Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Factors Associated With Detection Of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus In Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected And Uninfected Kenyan Women, Aaron Ermel, P. Tonui, M. Titus, Y. Tong, N. Wong, J. Ong’Echa, Kapten Muthoka, Stephen Kiptoo, A. Moormann, Elkanah Omenge

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Cervical cancer is caused by oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) and is one of the most common malignancies in women living in sub-Saharan Africa. Women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a higher incidence of cervical cancer, but the full impact on HPV detection is not well understood, and associations of biological and behavioral factors with oncogenic HPV detection have not been fully examined. Therefore, a study was initiated to investigate factors that are associated with oncogenic HPV detection in Kenyan women.

Methods: Women without cervical dysplasia were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Data from enrollment are presented …

Is There Value To Sub-Specialty Training In Sub-Saharan Africa?, Elkanah Omenge, S. E. Sinasac, Peter Itsura, Philip Tonui, B. Rosen, A. Covens

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Over the past three decades, Africa has focused on combatting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/ AIDS. As treatment strategies for infectious diseases have improved over time, life expectancy has increased, shifting the burden to chronic diseases, such as cancer. The WHO has now identified non-communicable diseases, including cancer, as the new epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa1. Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing rapidly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) as compared to high-income countries. By 2020, it is predicted that 70% of all new cancers worldwide will occur in LMIC2. In 2012 850 000 new cancers were diagnosed …

Association Of Female Sexual Dysfunction And Fertility: A Cross Sectional Study, Felix Oindi, Alfred Murage, Valentino Manase Lema, Abraham Mukaindo

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Sexual function plays an essential role in the bio-psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life of women and disturbances in sexual functioning often result in significant distress. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and subfertility are common problems affecting approximately 43 and 20% of women respectively. However, despite the high prevalence of both conditions, little has been studied on the effects of subfertility on sexual functioning especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We set out to compare the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in patients on assessment for sub-fertility and those either seeking or already on fertility control services at a private tertiary teaching …

Factors Related To Congenital Heart Disease In Offspring From Women With Rheumatic Heart Disease: Case Reports From Moi Teaching And Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya, Philippe P. A, Elkanah Omenge, Barasa F. A

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Maternal exposure to environmental factors has been reported to be associated with birth defects. Congenital heart defects are the most common and are associated with high morbidity and mortality in offspring. However, the relation of maternal rheumatic heart disease to congenital heart defects in the offspring is a rare event not yet reported. The authors report 2 cases of infants with congenital heart defects born from mothers with rheumatic heart disease. This study highlights factors related to congenital heart defects in both newborns.

Systematic Review Of Doppler For Detecting Intrapartum Fetal Heart Abnormalities And Measuring Perinatal Mortality In Low‐ And Middle‐Income Countries, Marya Plotkin, Benjamin Kamala, Jim Ricca, Linda Fogarty, Sheena Currie, Hussein Kidanto, Stephanie B. Wheeler

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Using Doppler to improve detection of intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities coupled with appropriate, timely intrapartum care in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) can save lives.

Objective: To review studies using Doppler to improve detection of intrapartum FHR abnormalities and intrapartum care quality in LMIC health facilities.

Search strategy: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Global Health, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 2018 by combining terms for Doppler, perinatal outcomes, and FHR monitoring.

Selection criteria: Selected studies compared Doppler and Pinard stethoscope for detecting/monitoring intrapartum FHR, or described provider and maternal preferences for FHR monitoring in LMIC …

Potential Causes Of Early Death Among Admitted Newborns In A Rural Tanzanian Hospital, Robert Moshiro, Jeffrey M. Perlman, Paschal Mdoe, Hussein Kidanto, Jan Terje Kvaløy, Hege L. Ersdal

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Approximately 40,000 newborns die each year in Tanzania. Regional differences in outcome are common. Reviewing current local data, as well as defining potential causal pathways leading to death are urgently needed, before targeted interventions can be implemented

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and potential causal pathways contributing to newborn death and determine the presumed causes of newborn mortality within seven days, in a rural hospital setting.

