Introduction: Interprofessional collaboration is essential for safe and effective primary health care delivery, particularly in rural and semi-rural Community Health Centers (CHCs). This study explored health professionals’ experiences of workplace safety, interprofessional collaboration, and organised labour engagement in rural and semi-rural CHCs across 3 South African provinces. Methods: We used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design grounded in pragmatism. In the quantitative phase, purposive non-probability sampling was used to recruit health professionals from 6 CHCs across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North-West provinces. Sixty-nine questionnaires were distributed, of which 42 completed questionnaires were analysed, yielding a response rate of 61%. Results: Quantitative findings indicated that 69% of respondents linked staff shortages to workplace conflict, 85.7% reported that shortages of equipment and resources strained professional relationships, and 88.1% reported poor interprofessional relations contributing to an insecure working environment. Qualitative findings explained these patterns by illustrating how unsafe infrastructure, inadequate staffing, uneven skill mix, poor communication, professional hierarchies, and limited union visibility collectively undermined workplace safety and interprofessional collaboration. Integrated analysis identified 3 interrelated themes: resource deficits undermining safe collaboration, fragmented interprofessional relationships and status-based divisions, and weak union engagement. Conclusion: Workplace safety and interprofessional collaboration in participating rural CHCs were shaped by interacting material, relational, and governance challenges. Strengthening collaboration requires sustained investment in staffing, infrastructure, communication systems, leadership practices, and effective labour-management engagement. These findings informed the conceptual development of the Interprofessional Union and Collaborative Partnership (IPUCP) framework for rural CHCs.
Introduction: South Africa faces high burden of communicable diseases, particularly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB), alongside a growing prevalence of mental health disorders. However, evidence on communicable diseases among individuals with mental health disorders remains sparse. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of communicable diseases among South Africans with self-reported mental health disorders. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2019 General Household Survey was conducted among 410 individuals with self-reported mental health disorders by a qualified healthcare professional. Descriptive statistics summarized disease prevalence, while bivariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses identified associated factors. Variables with p<0.25 in bivariate analyses were considered for multivariable modelling, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design and were performed using STATA version 16.1. Results: The mean age of participants was 40.55 ±0.90 years. The prevalence of communicable diseases was 13.03%, with 11.87% reporting a single infection and 1.16% reporting two or more infections. Influenza was the most prevalent condition (9.94%), followed by HIV (2.96%), TB (1.17%), and sexually transmitted diseases (0.27%). Higher odds of communicable diseases were observed among cohabiting [OR: 3.61; 95%CI: 1.51, 8.64; p-value = .004] and divorced individuals [OR=6.56; 95%CI: 1.77, 24.28; p-value = .005]. Residents of the Free State [OR: 5.63; 95% CI: 1.13, 28.06; p-value = .035] and Gauteng [OR: 4.44; 95%CI: 1.18, 16.72; p-value= .028] also had increased odds. Conclusion: Communicable diseases were common among individuals in. with mental health disorders. Integrating prevention, screening, and treatment within mental health services may reduce disease burden and improve health outcomes. The prevalence of communicable diseases in this study was high. Public health policy makers and Psychiatrist should collaborate to address the sociodemographic inequalities, moreover KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape should be urgently attended to reduce the high prevalence.
Introduction: Malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality globally and in India. Early identification and risk stratification are essential for effective intervention. The study aimed to classify malnourished children in a tertiary care hospital using the ELIZ Modified IMPACT Tool and to determine factors predisposing to malnutrition in children under 5 years of age. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months involving 200 children aged 1 month to 5 years. Participants included those with underweight, stunting, or wasting. The ELIZ Modified IMPACT Tool, a comprehensive scoring system covering anthropometry, clinical signs, dietary history, ecological factors, and functional status, was used to stratify children into risk categories (No, Low, Medium, High Risk). Results: Of the 200 participants, 54.5% were classified as Low Risk, 36% as Medium Risk, and 1% as High Risk. Poor mother’s education (p=0.029), Low birth weight (p=0.001), Lack of Exclusive Breastfeeding (p=0.003), Failure to introduce semi-solids at 6 months (p=0.016), Lack of continued breastfeeding for 2 years (p=0.013), and Lack of family pot feeding by 2 years (p=0.043) were significantly associated with high risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: The ELIZ Modified IMPACT Tool provides a structured framework for nutritional severity stratification in clinical settings. This highlights the need for early identification and targeted nutritional interventions in high-risk children. Interventions focusing on maternal nutrition education and exclusive breastfeeding are crucial.
