Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Mental And Substance Use Problems Among Adults In Kenya: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Patrick Nzivo Mwangala, Anita Kerubo, Millicent Makandi, Rachel Odhiambo, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Data on the burden and determinants of mental and substance use problems among women in urban and rural informal settlements in Kenya is sparse, thus limiting preventive and treatment efforts in these areas. To bridge the gap, we (a) determined the prevalence of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol and drug use problems among women compared to their spouses and (b) examined the correlates of these outcomes. Data collection for this cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 in Mombasa, Kwale and Nairobi counties in Kenya. A total of 1528 adults (1048 women) took part. The 9-Item …

Mechanisms Of Interventions Targeting Modifiable Factors For Dementia Risk Reduction, Anna Matton, Ruth Stephen, Makrina Daniilidou, Mariagnese Barbera, Vilma Alanko, Marcel Ballin, Jamie Ford, Katri Hemiö, Jenni Lehtisalo, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

The global prevalence of dementia is increasing. With no widely available and accessible treatments to halt or reverse the progression of dementia, exploring preventative strategies is critical. Lifestyle-based interventions show promise in preventing or delaying dementia onset. However, understanding the complex and multifactorial mechanisms underlying dementia, and how interventions target these pathways, is essential for developing personalized and effective strategies. In this review, we examined the current evidence of the mediating pathways in dementia risk reduction. We focused on mechanisms investigated in single-domain interventions on physical exercise, cognitive training, diet, metabolic/cardiovascular or psycho-social risk factors in line with those combined …

Impact Of Cessation Of Caffeine Citrate Therapy On Intermittent Hypoxemia Patterns Among Preterm Infants Born Before 34 Weeks, Peter Kipkurui Mashep, Roseline Ochieng, Jesse Coleman, Mary Waiyego, Amy Sarah Ginsburg, Dorothy Chomba, Morris Ogero Ondieki, Grace Irimu, William Macharia, Mark Ansermino

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Introduction: Intermittent hypoxemia (IH) is defined as oxygen saturation (SpO₂) drop ≥5% from the baseline (set at 90 s preceding the event) to a level less than 90% lasting for ≥5 s. Caffeine citrate, the standard of care for apnea of prematurity, reduces IH events. IH contributes to both short and long-term adverse neurologic outcomes. Standard patient monitors cannot detect IH events due to long averaging times.

Objective: Describe change in patterns of IH events in preterms < 34 weeks before and after cessation of caffeine citrate and factors associated.

Methods: Interrupted time series study design. Data was collected from 1 December 2022 to 30 June 2023. MASIMO RAD-G oximeter was …

Intersectoral Interventions: Integration For Impact On Preterm Birth, Etienne V. Langlois, Maria El Bizri, Kelly Thompson, Amy Reid, Merette Khalil, Giulia Gasparri, Joy E. Lawn, Teesta Dey, Judith Robb-Mccord, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Progress: The last two decades have seen a growing focus on intersectoral interventions to improve maternal and newborn health and well-being outcomes, as refected in eforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Preterm births are linked to cross-sectoral determi‑ nants that afect health outcomes and human capital across the life-course, necessitating an intersectoral approach that addresses these multifaceted challenges.

Programmatic priorities: Recognizing that social, biological and economic determinants signifcantly infuence health outcomes, it is critical that robust health systems are reinforced by a comprehensive intersectoral approach. Evidence suggests that the factors infuencing …

Small And Sick Newborn Care: Changes In Service Readiness Scoring Between Baseline And 2023 For 65 Neonatal Units Implementing With Nest360 In Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, And Tanzania, Rebecca E. Penzias, Morris Ondieki Ogero, Robert Tillya, Irabi Kassim, Olabisi Dosunmu, Opeyemi Odedere, Hannah Mwaniki, Vincent Ochieng, Dolphine Mochache, William Macharia

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Health Facility Assessments (HFAs) are important for measuring and tracking service readiness for small and sick newborn care (SSNC). NEST360 Alliance aims to reduce neonatal mortality in four countries (Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania). NEST360 and UNICEF facilitated HFA tool design with ministries of health in four African countries and developed two complimentary approaches to summarize readiness. Using the NEST360/UNICEF HFA tool, we collected data, developed two service readiness scoring approaches for SSNC (standards-based scoring by adapted World Health Organization (WHO) health system building blocks (HSBBs) and assessing service readiness across the health system, and level-2+ scoring by WHO clinical interventions), …

Exploring Early Childhood Development Programming In Kenya’S Arid And Semi-Arid Lands, Phyllis Magoma, Amina Abubakar, Martha Kaniala, Barack Aoko, Moses Wesala, Joyce Marangu, Susan Nyamanya, Margaret Kabue, Anil Khamis, Esther Chongwo

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Promoting high-quality early childhood development (ECD) is vital for individuals’ physical and social well-being and yields significant societal returns. However, children in marginalised regions like Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) face significant barriers to accessing quality ECD services.