Methods: Prospective observational study of admitted newborns born October 2014–July 2017. Information about labour/delivery and newborn management/care were recorded on data collection forms. Causes of deaths were predominantly based on clinical diagnosis. …

Radical Hysterectomy For Operable Early Cervical Cancer In Hiv-Positive And Hiv-Negative Women In Western Kenya, Peter M. Itsura, Rachel N. Deraney, Elkanah Omenge, Philip Tonui, Barry Rosen, Susan Cu-Uvin

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Radical hysterectomy is well tolerated with no increase in complications in HIV-infected women and is an appropriate form of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer in HIV-infected women.

Routine Late Trimester Ultrasound For The Detection Ofsmall-For-Gestational-Age And Growth-Restricted Fetus Inlow-Risk Pregnancy: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Sikolia Wanyonyi, Doreen Osoro, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: To compare the proportion of small-for-gestational-age and fetal growth-restricted fetuses detected in women offered a routine growth ultrasound to those either offered selective or no ultrasound in the third trimester.

Methods: An open-label randomised control trial was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. Eligible women were randomised into either the intervention or control group. Women in the intervention arm had a mandatory third trimester ultrasound for fetal growth performed between 36 weeks 0 days to 37 weeks 6 days. Those in the control group had a selective growth scan done if the clinician suspected abnormal fetal growth. …

Predictors For Expired Co2 In Neonatal Bag-Mask Ventilation At Birth: Observational Study, Kari Holte, Hege Langli Ersdal, Joar Eilevstjønn, Monica Thallinger, Jørgen Linde, Claus Klingenberg, Rene Holst, Samwel Jatosh, Hussein Kidanto, Ketil Stordal

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Expired carbon dioxide (ECO2) indicates degree of lung aeration immediately after birth. Favourable ventilation techniques may be associated with higher ECO2 and a faster increase. Clinical condition will however also affect measured values. The aim of this study was to explore the relative impact of ventilation factors and clinical factors on ECO2 during bag-mask ventilation of near-term newborns.

Methods: Observational study performed in a Tanzanian rural hospital. Side-stream measures of ECO2, ventilation data, heart rate and clinical information were recorded in 434 bag-mask ventilated newborns with initial heart rate <120 beats per minute. We studied ECO2 by clinical factors (birth weight, Apgar scores and initial heart rate) and ventilation factors (expired tidal volume, ventilation frequency, mask leak and inflation pressure) in random intercept models and Cox regression for time to ECO2 >2%.

Results: ECO2 rose non-linearly with increasing expired tidal volume …

Frequent Refresher Training On Newborn Resuscitation And Potential Impact On Perinatal Outcome Over Time In A Rural Tanzanian Hospital: An Observational Study, Estomih Mduma, Jan Terje Kvaløy, Eldar Soreide, Erling Svensen, Paschal Mdoe, Jeffrey Perlman, Caroline Johnson, Hussein Kidanto, Hege Langli Ersdal

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: Globally, perinatal mortality remains high, especially in sub-Saharan countries, mainly because of inadequate obstetric and newborn care. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) resuscitation training as part of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) programme may improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe observed changes in perinatal survival during a 6-year period, while adjusting for relevant perinatal risk factors.

Setting: Delivery rooms and operating theatre in a rural referral hospital in northern-central Tanzania providing comprehensive obstetric and basic newborn care 24 hours a day. The hospital serves approximately 2 million people comprising low social-economic status.

Participants: …

Health Professionals' Experiences And Views On Obstetric Ultrasound In Vietnam: A Regional, Cross-Sectional Study, Sophia Holmlund, Pham Thi Lan, Kristina Edvardsson, Ho Dang Phuc, Joseph Ntaganira, Rhonda Small, Hussein Kidanto, Matilda Ngarina, Ingrid Mogren

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: Obstetric ultrasound is an important part of antenatal care in Vietnam, although there are great differences in access to antenatal care and ultrasound services across the country. The aim of this study was to explore Vietnamese health professionals' experiences and views of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management, resources and skills.

Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed as part of the CROss Country UltraSound study.

Setting: Health facilities (n=29) in urban, semiurban and rural areas of Hanoi region in Vietnam.

Participants: Participants were 289 obstetricians/gynaecologists and 535 midwives.

Results: A majority (88%) …

Effects Of Implementing Free Maternity Service Policy In Kenya: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis, Evaline Lang’At, Lillian Mwanri, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Maternal and perinatal mortality is a major public health concern across the globe and more so in low and middle-income countries. In Kenya, more than 6000 maternal deaths, and 35,000 stillbirths occur each year. The Government of Kenya abolished user fee for maternity care under the Free Maternity Service policy, in June of 2013 in all public health facilities, a move to make maternity services accessible and affordable, and to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality.

Method: An observational retrospective study was carried out in 3 counties in Kenya. Six maternal health output indicators were observed monthly, 2 years pre …

Detection And Concentration Of Plasma Aflatoxin Is Associated With Detection Of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus In Kenyan Women, Jianjun Zhang, Elkanah Omenge, Philip Tonui, Yan Tong, Titus Manai, Stephen Kiptoo, Kapten Muthoka, John Groopman, Joshua Smith, Erin Madeen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Cervical cancer is common in Kenyan women. Cofactors in addition to infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) are likely to be important in causing cervical cancer, because only a small percentage of HPV-infected women will develop this malignancy. Kenyan women are exposed to dietary aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen and immunosuppressive agent, which may be such a cofactor.

Methods: Demographics, behavioral data, plasma, and cervical swabs were collected from 88 human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected Kenyan women without cervical dysplasia. Human papillomavirus detection was compared between women with or without plasma aflatoxin B1-lysine (AFB1-lys) and evaluated in relation to AFB1-lys concentration.

Results: …

Early Second Trimester Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome In Monoamniotic Twin Pregnancy: The Cause And Management–A Case Report From Resource Limited Settings, Philippe P. A., Andrew Cheruiyot, Sahara Shurie, M Pallavi, Elkanah Omenge

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Monoamniotic twin pregnancies are the least common type of twin pregnancies, associated with high foetal death rates. In addition, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare event in monoamniotic twins. The expectant management of early single-twin foetal demise is challenging due to risk to the surviving co-twin, and psychological impact on the mother. The authors report the case of early second trimester single-twin foetal demise, likely due to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in monochorionic twin pregnancy. The 22-year-old primigravida presented with vaginal bleeding in monoamniotic twin pregnancy. She then had sudden single-twin intrauterine demise at 16 weeks of gestation that ended with …

The Gender-Based Violence And Recovery Centre At Coast Provincial General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya: An Integrated Care Model For Survivors Of Sexual Violence, Marleen Temmerman, Emilomo Ogbe, Griffins Manguro, Iqbal Khandwalla, Mary Thiongo, Kishor N. Mandaliya, Lou Dierick, Markus Macgill, Peter Gichangi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

• Sexual violence (SV) is highly prevalent and a major public health problem globally. In Kenya, an estimated 32% of females and 18% of males were reported to have experienced SV before the age of 18 years.
• This paper presents a data set collected between 2007 and 2018 and describes the gender-based violence and recovery centre (GBVRC) model under which survivors of SV were cared for at a 24-hour public hospital in Mombasa, Kenya—including its development, implementation, achievements, and challenges.
• The GBVRC model is a partnership that provides (in addition to emergency healthcare) mental health support, paralegal services, and integrated cooperation …

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma In Pregnancy: Management Approach Case Report At Moi Teaching And Referral Hospital, Eldoret-Kenya, Philip Tonui, Elly B. Odongo, Andrew Cheruiyot, Sahara Shurie, Elkanah Omenge