Brucellosis remains a serious public health concern, necessitating effective monitoring. This study evaluated the seroprevalence and identification of Brucella spp. in 300 blood specimens from patients, using phenotypic characterization and the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) for diagnosis. The percentage of positive serological tests was 9.3% (28/300), with a higher infection rate in females (10.0%) than in males (8.7%). The highest ratio was observed among patients aged 31-40 years (13.3%). Bacterial isolation confirmed Brucella species in 7.0% (21/300) of samples. Epidemiological analysis revealed a significantly higher prevalence among rural (10.6%) than urban (7.9%) participants and clear seasonality, with a peak incidence in September (12.0%). This study confirms the endemicity of brucellosis, establishes the RBT as a vital screening tool, and identifies key demographic and seasonal risk factors for guiding public health intervention strategies.
The ketogenic diet, characterized by very low-carbohydrate and high-fat intake, is widely used for weight management and metabolic improvement. However, it induces metabolic changes that significantly affect the endocrine system, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates male reproductive function. This review integrates evidence on the effects of the ketogenic diet on testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A literature search (2010–2025) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies on adult males were included, while animal studies and those lacking hormonal data were excluded. Findings indicate context-dependent effects. In overweight or obese men with insulin resistance, short-term ketogenic diets are often associated with increased testosterone levels, largely due to weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. In contrast, prolonged adherence, significant caloric restriction, or use in lean, physically active men may suppress the HPG axis, leading to hypogonadotropism with reduced LH and testosterone levels. This effect is likely mediated by decreased leptin levels, which signal energy deficiency to the hypothalamus. Diet composition, particularly fat type, may also influence outcomes. Overall, ketogenic diets tend to improve testosterone in overweight individuals but may reduce LH and testosterone in lean individuals or during long-term restriction, highlighting the importance of metabolic status and energy balance.
Introduction: Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response is a key strategy to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Maternal mortality ratio reflects health system performance and women’s well-being. In 2012, the World Health Organization and partners introduced the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response system to address high MMRs in low- and middle-income African countries. This review evaluates the implementation of the MPDSR committee and its impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes in Africa. Methods: A total of 23 relevant studies published between 2002 and 2025 were identified through a comprehensive search of academic databases using PRISMA criteria and the PICOS framework. The AACODS checklist (authority, accuracy, coverage, objectivity, date, significance) was applied to assess study quality. Results: The review assessed the establishment and functioning of MPDSR committees across African countries. Implementation varied from national systems in South Africa and Ghana to facility-level audits in Nigeria and Kenya. Functional systems were associated with action-oriented responses, structured feedback, and regular evaluations. Challenges included blame culture, underreporting, staffing shortages, poor recordkeeping, and limited community involvement. Despite these barriers, studies have shown that effective MPDSR adoption has led to reduced maternal mortality and improved clinical accountability. Supportive leadership, standardized processes, and a learning-oriented culture were key to success. Conclusion: MPDSR committees are widely implemented in Africa, but structural, cultural, and institutional challenges continue to limit their impact. Countries emphasizing effective responses, regular feedback, and blame-free environments achieve better maternal and perinatal outcomes. Strengthened leadership, enhanced health worker capacity, and community engagement are essential to fully realize the potential of MPDSR systems in reducing preventable deaths
Introduction: Complement proteins are key players in the innate immune system. Children with iron deficiency often experience impaired immunity, making them more prone to infections. This study aimed to measure serum levels of C3 and C4 complement proteins in children with iron deficiency anemia. Methods: The study included 50 children under 15 years old diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, alongside 50 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment, complete blood count (CBC), and laboratory tests measuring serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and complement proteins (C3 and C4). Results: Compared to the healthy controls, children with iron deficiency anemia showed significantly lower levels of ferritin, TIBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cells (RBC) count (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum complement proteins C3 and C4 were significantly reduced in the iron-deficient group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) respectively, suggesting impaired complement activation. Notably, neutrophil and monocyte counts were elevated in the iron-deficient group, indicating an altered immune response. Conclusion: The study revealed that serum levels of C3 and C4 complement proteins were significantly altered in children with iron deficiency anemia, potentially contributing to their increased susceptibility to infections.
