onset of ST elevation myocardial infarction is challenging. We present such a case which had massive thrombus in left anterior descending artery. It was managed successfully with dual antiplatelet agents and factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban administered orally

‘What About The Mother?’ Women׳S And Caregivers׳ Perspectives On Caesarean Birth In A Low-Resource Setting With Rising Caesarean Section Rates, Helena Litorp, Andrew Mgaya, Hussein Kidanto, Sara Johnsdotter, Birgitta Essén

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Objective in light of the rising caesarean section rates in many developing countries, we sought to explore women׳s and caregivers׳ experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs in relation to caesarean section.

Design qualitative study using semi-structured individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations. The study relied on a framework of naturalistic inquiry and data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting a public university hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Participants we conducted a total of 29 individual interviews, 13 with women and 16 with caregivers, and two focus group discussions comprising five to six caregivers each. Women had undergone …

Knowledge And Attitude Towards Rape And Child Sexual Abuse – A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study In Rural Tanzania, Muzdalfat Abeid, Projestine Muganyizi, Siriel Massawe, Rose Mpembeni, Elisabeth Darj, Pia Axemo

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Violence against women and children is globally recognized as a social and human rights concern. In Tanzania, sexual violence towards women and children is a public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine community knowledge of and attitudes towards rape and child sexual abuse, and assess associations between knowledge and attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken between May and June 2012. The study was conducted in the Kilombero and Ulanga rural districts in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania. Men and women aged 18–49 years were eligible for the study. Through a three-stage …

Community Perceptions Of Rape And Child Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Study In Rural Tanzania, Muzdalfat Abeid, Projestine Muganyizi, Pia Olsson, Elisabeth Darj, Pia Axemo

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Rape of women and children is recognized as a health and human rights issue in Tanzania and internationally. Exploration of the prevailing perceptions in rural areas is needed in order to expand the understanding of sexual violence in the diversity of Tanzania’s contexts. The aim of this study therefore was to explore and understand perceptions of rape of women and children at the community level in a rural district in Tanzania with the added objective of exploring those perceptions that may contribute to perpetuating and/or hindering the disclosure of rape incidences.

Methods

A qualitative design was employed using focus …

Maternal Near-Miss And Death And Their Association With Caesarean Section Complications: A Cross-Sectional Study At A University Hospital And A Regional Hospital In Tanzania, Helena Litorp, Hussein Kidanto, Mattias Rööst, Muzdalifat Abeid, Lennarth Nyström, Birgitta Essén

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background The maternal near-miss (MNM) concept has been developed to assess life-threatening conditions during pregnancy, childhood, and puerperium. In recent years, caesarean section (CS) rates have increased rapidly in many low- and middle-income countries, a trend which might have serious effects on maternal health. Our aim was to describe the occurrence and panorama of maternal near-miss and death in two low-resource settings, and explore their association with CS complications.

Methods We performed a cross-sectional study, including all women who fulfilled the WHO criteria for MNM or death between February and June 2012 at a university hospital and a regional hospital …

Grand Multiparity: Is It Still A Risk In Pregnancy?, Andrew H. Mgaya, Siriel N. Massawe, Hussein Kidanto, Hans N. Mgaya

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background The association of grand multiparity and poor pregnancy outcome has not been consistent for decades. Classifying grand multiparous women as a high-risk group without clear evidence of a consistent association with adverse outcomes can lead to socioeconomic burdens to the mother, family and health systems. We compared the maternal and perinatal complications among grand multiparous and other multiparous women in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). A standard questionnaire enquired the following variables: demographic characteristics, antenatal profile and detected obstetric risk factors as well as maternal and neonatal risk …

Increasing Caesarean Section Rates Among Low-Risk Groups: A Panel Study Classifying Deliveries According To Robson At A University Hospital In Tanzania, Helena Litorp, Hussein Kidanto, Lennarth Nystrom, Elisabeth Darj, Birgitta Essén

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Rising caesarean section (CS) rates have been observed worldwide in recent decades. This study sought to analyse trends in CS rates and outcomes among a variety of obstetric groups at a university hospital in a low-income country.