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an uncommon tumour, which raises management dilemma in pregnant women. The condition has a considerable effect on the pregnancy outcome, considering the risk of preterm delivery. This paper reports a case of 26 years old Gravida 7 Para 6 admitted at 28 weeks of gestation with epistaxis, hematemesis and a neck mass. The head CT scan showed a right paranasal space soft tissue mass with bony destruction and bilateral cervical adenopathy, consistent with neoplastic carcinoma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Deterioration of the patient’s condition, necessitated emergency caesarean delivery at 32 weeks to accommodate …

A New Woman-Controlled Contraceptive Vaginal Ring: A Global Step Forward, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

More than 40 years ago, the development of contraceptive vaginal rings began, based on the fact that the vaginal epithelium can absorb steroid hormones and the capacity of elastomers to release these hormones at almost constant rates. The growing interest in woman-controlled contraceptive methods has supported and accelerated the process.

Use Of Long‐Acting Reversible Contraception In A Cluster‐Random Sample Of Female Sex Workers In Kenya, Frances H. Ampt, Megan . S.C Lim, Paul A. Agius, Matthew F. Chersich, Griffins Manguro, Caroline M. Gichuki, Mark Stoové, Marleen Temmerman, Walter Jaoko, Margaret Hellard, Peter Gichangi, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To assess correlates of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use, and explore patterns of LARC use among female sex workers (FSWs) in Kenya.

Methods: Baseline cross-sectional data were collected between September 2016 and May 2017 in a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Mombasa. Eligibility criteria included current sex work, age 16–34 years, not pregnant, and not planning pregnancy. Peer educators recruited FSWs from randomly selected sex-work venues. Multiple logistic regression identified correlates of LARC use. Prevalence estimates were weighted to adjust for variation in FSW numbers recruited across venues.

Results: Among 879 participants, the prevalence of contraceptive use was 22.6% for …

‘I’M Here To Save My Life’: A Qualitative Study Of Experiences Navigating A Cryotherapy Referral System For Human Papillomavirus-Positive Women In Western Kenya, Megan Huchko, Konyin Adewumi, Sandra Oketch, Ibrahim Saduma, Elizabeth Bukusi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: We sought to understand the beliefs, social norms and logistical factors that affect human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women’s uptake of cryotherapy treatment as part of a two-part cervical cancer screening strategy in rural Kenya.

Methods: In-depth interviews within a parent cluster-randomised trial.

Setting: Government-run county hospital in western Kenya.

Participants: 273 of 372 (73.4%) HPV-positive women who underwent cryotherapy

Results: Many women feared that an HPV infection meant they would develop cancer. Almost all women reported initial fear of the treatment procedure, followed by a more positive experience than anticipated. Lacking funds for transportation to the treatment site was the …

How Providing Cervical Cancer Screening Results Via Cell Phone Affects Patient Follow-Up Rates In Western Kenya, Megan J. Huchko, Ibrahim Saduma, Cinthia Blat, Sandra Oketch, Elizabeth Bukusi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is being more widely used in simplified cervical cancer screening protocols in low-resource settings. One challenge to successful implementation is the multiple visits necessary to provide results and follow-up. mHealth strategies may reduce visit burden by providing information through text message.

Methods: As part of a cluster-randomized trial to compare HPV testing in clinics and community health campaigns in western Kenya, we carried out a mixed-methods study to assess women's preferences and experiences with different strategies to receive their results. Women could opt to receive their HPV results via text message, cell phone call, home …

Progress In Adolescent Health And Wellbeing: Tracking 12 Headline Indicators For 195 Countries And Territories, 1990–2016, Peter S. Azzopardi, Stephen J. C. Hearps, Kate L. Francis, Elissa C. Kennedy, Ali H. Mokdad, Nicholas J. Kassebaum, Stephen Lim, Caleb M. S. Irvine, Theo Vos, Alex D. Brown, Surabhi Dogra, Stuart A. Kinner, Natasha S. Kaoma, Mariam Naguib, Nicola J. Reavley, Jennifer Requejo, John S. Santelli, Susan M. Sawyer, Vegard Skirbekk, Marleen Temmerman, Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith, Joseph L. Ward, Russell M. Viner, George C. Patton

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Rapid demographic, epidemiological, and nutritional transitons have brought a pressing need to track progress in adolescent health. Here, we present country-level estimates of 12 headline indicators from the Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing, from 1990 to 2016.

