Medical Specialties Commons^™

Frailty Determination And Responsiveness In Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Sarah Schroeder

Theses & Dissertations

Frailty, the state of being vulnerable with susceptibility to decreased age-related physical reserve, is found in 56-79% of adults with end-stage HF receiving durable left ventricular assist device (dLVAD) therapy. Frailty increases risk of adverse events, including increased mortality in the dLVAD population, but less is known about depression, quality of life (QOL), cognition and frailty responsiveness. Therefore, we aimed to describe and compare frailty (5-Meter Walk Test, 5MWT), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9), quality of life (EQ5D Visual Analog Scale, EQ-5D VAS) and cognition (Trailmaking B) from pre- to 12-months post-dLVAD We also compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and post-dLVAD …

Factors Influencing Uptake Of Human Papilloma Virus (Hpv) Vaccine Among Parents Of Adolescent Girls, Irene Nzisa Martin

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common preventable cancers causing morbidity and mortality in women especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Three HPV vaccines have been approved for vaccination against HPV globally with Cervarix and Gardasil currently available in Kenya. Despite availability of free HPV vaccination and increased media campaigns the proportion of adolescent girls vaccinated against HPV remains low. Understanding the determinants of HPV vaccine uptake will inform strategies to improve the uptake at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

Objectives: The aim was to identify the factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake among parents of adolescent girls. The secondary objective …

The Association Of Immune And Genomic Biomarkers And Response To Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy In Breast Cancer Patients At Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, Catherine Wairimu Mutahi

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Breast Cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and in Kenya. It is a highly heterogeneous disease requiring patient specific treatment and strategies to monitor response to therapy, especially in the neoadjuvant (NAC) setting. Currently, there are no reliable markers in use that can predict response to chemotherapy among patients receiving NAC. Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) and Cell free DNA (cfDNA) are biomarkers that could possibly bridge this gap. However, limited studies have been carried out on the African population. With the increasing mortality rates attributable to BC in Sub-Saharan Africa, coupled with the growing preference …

Knowledge And Practice Of Pediatricians In Kenya Regarding Helicobacter Pylori Infection In Children., Aura Mwende Nzinga

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections. It affects more than half of the world’s population and is frequently associated with peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma and other extra gastrointestinal manifestations. Globally, one third of the children are infected with the highest burdens observed in low and middle income countries. In Kenya the prevalence stands at 87% among school going children and 50% in children under three years.

Justification: Studies in high income countries suggest poor knowledge and practice amongst physicians with limited data from Africa. There exists conflicting information regarding the pathogenic role and …

Conversion Of Dissertations To Publications At The Aga Khan University Kenya: An Exploratory Study Of Residents Perceptions And Experiences, Brigette Macharia

Theses & Dissertations

Background: The successful completion and submission of a dissertation is a fundamental milestone for many residency programs worldwide. Publication of a dissertation in a peer-reviewed journal makes it more accessible and is impactful within the scientific context. It contributes to the global outlook of total burden of disease, for which significant geographical variation exists. Publication of residents’ research is a convenient surrogate marker for research training and experience. However, the preparation of a manuscript, successful submission and acceptance in a peerreviewed journal is challenging for both residents and their supervisors.

Justification: Aga Khan University (AKU) invests heavily in infrastructure to …

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Undernutrition Among Children With Congenital Heart Disease At Three Tertiary Hospitals In Nairobi, Kenya., Shamsa Yahya

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the commonest birth defect. Children with CHD have a high burden of undernutrition and its consequences. Some of the factors that are associated with undernutrition in children with CHD include the type and complexity of the heart defect, associated pulmonary hypertension, late diagnosis, timing of surgical correction, low socioeconomic status, lack of adequate nutritional support, associated genetic conditions and the presence of other clinical comorbidities.

Justification: Although these factors are well defined, they vary geographically in their distribution and extent to which they influence the level of undernutrition. This limits the extrapolation of findings …

Perceptions And Attitudes Of Physicians And Midwives Towards Patient Safety At The Maternity Department Of A Tertiary Teaching Hospital In Kenya: A Mixed Method Study, Albert Kiretia Gichuki

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined across the world over the last 17 years. This has been attributed to more women delivering in health facilities with trained birth attendants. Despite this there is still a high maternal mortality rate with over 86% of the mortalities occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. This has led to increased focus on improving quality of care and patient safety in the health facilities. A positive safety culture, which is the product of individual and group values, attitudes, perceptions and patterns of behaviour that determine the commitment to an organization’s safety …

Prevalence & Factors Associated With Acute Kidney Injury In Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention At A Tertiary Healthcare Facility In Tanzania, Faisal Hooda

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Acute kidney injury is a potentially fatal but preventable outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention: the most plausible cause being radiocontrast-induced nephropathy; others include: pre-existing renal insufficiency from underlying illnesses and also acute renal insult caused by hypoperfusion from cardiac causes. The prevalence, associated risk factors and outcomes of AKI post-PCI are unclear and unexplored in our setting.