Methods We conducted a hospital-based panel study at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. All deliveries between 2000 and 2011 with gestational age ≥ 28 weeks were included in the study. The 12 years were divided into four periods: 2000 to 2002, 2003 to 2005, 2006 to 2008, and 2009 to 2011. Main outcome measures included CS rate, relative size of …

Dementia Prevalence Estimates In Sub-Saharan Africa: Comparison Of Two Diagnostic Criteria, Stella Maria Paddick, Anna R. Longdon, Aloyce Kisoli, Catherine Dotchin, William K. Gray, Felicity Dewhurst, Paul Chaote, Raj Kalaria, Ahmed Jusabani, Richard Walker

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background:

We have previously reported the prevalence of dementia in older adults living in the rural Hai district of Tanzania according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria. The aim of this study was to compare prevalence rates using the DSM-IV criteria with those obtained using the 10/66 diagnostic criteria, which is specifically designed for use in low- and middle- income countries.

Methods:

In phase I, 1,198 people aged 70 and older were screened for dementia. A stratified sample of 296 was then clinically assessed for dementia according to the DSM-IV criteria. In addition, …

Sickle Cell Disease In Pregnancy: Trend And Pregnancy Outcomes At A Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania, Projestine S. Muganyizi, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

SCD in pregnancy is associated with increased adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. In Tanzania where the frequency of sickle cell trait is 13% there has been scanty data on SCD in pregnancy. With progressive improvement in childhood survival the burden of SCD in pregnancy will increase. We analyzed all deliveries at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) from 1999 to 2011. Fetal and maternal outcomes of SCD deliveries were compared with non-SCD. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 19. Chi square and Fisher Exact tests were used to compare proportions and the independent t-test for continuous data. To predict risks …

Mentoring For Educational Change An East African Case Study, Tashmin Khamis, Marilyn Chapman

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

In 2012, a partnership was begun between Aga Khan University (AKU) and Academics Without Borders Canada (AWBC). In the initial project, three mentors from AWBC worked with nursing faculty on three East African campuses of AKU with a focus on developing more interactive teaching skills and scholarship. Following this four-month project, two of the mentors continued to work with nursing faculty to develop capacity. The relationship between AKU and AWBC has been formally extended with the initiation of several new projects, all centred on strengthening the student learning experience.

Improved Quality Of Management Of Eclampsia Patients Through Criteria Based Audit At Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Bridging The Quality Gap, Hussein Kidanto, Peter Wangwe, Charles D. Kilewo, Lennarth Nystrom, Gunnila Lindmark

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Criteria-based audits (CBA) have been used to improve clinical management in developed countries, but have only recently been introduced in the developing world. This study discusses the use of a CBA to improve quality of care among eclampsia patients admitted at a University teaching hospital in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.

Objective The prevalence of eclampsia in MNH is high (≈6%) with the majority of cases arriving after start of convulsions. In 2004–2005 the case-fatality rate in eclampsia was 5.1% of all pregnant women admitted for delivery (MNH obstetric data base). A criteria-based audit (CBA) was used to evaluate the …

Implementation Of A Novel Continuous Fetal Doppler (Moyo) Improves Quality Of Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring In A Resource-Limited Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania: An Observational Study, Benjamin A. Kamala, Hege L. Ersdal, Ingvild Dalen, Muzdalfat Abeid, Matilda M. Ngarina, Jeffrey M. Perlman, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring is crucial for the early detection of abnormal FHR, facilitating timely obstetric interventions and thus the potential reduction of adverse perinatal outcomes. We explored midwifery practices of intrapartum FHR monitoring pre and post implementation of a novel continuous automatic Doppler device (the Moyo).

Methodology

A pre/post observational study among low-risk pregnancies at a tertiary hospital was conducted from March to December 2016. In the pre-implementation period, intermittent monitoring was conducted with a Pinard stethoscope (March to June 2016, n = 1640 women). In the post-implementation period, Moyo was used for continuous FHR monitoring …

Latent Tuberculosis Among Pregnant Mothers In A Resource Poor Setting In Northern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study, Faheem G. Sheriff, Karim P. Manji, Mohamed P. Manji, Mohamedsuhel M. Chagani, Rose M. Mpembeni, Ahmed Jusabani, Zaheerabbas A. Alwani

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background:

Untreated latent TB infection (LTBI) is a significant risk factor for active pulmonary tuberculosis, hence predisposing to adverse pregnancy outcomes and mother to child transmission. The prevalence of latent tuberculosis in pregnancy and its association, if any, with various socio-demographic, obstetric and clinical characteristics was evaluated.

Methods:

Northern Tanzania was chosen as the study site. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 286 pregnant women from 12 weeks gestational age to term were assessed. Screening was undertaken using an algorithm involving tuberculin skin testing, symptom screening in the form of a questionnaire, sputum testing for acid fast bacilli followed …