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Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of the Partograph among Health Professionals in Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Fantu Abebe,
Dereje Birhanu,
Worku Awoke,
Tadesse Ejigu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2013
Pages:
26-42
Abstract: Labor and delivery are unpredictable events, which if not monitored properly can result in a disabled or a fatal state. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the use of the partograph to monitor and improve the management of labor and to support decision-making regarding interventions. However, little is known about the status of knowledge and utilization of the partograph in Amhara region, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of the partograph and its utilization. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to 30, 2012 among 292 health professionals working in public health institutions of the region, using a structured interviewer administered ques-tionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knowledge of the partograph and obstetric care. Utilization status of the partograph was assessed from 160 purposively selected delivery charts using structured checklists. More than half (53.4%) of the study participants had good knowledge of the partograph. Females were 2 times more likely to have good knowledge of the partograph than males (AOR=2.0, 95% CI= (1.2, 3.6). Similarly, those who had previous obstetric training were 2 time more likely to have good knowledge of the partograph than otherwise (AOR=2.1, 95% CI= (1.3, 3.7). However, participants’ level of knowledge of components ofthe partograph was very poor. While only 26.6% of participants were able to mention 50%or more of com-ponentsof the partograph; females, midwives, and those having prior obstetric training were found to have better knowledge of components of the partograph than their counter parts (AOR=3.3, 95% CI (1.9, 5.6), (AOR=4.9, 95% CI (2.4, 9.9)and (AOR=2.0, 95% CI (1.1, 3.6)) respectively. In this study, the level of knowledge of obstetric care was found to be poor. Although it wasrevealed that majority of the participants had favorable attitude towards the use of partograph, only 29% of the paragraph papers reviewed was properly filled to monitor the progress of labor. Despite significant number of study participants reported that the partograph is useful to monitor laborand make timely decision, their level of knowledge of the partograph and its components was generally poor. Presence of prior training, participants’ sex and profession were the variables that had influenced the level of knowledge of the partograph and obstetric care. Favorable attitude by itself was inadequate to ensure use of the partograph. Periodic on-job training regarding to obstetric care and on the partograph should be provided to all obstetric care providersparticularly to males and nurses by profession in the region. Regular supportive supervision is also needed to motivate staffs to utilize the partograph and help them become dedicated to record and document their findings.
Abstract: Labor and delivery are unpredictable events, which if not monitored properly can result in a disabled or a fatal state. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the use of the partograph to monitor and improve the management of labor and to support decision-making regarding interventions. However, little is known about the status of knowledge a...
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Epidemiology and Clinical Study of Pediatric Psoriasis on Black Skin in Dakar, Senegal
Ndiaye Maodo,
Dioussé Pauline,
Diallo Moussa,
Diop Assane,
Diatta Boubacar Ahy,
Niang Suzanne Oumou,
Diallo Salimatou,
Seck Ndeye Bougoul,
Diadie Saer,
Ndiaye Mame Téné,
Ly Fatimata,
Dieng Mame Thierno,
Kane Assane
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2013
Pages:
43-46
Abstract: Introduction: In subsaharian African countries there are so few data concerning the psoriasis of the child. Our objective was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of the pediatric psoriasis in a dermatology unit, at Dakar in Senegal. Patients and methods: This was an 8 years (2004-2011) retrospective study conducted at the Dermatological clinic of HALD. All patients under 16 years old with psoriasis were included. Results: We report 40 cases of psoriasis of the child. The sex ratio was 1.05 and the average age of 6 years. The atopic status was found in 4 cases as follows: 3 cases of asthma and 1 case of atopic dermatitis. The average time of consultation was 5 months. The way the patients consulted was: 28 cases consulted a general practitioner, 6 cases seen by a paramedic and 5 patients consulted a traditional healer. The pruritus was present in 14 patients. The psoriasis vulgaris was the predominant form with 20 cases. The other forms were: 12 cases of guttate psoriasis, 6 cases of psoriasis universalis, 1 case in pustular and 1 case erythro-dermic. The topical glucocorticoids were prescribed in all the patients. The recurrence was found in 5 cases and 8 patients were lost of follow up. Conclusion: Psoriasis is a rare and benign condition in children with predominance of simple forms such as psoriasis vulgaris.
Abstract: Introduction: In subsaharian African countries there are so few data concerning the psoriasis of the child. Our objective was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of the pediatric psoriasis in a dermatology unit, at Dakar in Senegal. Patients and methods: This was an 8 years (2004-2011) retrospective study conducted at...