Objectives: The study sought to determine the prevalence of acute kidney injury post-percutaneous coronary intervention at The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Secondary objectives included: factors associated, with and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). …

Comparison Of Two Immunoassays For Detection Of Anti-Sars Cov-2 Antibodies Among Healthcare Workers At A Tertiary Referral Hospital In Nairobi, Kenya, Patrick Muriuki Mugaine

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Tests for antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the aetiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019, provide evidence of past infection or immunization. At the individual level, they are useful as markers of protection against severe disease and in cases where the diagnosis by nucleic acid amplification is inconclusive. At the population level, they are an indirect measure of exposure and may be useful in monitoring changes in viral infection or uptake of immunization over time. The interpretation and optimal use of antibody assays on populations requires an appreciation of the wide variability in individual antibody responses, the …

Single Oral Or Single Intramuscular Dose Of Vitamin D In The Treatment Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Children At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Winfred Mwikali Ndaka

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern and plays an important role in bone health and many chronic non-communicable diseases. Vitamin D deficiency in children is associated with short stature, underdevelopment, respiratory infections and many other features that increase the risk of childhood complications. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Kenya among children is high. Treatment with daily oral vitamin D is associated with poor compliance. While a single high intramuscular dose vitamin D offers an alternative strategy, it is however, associated with injection site pain and its absorption is dependent on the patient’s peripheral circulation. Various …

A Pilot Study Comparing Pre-Analytic Tissue Processes Before And After Implementation Of A Quality Improvement Program For Handling Breast Cancer Specimens, Joseph Gatheru Macharia

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Breast cancer as the most frequently occurring cancer in women is highly heterogeneous in its pathological characteristics. Assessment of tumor biologic characteristics including hormone receptor profile and growth factor receptor activity is important in characterizing the pathologic nature of such cancers. Tumor biomarker activity plays a big role in diagnosis and management of invasive breast cancer (IBC). Biological specimens are the primary sources of this molecular information. Optimal handling of the specimen through the various analytic phases assures of the validity of the final pathologic diagnosis.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of implementing an intervention plan to improve specific …

Linking Spinal Cord Circuits With Upper Limb Sensorimotor Control In Adults With Cerebral Palsy, Saihari Dukkipati

Theses & Dissertations

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common neurological disorder originating in childhood, but most of the people living with CP are currently adults. While people with CP continue to get older, the amount of research focused on adults has been rather limited. The early childhood insults leading to CP are thought to originate in the brain, but the effects on the entire neuromuscular system across the lifespan have only recently started to be explored. Of note, recent neuroimaging evidence suggests that the cervical spinal cord structure is atypical in adults with CP. However, it is largely unclear how the neurophysiological …

Feasibility And Efficacy Of Bisphosphonate Use For The Prevention Of Bone And Muscle Loss, Laura E. Flores

Theses & Dissertations

Loss of bone and muscle mass often occurs in tandem, increasing the risk of fragility fractures. Whereas many drugs are approved for the treatment of bone loss, there are few treatments available for the concomitant loss of bone and muscle. Identification of a treatment to mitigate pathologic bone and muscle atrophy has the potential to impact countless populations and influence approaches for healthy aging. Bisphosphonates have emerged as a potential treatment for both bone and muscle loss in cellular, murine, and observational human studies. Our findings of modest weight maintenance in postmenopausal women treated with 12-months of risedronate, relative to …

Psychological Trauma Alters T-Lymphocyte Inflammation And Redox Through Sympathetic Mechanisms, Safwan K. Elkhatib

Theses & Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder characterized by distinctive symptom clusters, including intrusive memories (i.e., flashbacks), avoidance of related stimuli, affective changes, and hyperarousal. Strikingly, patients with PTSD face a significantly increased risk for a number of inflammation-driven pathologies, ranging from cardiovascular to autoimmune disease. Yet, the exact etiology of this increased risk remains unknown. The immune system is known to be strongly influenced by the sympathetic nervous system, and sympathetic overactivity is a hallmark of PTSD. Lymphoid organs, such as the spleen, are richly innervated by sympathetic nerve fibers which terminate near adaptive immune …

Evaluation Of Awareness, Knowledge, And Preventive Intervention Of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Chinese Young Adults, Yi Du

Theses & Dissertations

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among Chinese young adults (CYA) aged 18-25 years ranges from 4.7% to 15.1% and has kept increasing in recent years. Previous studies reported limited awareness and knowledge of NALFD among middle-aged and older Chinese populations, however, they have not investigated awareness in CYA, for which there is no well-validated questionnaire. There is currently no efficacious educational intervention on NAFLD for CYA.