Methods: Indicators included those of health outcomes (disability-adjusted life-years [DALYs] due to communicable, maternal, and nutritional diseases; injuries; and non-communicable diseases); health risks (tobacco smoking, binge drinking, overweight, and anaemia); and social determinants of health (adolescent fertility; completion of secondary education; not in education, employment, or training [NEET]; child marriage; and demand for contraception satisfied with modern methods). We drew …

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy In Pregnancy: A Case Report And Literature Review, Felix Oindi, Evan Sequeira, Herman Ryan Sequeira, Steve Mutiso

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is rare in pregnancy and is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning. This transient cardiac dysfunction may affect women of childbearing age in the antepartum, intrapartum or postpartum period. Most patients respond well to medical management with resolution of cardiac dysfunction within weeks.

Case presentation: A 35-year-old female in her second pregnancy presented with severe preeclampsia at 31 weeks of gestation. She subsequently developed severe substernal chest pain and workup showed a stress induced cardiomyopathy prior to her delivery via caesarean section. She had full recovery of her cardiac function by 12 weeks postpartum after …

Effects Of Free Maternity Service Policy In Kenya: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis, Evaline Lang'at, L. Mwanri, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: In Kenya, more than 6000 maternal deaths, and 35000 stillbirths occur each year. In June, 2013, the Government of Kenya abolished user fees for maternity care in all public health facilities under the Free Maternity Service (FMS) policy, to make maternity services accessible and affordable, and to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths. This study aims to establish whether the FMS policy has influenced use of, access to, and quality of maternity care in Kenya.

Methods: We did an observational retrospective study in three counties in Kenya. We used daily maternity registers in 90 public health facilities to extract monthly …

Empowering Hiv-Infected Women In Lowresource Settings: A Pilot Study Evaluating A Patient-Centered Hiv Prevention Strategy For Reproduction In Kisumu, Kenya, Okeoma Mmeje, Betty Njoroge, Pauline Wekesa, Alfred Murage, Raphael O. Ondondo, Sheryl Van Der Poel, Mary A. Guze, Starley B. Shade, Elizabeth A. Bukusi, Deborah Cohan, Craig R. Cohen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Female positive/male negative HIV-serodiscordant couples express a desire for children and may engage in condomless sex to become pregnant. Current guidelines recommend antiretroviral treatment in HIV-serodiscordant couples, yet HIV RNA viral suppression may not be routinely assessed or guaranteed and pre-exposure prophylaxis may not be readily available. Therefore, options for becoming pregnant while limiting HIV transmission should be offered and accessible to HIV-affected couples desiring children.

Methods: A prospective pilot study of female positive/male negative HIV-serodiscordant couples desiring children was conducted to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of timed vaginal insemination. Eligible women were 18-34 years with regular …

Is Repeat Abortion A Public Health Problem Among Chinese Adolescents? A Cross-Sectional Survey In 30 Provinces, Jinlin Liu, Shangchun Wu, Jialin Xu, Marleen Temmerman, Wei-Hong Zhang, The Inpac Group

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

The Chinese Family Planning (FP) programme mainly focuses on married couples, and young unmarried women have limited access. This cross-sectional study aims to identify risk factors related to repeat abortions in Chinese adolescents receiving abortions. Data were collected using a questionnaire for all women seeking abortions within 12 weeks of pregnancy during a period of 2 months in 297 participating hospitals randomly selected across 30 provinces of China in 2013. Only the adolescents (younger than the minimum legal married age of 20 years) were included in this study. Of the 2370 adolescents who were receiving abortions, 927 (39%) were undergoing …