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Folates and Prevention of Neural-Tube Diseases
Leanza V.,
Stracquadanio M.,
Ciotta L.,
Pafumi C.,
Giannone T. T.,
Giunta M. R.,
Leanza G.,
Mayada Chammas,
Fawzi Chammas,
Zarbo G.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2013
Pages:
47-51
Abstract: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations of the brain and spinal cord caused by failure of the neural tube to close between 21 and 28 days following conception. Each year almost 400.000 infants are born with NTDs all over the world. Although many advances have been made in the spina bifida’s treatment and have led to an increased life expectancy and an improved life quality, no treatment exists that will completely eliminate the serious disability or premature mortality associated with it. For such a reason, reducing the risk of NTDs is an important goal. It is widely ac-cepted that adequate maternal consumption of folic acid before pregnancy and during the early weeks of gestation can reduce the danger of having a child with a neural tube defect (NTD). As a result, public health authorities worldwide have recommended consuming 400 μg folic acid per day during the periconceptional period in order to decrease the risk of first occurrence NTDs . This recommended dose is based mainly on the amount of folic acid associated with a reduction in NTDs in the majority of epidemiological studies. Literature data asserts that folic acid can prevent about 70% of NTD conceptions while folic acid-containing multivitamin can prevent about 90%; the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound is nearly 100% in anencephalic fetuses and about 80% in fetuses with different manifestations of spina bifida. A bibliographical research regarding folate and NTD prevention, between 1988 and 2012, was done. The words used for Literature research were: Folic Acid, Spina bifida, Neural Tube Defects, Malformations. Search engines employed were: Medline, Pubmed, PopLine and the most relevant reports on the topic.
Abstract: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations of the brain and spinal cord caused by failure of the neural tube to close between 21 and 28 days following conception. Each year almost 400.000 infants are born with NTDs all over the world. Although many advances have been made in the spina bifida’s treatment and have led to an increased lif...
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Quality Audit on Venous Blood Sample Processing in Laboratories of Governmental Hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia
Mulugeta Melkie,
Abel Girma,
Tsegaye Tsalla
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2013
Pages:
52-57
Abstract: Back ground: Pre-analytical activities persist to pose significant amount of uncertainties in clinical laboratories causing adverse impacts on patient health and the entire healthcare system. Venous blood sample (VBS) processing that has many error prone activities is one of the pre-analytical procedures performed in the laboratory. The objective of our survey was to identify, in Ethiopian Hospital laboratory set-up, the major activities in the processing of VBS in which undesirable practices that may result in errors are executed. Methods: We have conducted institution based cross-sectional survey sup-plemented with non-participatory type observational study from February 2012 to September 2012 in laboratories of three governmental hospitals of Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia. Pre-tested questionnaire and check list were used for data collection. Analysis of the data was performed using Medcalc® version 12.1.4 software. Results: A total of 19 laboratory professionals working in the three governmental hospitals were included in this survey. The activities possessing highest proportions of undesirable practices were related to establishment and adherence to serum/plasma/whole blood rejection criteria, measures taken when produced serum/plasma is too small for analysis, speed and duration of centrifugation. Low proportion of undesirable practices were found in activities related to capping test tubes before centrifugation, maximum allowed time before analysis of unpreserved serum/plasma/whole blood samples and balancing during centrifugation. None of the socio-demographic and background information of participants we assessed was associated with undesirability of VBS processing activities. Conclusion: From this study, we concluded that the VBS processing in the laboratories involved many undesirable practices that might lead to erroneous results. We identified that the gearing problem to the undesirable practices was absence of laboratory documents regarding VBS processing activities. Therefore, establishment and strict adherence to laboratory documents for every activity in VBS processing by every laboratory personnel would avoid many of the unde-sirable practices.
Abstract: Back ground: Pre-analytical activities persist to pose significant amount of uncertainties in clinical laboratories causing adverse impacts on patient health and the entire healthcare system. Venous blood sample (VBS) processing that has many error prone activities is one of the pre-analytical procedures performed in the laboratory. The objective o...
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The Immunogenetic Analysis of Acne Vulgaris
Anis Irawan Anwar,
Indropo Agusni,
Muh. Nasrum Massi,
Irawan Yusuf
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2013
Pages:
58-63
Abstract: Polymorphisms that occur in the CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes affects hyperkeratinzation process, se-bum production and inflammation in acne vulgaris. Polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes can be identified by using PCR and sequencing techniques. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the role of polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17, and TNF-α genes and the interaction polimorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes to severe acne vulgaris. This study was conducted as an observational study with case-control method, in 64 patients with severe acne, and as controls 73 patients with mild acne and healthy people. Criteria based on Combined Acne Severity Classification. Biospesimen blood 1 ml taken from vena mediana cubiti then performed PCR and sequencing to determine the sequence of nucleotides in DNA fragments. The conclution from the study shows that polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17, TNF-α genes and the interaction polimorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP 17 and TNF-α genes is not a risk factor for severe acne vulgaris, but polymorphism of CYP1A1 gene is a risk factor for acne vulgaris.
Abstract: Polymorphisms that occur in the CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes affects hyperkeratinzation process, se-bum production and inflammation in acne vulgaris. Polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes can be identified by using PCR and sequencing techniques. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the role of polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17, and TNF-α ...
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