The objectives were 1) to develop and validate a questionnaire which can be used to assess the awareness and knowledge of NAFLD among CYA; 2) to assess the awareness and knowledge …

Association Between Ct Severity Score And Clinical Severity Score Of Covid-19 Pneumonia At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Paul Kareithi Nduati

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Imaging with chest computed tomography (CT) has demonstrated a role in stratifying COVID-19 patients into different clinical severity groups thus facilitating appropriate care decisions. In a limited number of settings, the wider applicability and reproducibility of these findings is unclear.

Objectives: To determine the association between chest CT severity score and clinical severity of illness in RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV2 patients. To evaluate the relationship of CT chest severity score with short term clinical outcome of patients.

Methods: CT chest of 172 SARS-CoV2 patients who accessed care at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi between 14th March and 31st December 2020 …

Diagnostic Utility Of Red Cell Indices In Relation To Serum Iron Indices For Evaluation Of Iron Deficiency In Heart Failure, Larry Wangai Mburu

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) in heart failure (HF) causes poorer outcomes, and evaluation using ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) in our setting is hampered by cost and availability. Though the red cell indices (RCIs), routinely used for assessment of ID anaemia, have shown utility in predicting outcomes in HF, they have not been evaluated in this population for prediction of ID relative to the iron indices. A combination of the RCIs, the combined cell index (CCI), may be more accurate. Validating the diagnostic accuracy of the RCIs would improve evaluation of ID in low-resource settings and improve uptake of iron …

Dysglycemia In Patients Presenting With Stroke And Acute Coronary Syndrome At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Beverly Yongo Owino

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Dysglycemia is often diagnosed late in sub-Saharan Africa with a significant number of patients presenting with complications. Data is needed to expand knowledge on the impact diabetes has on major adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of dysglycemia in patients with stroke and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and define characteristics of the patients with dysglycemia.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi which is a tertiary facility. Consenting adults above 18 years (n=211) with stroke and acute coronary syndrome were recruited in the study in the period of April …

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Post Operative Pain Outcome Between Suture And Tissue Glue Wound Apposition Post-Circumcision In The Pediatric Age Group, Happiness Obare

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Circumcision is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures in the male population. Of the various circumcision techniques, sutures and tissue glue are utilized for wound closure in the free-hand techniques. Locally, sutures are routinely used for wound closure in the free-hand techniques. Whilst there are studies comparing the two wound apposition techniques using various outcomes, pain as a primary outcome comparing the two has been poorly researched. One hypothesis is that local ischemia at the suture site contributes to post-circumcision pain. It is against this background that we sought to explore differences in pain between these …

What Motivates The Choice Of Specialty Among Medical Doctors In Tanzania, Thabit Ramadhani

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Studies have shown there is a low specialist workforce, coupled with wide range of disparity among different specialities in the country to cater for the needs of more than 54 million Tanzanians. The theories of motivation and development have shown many theories influencing choices made by people in life.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the motivation for choice of specialty among medical doctors (including registrars, residents, and specialists) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Muhimbili National hospital, and the Aga Khan University Hospital Dar …

Adequacy Of Pain Management Among Advanced Cancer Patients With Solid Tumors Attending Palliative Care Centers In Dar Es Salaam, Judith Mwijage

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Cancer pain is a universal undesirable symptom among cancer patients that if not addressed causes suffering and impedes quality of life of both the patients and their family. Observational studies available have shown increase in palliative care programs in Tanzania but there is dearth of information regarding the adequacy of pain control among patients with cancer after the initiation of these programs and improvement of the available interventions.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine adequacy of pain management among advanced cancer patients with solid tumors as well as factors affecting adequate Cancer Related Pain management.

Methods: We conducted a …

Discrimination And Abuse Amongst Health Care Workers In A Tertiary Hospital In Kenya, Farah Alnoor Ebrahim

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Discrimination is defined as the unequal or disadvantageous treatment of an individual or a group of individuals. Discrimination in the health care setting can take many forms, including gender, race, verbal or emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. The prevalence of discrimination varies, with common forms being gender and racial discrimination as well as verbal and emotional abuse. Workplace discrimination often leads to a hostile environment for healthcare workers, resulting in significant mental strain. Patients, their relatives, and consultants are the foremost perpetrators of discrimination and abuse across the globe. Little is known about discrimination and abuse within …

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Axillary Ultrasound In Predicting Nodal Metastasis Among Patients With Early Breast Cancer At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, David Mwaniki

Theses & Dissertations

With emerging evidence showing that the incidence of breast cancer in Kenya is increasing, there is renewed emphasis on screening, early detection, and management of breast cancer. Early breast cancer (EBC) has a better prognosis and is potentially curable. Axillary nodal metastasis is an important prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Axillary ultrasound is the best modality for assessing, and managing, the affected nodes. It is a readily available and versatile tool with several sonographic nodal characteristics suggestive of metastatic involvement having been described in previous studies. Axillary ultrasound (AUS) performance in predicting nodal metastasis has yielded variable results which are …