Aim: This study aimed to document existing ECD services in Kenya’s ASAL areas, including their availability, types and key characteristics; identify gaps in their provision and propose solutions to enhance access and quality. Setting: This qualitative study was conducted in 10 ASAL counties in Kenya.

Methods: Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, 103 key informants, including pre-primary …

Supplementation With Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food Has No Effect On Adverse Outcomes Among Undernourished Children Aged 6–59 Months With Severe Pneumonia, Damalie Nalwanga, Elisa Giallongo, Victor Musiime, Sarah Kiguli, Peter Olupot-Olupot, Florence Alaroker, Robert Opoka, Abner Tagoola, Mainga Hamaluba, Christabel Mogaka

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Objectives: To investigate the effect of supplementation with ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) on adverse outcomes among undernourished children aged 6–59 months with severe pneumonia.

Methods: This secondary analysis of the COAST-Nutrition (ISRCTN10829073) included children hospitalized for severe pneumonia in Uganda and Kenya. Undernutrition was defined as having either a weight-for-age z score, height-for-age z score, or weight-for-height/length z score below the median of the WHO reference population (< 0) or mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) below 13.5 cm. Participants were randomized to receive 1 sachet of RUTF daily for 8 weeks in addition to the usual diet (intervention) or usual diet alone (control). The primary composite outcome for adverse events was any one of mortality, re-admission, or deterioration of nutritional status by day 90 of follow-up.

Results: Of 846 main trial participants, 741 (88%) met the inclusion criteria (intervention: 374 versus control: 367). Of 687 (93%) participants in whom the primary outcome was assessed, 370 …

Assessment Of Autonomic Nervous System Functions In Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy: An Electrodiagnostic Study, Raghda Nidal Hathal, Farqad Bader Hamdan, Akram M. Al-Mahdawi

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic immune-mediated neuropathy predominantly affecting the peripheral nervous system including the nerve roots. The objectives of this study were to assess autonomic dysfunction in patients with CIDP using electrodiagnostic techniques and to examine its relationship with clinical and demographic characteristics, COMPASS-31 scores, and the Hughes disability scale.

Methods: This case–control observational study included 25 patients with CIDP and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls and was conducted at the Neurophysiology Unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad from February to November, 2024. All participants underwent autonomic function assessment, including Ewing’s cardiovascular …

Retraction Notice, Editor Pjns

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

Down Syndrome In Africa: Challenges, Opportunities, And Future Directions, Eimear Mcglinchey, Salina Tewolde, Amanda He, Juan Fortea, Lingani Mbakile-Mahlanza, Ayda Tefera, Emmanuel Epenge, Jason Hassenstab, Rachel Maina, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

INTRODUCTION: As life expectancy improves for people with Down syndrome (DS) in Africa, the risk of developing DS-associated Alzheimer’s disease (DSAD) will rise. There is a pressing need to plan for this emerging challenge, particularly in the context of existing health and social disparities.

METHODS: This work emerged from a pan-African collaboration, including discussions at the Brain Ageing and Dementia in Low- and Middle-Income Countries conference held in Nairobi in 2024, where stakeholders identified regional priorities for DS and dementia care.

RESULTS: Limited epidemiological, cognitive, biomarker data, delayed diagnoses, and gaps in specialized services may impact access …

Ecological Grief Among Farmers And Pastoralists In Ethiopia And Kenya, Syed Shabab Wahid, Christine Musyimi, Benjamin Oestericher, Linda Khakali, Lauren Carruth, Emily Mendenhall, Edna Bosire

Brain and Mind Institute

Climate change is a major cause of mental distress worldwide. In many ways, climate change has become a chronic disaster, while in other ways each acute event can accumulate and present challenges within and between communities. A growing body of evidence indicates that a changing climate can precipitate a cluster of negative affective states scholars call “ecological grief.” Ecological grief reflects psychological responses to climate changes and destruction of nature, species, culturally significant or sacred spaces. Until now, ecological grief has been conceptualized as a psychological response connected primarily to the destruction of the natural environment, and has not fully …

Correlation Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings With Clinical Outcomes In Acute Transverse Myelitis: A Comprehensive Retrospective Study, Anjlee Shankar, Faheem Soomro, Dipanty Khastoori, Tahira Maqsood, Sajjad Jalbani, Alam Ibrahim Siddiqui