Infertility is a widespread global health condition with consequences that extend far beyond reproductive impairment, affecting emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, social functioning, and overall quality of life. Conventional biomedical indicators, such as pregnancy and live-birth rates, provide an incomplete representation of treatment success and fail to capture the lived experience of individuals undergoing fertility care. A narrative literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2010 and 2025 using keywords including ‘FertiQoL’, ‘fertility quality of life’, and ‘infertility patient-reported outcomes. This review was not conducted as a systematic review. This mini review examines the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) instrument, a standardised, internationally developed patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess the multidimensional impact of infertility. FertiQoL comprises 36 items organised into a Core module (Emotional, Mind–Body, Relational, and social domains) and a Treatment module (Treatment Environment and Treatment Tolerability), enabling distinction between infertility-related burden and treatment-specific effects. Evidence from psychometric validation studies and cross-cultural applications demonstrates good reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity across diverse populations and treatment settings. The reviewed literature highlights the clinical, research, and patient-level utility of FertiQoL, including identification of psychosocial risk, enhancement of clinician–patient communication, evaluation of interventions beyond biological outcomes, and support for patient self-reflection and empowerment. Despite its widespread use, gaps remain in understanding longitudinal changes in quality of life, the impact of partner dynamics, and applicability in diverse healthcare settings. Future research should explore these areas, including longitudinal studies, culturally adapted interventions, and integration of FertiQoL into routine clinical decision-making to further advance patient-centered infertility care
Adolescent adherence to orthodontic treatment is often suboptimal, leading to longer treatment times, increased appliance failures, and poorer clinical outcomes. Compliance is influenced by developmental, motivational, cognitive–emotional, and family–social factors. This narrative mini-review summarizes recent evidence on psychological interventions designed to enhance adherence in children and adolescents using fixed or removable orthodontic devices. A targeted literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2025. Studies related to adherence outcomes such as appliance wear time, oral hygiene, appointment attendance, motivation, and self-efficacy, as well as concepts related to orthodontic adherence with specific intervention strategies, including motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), digital reminders or telemonitoring, and family or social support, are reviewed. MI and CBT demonstrated promising improvements, strengthening intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and self-regulation. Digital supports provided modest, scalable gains, though engagement often declined over time, while family- and peer-focused interventions showed promise but remain under-evaluated. This review highlights gaps in standardized adherence outcome measures and limited evidence for combined or multi-tiered interventions. Its added value lies in synthesizing current psychological strategies, identifying research gaps, and providing practical guidance for optimizing adolescent orthodontic adherence. Overall, a stepped-care approach combining universal digital support with targeted psychological interventions and structured family involvement appears most practical. Future research should standardize outcome measures and evaluate combined, cost-effective strategies to optimize adolescent orthodontic adherence.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a cornerstone of modern diagnostic practice. However, anxiety and claustrophobia related to confined spaces, acoustic noise, and enforced immobility remain important barriers to successful image acquisition. These responses may lead to premature scan termination, motion artefacts, and compromised diagnostic quality. Although overall MRI failure rates are relatively low, recent evidence indicates that incomplete examinations are disproportionately concentrated among specific high-risk subpopulations. Patient tolerance is influenced by an interplay of human, environmental, and technology-related factors. This mini-review synthesises current evidence on interventions to reduce claustrophobia during MRI examinations, drawing on literature published between 2020 and 2025 and prioritising systematic, comparative, and practice-oriented studies. Psychological and experiential strategies, hardware and environmental modifications, and pharmacological approaches are reviewed. Psychological interventions, including structured pre-scan communication, music or audiovisual distraction, and mirror- or prism-based visual reorientation, consistently improve patient comfort and examination compliance. Technological solutions, such as open or upright MRI systems, offer benefits for selected patients; but bore diameter alone does not appear to be a decisive determinant of claustrophobia reduction. Pharmacological sedation, when delivered within established safety frameworks, is associated with very high scan completion rates in patients who are unable to tolerate MRI using non-pharmacological measures alone. Collectively, the evidence supports a pragmatic, stepwise approach to managing MRI-related claustrophobia: early risk identification at booking, universal application of communication and distraction strategies, selective matching of scanner hardware for high-need patients, and the judicious use of protocol-guided sedation when necessary. Adopting this structured strategy can enhance the patient experience, maintain procedural safety, and optimise diagnostic yield in contemporary MRI practice.