Knowledge, Attitude And Beliefs Towards Polypharmacy Amongst Older People Attending Family Medicine Clinic (Fmc) At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya (Akuhn)., Maureen Wanjiru Kamau

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Life expectancy has increased over the last century amongst older individuals, and in particular, those 60 years and over. The World Health Organization estimates that the world's population of persons over 60 years will rise to 22 per cent by the year 2050. Ageing is associated with increasing disability, multiple chronic conditions, and an increase in the use of health services. Multiple chronic conditions associated with ageing are managed with different medications (polypharmacy) amongst the older population. Polypharmacy has numerous adverse effects including non-adherence, an increased risk of drug interactions with the various medications, reduced appetite, and risk of …

Validation Of The Kiswahili Version Of The Migraine Disability Assessment Scale In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Aliasger Nagri

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Migraine is a chronic paroxysmal neurological disorder characterized by multiphase attacks of head pain and many neurological symptoms. The MIDAS is a five (5) question-based questionnaire used in clinical practices to identify the disability caused by migraine at work, school, household or social life; with a score indicating little or no disability (0-5), mild disability (6-10), moderate disability (11-20), and severe disability (21+). Translated versions of the MIDAS scale in a number of languages has been validated. Translating and validating the Kiswahili version of the MIDAS questionnaire is essential and needed to ensure its comparability to the original English …

Efficacy Of Preoperative Manual Detorsion For Intravaginal Testicular Torsion: A Systematic Review, Ralph Ombati

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Preoperative manual detorsion for acute testicular torsion has been postulated to improve testicular salvage rates through reduction in testicular ischemia time. Manual detorsion however has several potential risks including worsening degree of torsion, incomplete detorsion and potentially missing the opportunity to perform definitive orchidopexy.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of preoperative manual detorsion compared to immediate scrotal exploration in improving testicular salvage in acute intravaginal testicular torsion.

Methods: The MEDLINE, SCOPUS and AJOL databases along with the CENTRAL registry were searched for trials comparing preoperative manual detorsion to immediate scrotal exploration for acute intravaginal testicular torsion. Both randomized and …

Hiv Among Cancer Patients: Prevalence And Cancer Description By Hiv Status, Diana Wambui Muturi

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in a higher life expectancy of persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) leading to an aging population at risk for non-AIDS defining cancers (NADCs) rather than AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs). Identification of HIV-cancer comorbidity through diagnostic HIV testing of patients presenting for cancer care is not offered routinely. The HIV prevalence among cancer patients in Kenya is undefined. In addition, the spectrum of malignancies in PLHIV has not been well characterized outside of ADCs.

Objective: Our primary objective was to determine the prevalence of HIV among patients with cancer. Secondary objectives were to determine …

Determinants Of The Uptake Of Prenatal Aneuploidy Screening Among Pregnant Women At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, Duncan Ndegwa

Theses & Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Aneuploidies present with an abnormal copy number of chromosomes. Majority are lethal with only a handful carrying on to term and beyond in pregnancy. Its currently recommended that all pregnant women be offered screening for aneuploidies. This is to facilitate pregnant women make informed choices regarding their pregnancies. At present the current uptake rate of aneuploidy screening in Kenya is unknown. The purpose of this study this study was to determine whether pregnant women are aware of aneuploidy screening, the uptake rate of screening and the determinants of screening at a tertiary private healthcare facility in Nairobi, Kenya.

METHODS: …

Association Between Third Trimester Cerebro-Placental Ratio And Adverse Outcomes In Appropriate For Gestational Age Foetuses, Morris Wabacha Kimani

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses are at increased risk of adverse outcomes and appropriate vigilance is put in place in terms of antenatal and intrapartum surveillance. Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses have a lower incidence of adverse outcomes, although majority of these outcomes occur in this cohort. AGA fetuses can fail to reach their genetic growth potential due to placental insufficiency and 25 % have actually been found to have placental histological features of chronic hypoxia. Therefore, there is need to use other methods of screening for adverse perinatal outcomes apart from estimated fetal weight (EFW), with …

Burden In Family Caregivers Of Patients With Chronic Mental Illness In Aga Khan University Hospital And Mathari National Referral Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya., Norah Atieno Obungu

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: In Africa, about 60% of patients with chronic mental health disorders live with their relatives. Family caregivers bear the responsibility of managing relatives with mental illness in the home environment, and this may result in psychopathology in the caregivers. Although extensively studied in the Western world, not much is known about the caregiver burden in Kenya.

Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with chronic mental illness attending two psychiatric care facilities in Nairobi. The secondary objective was to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and correlates …