National Policies And Care Provision In Pregnancy And Childbirth For Twins In Eastern And Southern Africa: A Mixed-Methods Multi-Country Study, Claudia Hanson, Stephen Munjanja, Agnes Binagwaho, Bellington Vwalika, Andrea B. Pembe, Elsa Jacinto, George K. Chilinda, Kateri B. Donahoe, Sikolia Wanyonyi, Peter Waiswa, Muchabayiwa F. Gidiri, Lenka Benova

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: High-risk pregnancies, such as twin pregnancies, deserve particular attention as mortality is very high in this group. With a view to inform policy and national guidelines development for the Sustainable Development Goals, we reviewed national training materials, guidelines, and policies underpinning the provision of care in relation to twin pregnancies and assessed care provided to twins in 8 Eastern and Southern African countries: Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Methods and findings: We located policies and guidelines by reviewing national repositories and by contacting experts to systematically map country-level maternal and newborn training materials, guidelines, and …

Factors Associated With A Positive Depression Screen After A Miscarriage, Steve Mutiso, Alfred Murage, Abraham Mukaindo

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: Miscarriages are a common pregnancy complication and positive depression screen after a miscarriage has been shown to be high in our population. Various factors are associated with an increased risk of developing depression after a miscarriage. However, these factors vary across populations studied with no studies existing in our region. We set out to determine the factors associated with a positive depression screen among post-miscarriage women at the Aga Khan University hospital, Nairobi.

Methods: Patients were recruited at the 2 weeks clinic review after a miscarriage in the gynaecological clinics. They were screened using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale …

Does A History Of Sexual And Physical Childhood Abuse Contribute To Hiv Infection Risk In Adulthood? A Study Among Post-Natal Women In Harare, Zimbabwe, Simukai Shamu, Patience Shamu, Christina Zarowsky, Marleen Temmerman, Tamara Shefer, Naeemah Abrahams

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Sexual and physical abuse in childhood creates a great health burden including on mental and reproductive health. A possible link between child abuse and HIV infection has increasingly attracted attention. This paper investigated whether a history of child physical and sexual abuse is associated with HIV infection among adult women.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 2042 postnatal women (mean age = 26y) attending six public primary health care clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe within 6 weeks post-delivery. Clinic records were reviewed for mother’s antenatal HIV status. Participants were interviewed about childhood abuse including physical or …

Missed Opportunities In Women's Health: Post-Abortion Care, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Around the world, 56 million induced abortions took place annually in 2010–14, which was about 25% of all pregnancies. Abortion rates vary widely across regions, do not differ significantly by income level or legal status of abortion^,1 and depend on many factors, one of the key ones being a lack of access to modern contraceptives.¹ Safe abortion, however, depends on the legal climate, and countries with restrictive abortion laws are far more likely to have illegal and unsafe abortions. Abortionrelated complications are an important and preventable cause of maternal mortality, accounting for 8–9% of maternal deaths worldwide,^{2 …}

Clinical-Pathological Presentation, Treatment And Outcomes Of Ovarian Cancer Cases At Moi Teaching And Referral Hospital (Mtrh), Eldoret, Benjamin O. Elly, Elkanah Omenge, Peter Itsura, Philip Tonui, Hellen N. Muliro, Vincent N. Oyiengo, Thomas Achia

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the third most frequent cause of death amongst gynecological cancers both locally and globally. It presents with vague nonspecific symptoms and is histologically heterogeneous. Ovarian cancer management is primarily surgical followed by adjuvant chemotherapy depending on the histological type and the surgical stage.

Objectives: To determine the clinical-pathological presentation, treatment and outcomes of ovarian cancer patients at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of ovarian cancer patients managed between January 2010 and August 2017 at MTRH. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Survival trends were …