Introduction: Despite the availability of various contraceptive services, the unmet need for family planning continues to remain high among rural populations. This study aims to evaluate the determinants of unmet family planning needs among married women of reproductive age residing in rural areas of Telangana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 married women aged 15–44 years in Patancheru, a rural field practice area of Osmania Medical College. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Cluster sampling was employed, and the analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and univariate analysis. Results: The contraceptive prevalence rate in the study was 83.5%, with 58% of women using permanent methods, predominantly tubectomy. The total unmet need for family planning was 12.5%, including 5% for spacing and 7.5% for limiting. Permanent methods were the most commonly used. Age (p < 0.000001), religion (p < 0.000001), occupation (p < 0.000001), socioeconomic status (p = 0.01), family type (p < 0.000001), and age at marriage (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with unmet family planning needs. Conclusion: Sociodemographic and cultural determinants continue to influence contraceptive use. Tailored awareness programs that emphasize temporary methods and male involvement are essential to address unmet needs in rural settings.
The proliferation of bacteria is significantly influenced by the sources and characteristics of carbon sources, with carbohydrates serving as essential nutrients for many organisms. The prioritisation of carbohydrate use, driven by carbon catabolite repression mechanisms, is essential for diauxic or multiaxial growth in the presence of multiple carbohydrates. Escherichia coli exhibits diauxic growth on glucose and lactose, whereas specific Bifidobacterium species utilise carbohydrates with more complex structures and exhibit multiphase growth kinetics. The sugar's structure affects growth rate and yield. Monosaccharides like Glucose and fructose are easier for bacteria to use, so they usually grow more quickly than polysaccharides like cellulose or inulin. These polysaccharides have more complex structures and require a range of depolymerising and hydrolytic enzymes to break them down into the appropriate mono- and oligosaccharides for the bacteria. The specific metabolic end products of bacterial activity during carbohydrate fermentation determine how acidic the environment becomes. This is very important for keeping food safe, maintaining gut health, and for use in industry. It is crucial to understand how carbohydrate structures affect bacterial growth, as this knowledge could be useful for making food, medicine, biofuels, and specialised microbial communities in basic and applied research.
Introduction: Medical students are the future backbone of the medical fraternity and the healthcare system in Bangladesh. Medical college is recognized as a highly stressful environment that can negatively affect academic performance and mental well-being. Due to academic pressure and environmental changes, many students experience depression, anxiety, and stress—often beginning in the third year when they transition to clinical training. This study thus assessed the presence of depression, anxiety, and stress among the 3rd year medical students in selected medical colleges in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 medical students of selected Medical Colleges from January 2022 to December 2022. The validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21was utilized to assess depression, anxiety, and stress among the study participants selected by Simple Random Sampling. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 21.96Å}1.09 years. Students unsatisfied with the college environment were significantly more likely to report depression (77.9%), anxiety (80.8%), and stress (69.7%) (p < 0.001 for all). Dissatisfaction with hostel environment was also significantly associated with all three mental health conditions, with the highest prevalence seen in depression (76.9%). Conclusion: Meticulous attention must be devoted to enhancing the mental health and psychological well-being of medical students. Initiatives aimed at raising awareness, along with individualized counseling sessions grounded in motivational strategies, should be prioritized—particularly for those identified as most vulnerable. Moreover, parents and peers can serve as crucial protective factors, helping students navigate and adapt to high-stress environments.