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective: Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an inflammatory spinal cord disorder presenting with motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic value of spinal MRI findings and treatment timing in predicting neurological outcomes in patients with acute transverse myelitis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 patients diagnosed with ATM at Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana, between January 2021 and December 2023. All patients underwent spinal MRI at presentation, and imaging characteristics—including lesion location, longitudinal extent, and enhancement pattern—were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed at one month, three months, and …

Impact Of Physical Exercise On Reducing The Frequency And Severity Of Migraine Without Aura: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study, Amir Hamza, Abdul Wahid, Abdul Bari, Mohammad Azam, Riaz Ahmed, Ikram Ullah

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective: Migraine without aura is the most common subtype of migraine and causes significant distress to its sufferers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of physical exercise in reducing the frequency and severity of attacks in patients with migraine without aura.

Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to February 2025 in departments of neurology and medicine in two tertiary care hospitals in Quetta and Khuzdar. A total of 384 adults age 18–60 years with migraine without aura, diagnosed using ICHD-3 criteria, were selected through consecutive sampling. Patients with other headache …

Raising Awareness In South Punjab: The Importance Of Consulting Neurologists For Neurological Disorders, Muhammad Fahad Saleem, Mohammad Wasay, Sohaib Hassan, Muhammad Wahab Qureshi, Muhammad Hamza Khan, Muhammad Wazir

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

Neurosurgery Research In Pakistan: An Analysis Of Publications, Citations, And Gender Disparities, Waseem Hassan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

Hope In The Face Of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Case Report Of Complete Remission With Isoprinosine, Nimra Shafique, Syed Muhammad Essa, Amanullah Kakar

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare and relentless neurodegenerative disorder linked to persistent measles virus infection. We present a case of a 16-year-old female with gradually worsening rigidity, cognitive decline, and myoclonic seizures, minimally responsive to valproic acid. A history of measles infection at the age of two years emerged. Positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG and IgM anti-measles antibodies, along with an elevated CSF/serum antibody index, confirmed SSPE. Treatment with Inosine pranobex and clonazepam yielded significant motor and seizure control improvements. This case highlights the importance of early SSPE diagnosis and tailored interventions, shedding light on clinical progression and …

Predictors And Prevention Of Neurological Disability In Adult Bacterial Meningitis: A Narrative Review With Clinical Perspective, Sadiq Ali Shah

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and objective: Bacterial meningitis remains a neurological emergency in adults, with substantial mortality and long-term sequelae, including cognitive impairment, hearing loss, seizures, and focal deficits. The objective of this narrative review was to summarize current evidence on predictors of neurological disability and highlight strategies for prevention and long-term care.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published between 2000 and 2025. Keywords included bacterial meningitis, neurological sequelae, predictors, and adults. A total of 40 studies were included after screening 200 abstracts . Key prospective studies, clinical trials, and reviews were …

Clinicoradiological Findings And Outcome Of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome In Children: A Cross-Sectional Study, Zia Ur Rehman Muhammad, Shaila Ali, Shumaila Rafiq, Javeria Raza Alvi, Tipu Sultan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiological syndrome characterised by altered sensorium, seizures, visual impairment and behavioural changes. The objective of the study was to evaluate clinicoradiological findings and outcome of PRES in children.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at department of pediatric neurology, the Children’s Hospital Lahore from October 2020 to September 2023. Clinical and demographic data were colllected on a structured proforma. Investigations comprised complete blood count, biochemistry, urinalysis, complement levels, inflammatory markers, immune panel, lipid profile and abdominal ultrasonography. All patients underwent MRI brain. Outcome was categorized as complete recovery or …

Spectrum Of Demyelinating Diseases In Pakistan: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study, Zainab Aslam Saeed Memon, Safia Awan, Haris Majid Rajput, Qamar Un Nisa, Muhammad Subhan, Lal Chand, Muhammad Wazir Ali Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective: Demyelinating diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Data from South Asia remain scarce, despite potential regional variations in disease spectrum and outcomes. The objective of this study was to characterize the demographic, clinical, and disability profile of patients with demyelinating disorders across Pakistan.

Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2017 and December 2019 across 39 neurology centers in Pakistan. Adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with demyelinating disorders using standardized criteria were included. Data on …

Nursing Education Research In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review And Bibliometric Analysis, Beth Waweru, Peter Gatiti, Serah Wachira

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Nursing education is pivotal for ensuring competent healthcare professionals, and its improvement is essential for enhancing the quality of health care systems globally. This study focuses on nursing education research in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the last decade, employing both bibliometric analysis and systematic review methodologies. The bibliometric analysis reveals an evolving landscape of nursing education research in SSA, offering insights into trends, key countries, journals, and predominant research themes. Notably, the study identifies a scarcity of literature using bibliometric approaches in nursing research, addressing this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the field.The systematic review, guided by the …

Born Too Soon: Every Story Counts: Lessons In Ethical, Inclusive Storytelling From Born Too Soon, Mary V. Kinney, Amy Reid, Mercy Juma, Anna Gruending, Olufunke Bolaji, Doris Mollel, Denise Suguitani, Silke Mader, Karen Walker, Marleen Temmerman, Joy Lawn

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Storytelling is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in public health communication, particularly for addressing complex and stigmatized health issues. In the context of pregnancy and childbirth, personal narratives have proven effective in shaping perceptions, empowering women, complementing health education, and driving policy and legal reforms. Preterm birth remains a significant global challenge, and lived experiences of affected families offer critical insights that illuminate systemic gaps and advocate for the rights of babies, mothers, families, and healthcare workers. The Born Too Soon 2023 campaign placed people—especially women, families, communities, and healthcare workers—at the core of its advocacy efforts. This commentary …

The Relationship Between Lifetime Trauma Exposure And Psychosis In A Multi-Country Case-Control Study In Africa, Anne Stevenson, Supriya Misra, Engida Girma, Dickens Akena, Melkam Alemayehu, Amantia Ametaj, Bizu Gelaye, Stella Gichuru, Symon Kariuki, Lukoye Atwoli

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Exposure to traumatic events is a known risk factor for psychosis. Additionally, psychosis may be a risk factor for exposure to traumatic events. There are little data on the relationship between traumatic events and psychosis in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in large, cross-country samples using the same instrument.

Methods: In a case-control study, 21,606 adults were recruited with psychosis (cases) and 21,329 adults without any history of psychosis (controls) in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda from 2018 to 2023 (n = 42,935). Lifetime trauma exposure was assessed using the Life Events Checklist-5. Regression models included the: i) prevalence of …

Europe–Africa Collaboration: Working Together To Strengthen Health Research, Implementation, And Equitable Systems, Lara Pandya, Irene Norstedt, Martin Seychell, Emer Cooke, Isabel De La Mata Barranco, Niklas Blomberg, Marleen Temmerman, Michael Makanga

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

In September 2024, key representatives from European Union (EU) directorates and agencies convened to enhance collaboration with Africa in strengthening health research, innovation, and implementation. The meeting focused on bolstering joint efforts to improve health outcomes and support wellbeing across all ages in Africa. Despite progress in addressing infectious diseases, the continent faces a dual burden with the rise of non-communicable diseases and emerging threats such as antimicrobial resistance, climate change, falsified medicines, and pandemic risks. These challenges are exacerbated by fragile health systems, rapid population growth, urbanisation, and limited access to affordable medical interventions.

To address these issues, the …

Supporting The Mental Health Of Adolescent Mothers In Kenya And Mozambique: Pilot Protocol For The Thriving Mamas Programme, Tatiana Taylor Salisbury, Maria Suzana Bata Maguele, Fernando Chissale, Málica De Melo, Margrette Hanselmann, Kethakie Lamahewa, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Flávio Mandlate, Lucy Nyaga, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Poor mental health among adolescent girls during pregnancy and the year after birth (the perinatal period) has been found to have a significant detrimental effect on girls and their children. The Innovative approaches to adolescent perinatal wellbeing (INSPIRE) project co-designed an intervention (Thriving Mamas) to improve adolescent perinatal mental health in Kenya and Mozambique. The aim of the current study is to pilot test the co-designed intervention to understand how it can be adapted for further testing or scale-up.

Methods :A mixed-method, pilot cluster-randomised, efectiveness-implementation Hybrid Type II trial will be conducted among 80 adolescent girls (aged 15–19 years) …

Unlocking Adolescent And Youth Health - Insights From Adolescent Youth-Friendly Services In Migori County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study, Lillian Njoki Nyaga, Eunice Muthoni

Population Health, East Africa

The provision of adolescent and youth-friendly services (AYFS) can be facilitated by various strategies, including capacity building of health care providers (HCPs), coordination of AYFS, community engagement, and networking of AYFS stakeholders. Adolescents and youth face various health challenges including but not limited to adolescent pregnancies, HIV infections, sexual and gender based violence, strategies that would help curb these challenges is paramount. Although various studies have evaluated AYFS utilization and integration in Kenya, scant data exist on strategies facilitating or hindering the provision of the AYFS in accordance with the Kenya 2016 AYFS guidelines. The aim of this study was …