Introduction Emerging zoonotic diseases (EZDs) are a growing global public health concern, driven by complex human-animal environment interactions (Hossain et al., 2025). Understanding their epidemiology and regional disparities is essential for effective prevention and control. This study aimed to assess the current burden of zoonotic diseases in Africa and evaluate the effectiveness of surveillance systems in their detection and management. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies published between 2007 and 2024, using PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and quality. A total of 52 studies were included, focusing on prevalence, case fatality rates (CFRs), and risk factors for zoonotic diseases across the continent. Results: it substantial variability in zoonotic disease prevalence, ranging from 0.86 (95% CI: 0.58–1.76) in Cameroon to 0.01 (95% CI: –0.00 to 0.02) in Central Africa, with high heterogeneity (I² = 99.06%). Meta-regression revealed that attack rate was a significant predictor of effect size (coefficient = 1.00; p < 0.001), fully explaining between-study variance (R² = 100%). The pooled CFR was estimated at 26% (95% CI: 12–40%), with regional variations from 72% in the Democratic Republic of Congo to 0% in Mozambique, Mauritania, and Ethiopia-Namibia. Although evidence of publication bias was found, sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness. Conclusion: zoonotic diseases remain a substantial health burden in Africa, shaped by disparities in surveillance systems, healthcare access, and socioeconomic conditions. Effective control requires stronger One Health coordination, integrated veterinary human surveillance, enhanced laboratory capacity, adoption of advanced detection technologies, and community engagement.
Introduction: Sleep quality remains a significantly underappreciated aspect of managing chronic medical conditions. Poor sleep quality may impact the quality of life, morbidity, and mortality outcomes in patients with these conditions. To objectively quantify the burden of poor sleep quality, this study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and to identify its associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 203 patients with chronic medical conditions attending a tertiary care hospital in Kanyakumari district. Purposive sampling of patients with cancer or chronic cardiac, renal, hepatic, or pulmonary conditions was done with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A PQSI score of more than 5 indicated poor sleep quality. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis, with 5% significance level. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.57 years, with males being the predominant group (63%). Almost all of the patients (80.3%) were considered poor sleepers with a PSQI score of more than 5, with the highest scores mainly seen in patients with liver disease and respiratory diseases. Male gender and kidney disease were statistically significant factors associated with poor sleep quality. Conclusion: The Majority of the subjects with chronic diseases had poor quality of sleep, with only a few seeking treatment for the same. Early identification and management of sleep disorders in patients with chronic diseases is a critical gap in patient care that needs to be addressed urgently.
Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses are the leading cause of global mortality. The increasing burden among adolescents is particularly concerning due to the long-term implications. This study assesses the prevalence of risk factors associated with NCDs among adolescents in an urban field practice area in Hyderabad, Telangana. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescents aged 10–19. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, anthropometric measures, and validated tools like the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Variables included sociodemographic factors, behavioural habits, Body Mass Index (BMI), and family history of NCDs. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations. Results: Of the 400 adolescents, 62% were male. Major risk factors identified included low physical activity (57.75%), junk food consumption (61.75%), passive smoking exposure (42.25%), alcohol consumption (6.5%), and high stress (63%). About 20% were overweight and 0.5% obese. 31.75% reported a family history of NCDs. A significant association was found between higher Body Mass Index (BMI >24.9) and socio-economic status (p=0.001). At the same time, other risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and stress showed no significant association. Conclusion: Adolescents in urban Hyderabad show a high prevalence of modifiable NCD risk factors. Preventive strategies, including lifestyle modification, health education, and targeted interventions, are imperative during adolescence to reduce future NCD burden.
Introduction: Stunting affects 148.1 million children under five globally, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries. In Rwanda, stunting remains a significant public health concern, affecting 33% of children under five, with the burden rising to 50.5% in rural areas such as Ngororero District. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and key determinants of stunting among children under five in Ngororero District, Rwanda. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 children, selected using a multistage sampling approach. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Analysis was performed using SPSS Version 30, WHO Anthro Survey Analyser, and Excel. Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to identify a significant association of stunting at p < 0.05. Result: The prevalence of stunting was 36%, with 12.9% of children severely stunted. Maternal alcohol consumption was strongly associated (OR = 5.2, ?² = 21.1, p = 0.001), followed by lack of formal maternal education (OR = 3.6, ?² = 12.9, p = 0.012), and inadequate antenatal care (0–2 visits) (OR = 2.7, ?² = 10.8, p = 0.002). Other significant factors included untreated drinking water, food shortages, absence of exclusive breastfeeding, and large household size. Conclusion: The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of stunting, which is shaped by maternal practices, socioeconomic conditions, and access to healthcare. Reducing childhood stunting in Ngororero District and similar rural settings in Rwanda requires targeted nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions alongside improved maternal education. Further studies, including longitudinal research, are recommended.
Introduction: India has an estimated 77 million adults with diabetes and about 25 million who are prediabetic. While conventional pharmacotherapy is widely used, lifestyle modifications and Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) are increasingly recognized for their potential to improve glycemic control and reduce complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of CAM usage among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) attending Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, over 3months. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire that covered socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes treatment, glycemic control, and CAM usage. The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results were represented as Mean, Standard Deviation (SD), Frequency, and Percentage. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 60.36 ± 9.76 years. Of the participants, 61.2% were males and 38.8% were females. The prevalence of CAM usage was reported by 26.4%. Among the CAM users, the majority were using biologically based therapies (16.8%), followed by whole medical systems like homeopathy (9.6%). The factors significantly associated with CAM usage were higher Socioeconomic Status (SES)(OR 95% CI=2.603 (1.046-6.479) and good to fair HbA1c control (OR 95% CI=6.530 (3.405-12.525). Conclusion: CAM usage among T2DM patients in this rural population is relatively low. Targeted health education programs focusing on the benefits, safe use, and potential risks of CAM would enhance patient awareness and informed decision-making.
Introduction: WHO recommends the daily consumption of five servings of fruits and vegetables. The general objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among a population of students in West Africa. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from November 15 to December 31, 2023. Included in the study were medical students from the second to the seventh year who were regularly enrolled during the academic year. The sociodemographic characteristics collected included age, gender, year of study, whether or not the student received a scholarship, and whether or not they lived in a university residence. The fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed through a questionnaire. Data were collected online and responses were anonymous. No identifying information was recorded. Results: A total of 253 students were included. There was a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.4). The average age was 22.77 ± 2.55 years, ranging from 17 to 35. Only 4.35% of the students ate more than five fruits and vegetables per day. The average daily intake was less than two (1.84). Consumption was associated with financial accessibility (p=0.003), year of study (p=0.02), and lack of time to cook (p=0.017). Conclusion: This study revealed a low rate of fruit and vegetable consumption according to WHO recommendations. Associated factors were year of study, financial accessibility, and lack of time to prepare meals. A good knowledge of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables was not significantly associated with their consumption.
Introduction: HIV continues to pose a major challenge to global public health. As of 2023, an estimated 39 million individuals were living with the virus worldwide, with approximately 26 million residing in Africa. Notably, 49% of the 1.3 million new infections occurred in Africa, with 360,000 among youth aged 15–24. Two in every seven new HIV infections occur in this age group, highlighting their vulnerability. Despite 16,076 HIV-positive youths being enrolled in care and treatment programs by the end of 2023, limited research exists on adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) among this population. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling was conducted, with 236 participants selected via Fisher’s formula. Data was collected in 12 months from January 2024 till the end of December 2024. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Ethical approval was obtained from Mount Kenya University. Participation was voluntary, with informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity ensured. Results: The prevalence of ART non-adherence was 42.8%. Significant sociocultural predictors included social support (AOR=0.39, p=0.003) and stigma/discrimination (AOR=0.53, p=0.048). Sociology-economic factors such as daily meal affordability (AOR=0.41, p=0.005) and occupational status were also linked to non-adherence. Biomedical and psychological factors like ART side effects (AOR=0.45, p=0.011), appointment frequency (AOR=0.24, p=0.048), and psychological distress (AOR=0.24, p<0.001) were significant predictors. Conclusion: ART non-adherence among youth is multi-factorial. Addressing this requires targeted interventions such as school-based HIV education, peer-led programs, strengthened social support systems, psychological services, and improved ART appointment management.