Geographic Inequalities, And Social-Demographic Determinants Of Reproductive, Maternal And Child Health At Sub-National Levels In Kenya, Janette Karimi, Anitah Cherono, Victor Alegana, Martin Mutua, Hellen Kiarie, Rose Muthee, Marleen Temmerman, Peter Gichangi

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background; Global initiatives have emphasized tracking indicators to monitor progress, particularly in countries with the highest maternal and child mortality. Routine data can be used to monitor indicators for improved target setting at national and subnational levels. Our objective was to assess the geographic inequalities in estimates of reproductive, maternal and child health indicators from routine data at the subnational level in Kenya.

Methods; Monthly data from 47 counties clustered in 8 regions, from January 2018 to December 2021 were assembled from the District Health Information Software version 2 (DHIS2) in Kenya. This included women of reproductive age receiving family …

The Impact Of Implementing The Women's Reproductive Rights Agenda On Climate Change, Marleen Temmerman, Emilie Peeters, Celine Delacroix, Malachi Arunda, Sara Khalid, Claudia Hanson, Samuel Ojong

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) established sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as foundational to sustainable development. Thirty years later, advancing women's reproductive rights (WRR), encompassing agency, decision-making autonomy, and universal access to family planning—remains critical not only for health and gender equity but also for mitigating environmental degradation. By reducing unintended pregnancies and empowering women to align childbearing with personal and ecological capacity, WRR alleviates ecological stressors such as deforestation while enhancing health resilience in climate-vulnerable communities. Yet, despite well-documented linkages between population dynamics and environmental change, contemporary climate policies and funding mechanisms persistently …

Can Tanzanian Neurosurgeons Access Tanzanian Neurosurgical Literature? A Systematic Review And Survey Of Neurosurgical Publications, Sabas Romani R, Woodfield Julie, Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem Anthony, Cadieux Magalie, Shayo Consolata, Shabhay Zarina, Rabiel Happiness, Beverly Cheserem, Bwemelo Joel, Wright Drew N

General Surgery, East Africa

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Free and open access to research data and findings promotes equity in access to healthcare knowledge and equity in patient care and treatment. To benefit the health care of the population studied, research findings must be accessible to clinicians, academics, and policymakers serving those populations. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of published Tanzanian neurosurgical data and its accessibility to those practicing within the country.

METHODS: A systematic review of all published neurosurgical studies from Tanzania was conducted. Authorship, funding, and open-access status were recorded. Tanzanian neurosurgeons were surveyed by telephone …

Epidemiology Of Shigella Species And Serotypes In Children: A Retrospective Substudy Of The Mal-Ed Observational Birth Cohort Study, Elizabeth T. Rogawski Mcquade, Jie Liu, Mustafa Mahfuz, Alexandre Havt, Furqan Kabir, Adil Kalam, Fatima Aziz, Sahrish Muneer, Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Shigellosis is a leading cause of diarrhoea in children globally. We aimed to assess the burden of specific Shigella species and Shigella flexneri serotypes, characterise their clinical syndromes and natural immunity, and evaluate their relevance as causes of diarrhoea and linear growth faltering.
Methods: In the MAL-ED birth cohort study, children younger than 17 days were enrolled from Nov 3, 2009, to Feb 29, 2012, in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Tanzania, and South Africa and were followed up for 2 years. In this retrospective substudy, we retested Shigella quantitative PCR-positive diarrhoeal and non-diarrhoeal stool samples with molecular …

The Effect Of An Audio-Recorded Intervention Program On The Knowledge And Self-Reported Practices Of Menstruation And Hygiene Among Visually Impaired Young Girls In Rwanda: A Mixed Method Study, Justine Bagirisano, Marie Laetitia Ishimwe Bazakare, Aimable Nkurunziza, Jean Bosco Henri Hitayezu, Godfrey Katende

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Menstrual hygiene practices among visually impaired young girls are a significant public health concern in Rwanda. Limited knowledge about menstruation leads to inadequate hygiene practices, increasing the risk of cervical cancer, urinary tract infections, and reduced quality of life. The menstrual hygiene needs of visually impaired girls who depend on daily assistance for personal hygiene have not been adequately addressed in previous studies. Objectives To assess the effect of an audio-recorded program on the knowledge and self-reported practices of menstruation hygiene among visually impaired young girls in Rwanda. Methodology A pre-post mixed intervention study was conducted involving 93 visually …