EA Health Research Journal

Cognitive Ageing in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pre-Dementia Prevalence and Associated Factors

Samwel Sylvester Msigwa — 2026-02-10

Background: Africa is experiencing rapid population ageing, yet the prevalence and determinants of pre-dementia stages – mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) – remain poorly defined. Global reviews include only a few African studies, limiting reliable estimates and obscuring regional risk factors. This study provides the first comprehensive synthesis of pre-dementia prevalence and associated factors across Africa.
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and African-specific databases from inception to March 2025. Studies reporting MCI or SCD prevalence in adults aged ≥50 years were included. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses examined heterogeneity by diagnostic criteria, setting, and study features. Meta-regression assessed links with demographic and cardiometabolic factors. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence checklist.
Results: Twenty-eight studies from nine countries included 26,067 participants and 5,924 cases (SCD: 2,318 participants, 1,162 cases; MCI: 23,749 participants, 4,762 cases). Pooled prevalence was 50% (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 40 to 59%) for SCD and 20% (95% CI, 14 to 28%) for MCI. Heterogeneity for MCI was extreme (I²≈99%), mainly due to methodological variation. Studies using neuropsychological cut-offs alone reported nearly threefold higher MCI prevalence than those applying clinical criteria. Meta-regression identified associations between MCI prevalence and hypertension (β=.052; P=.017) and diabetes (β 0.053; P=.024).
Conclusion: Pre-dementia stages are common in African older adults. Methodological variation underscores the need for standardized, culturally validated criteria. Cardiometabolic comorbidities are key modifiable risks, supporting integrated interventions for cognitive health in Africa.

Concurrent Presentation of Bipolar Affective Disorder and Recent Alcohol Cessation: Diagnostic Challenges in Resource Limited Setting

Milton Anguyo — 2026-02-10

Background: Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) frequently coexists with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), creating diagnostic complexities, particularly when manic symptoms occur close to alcohol cessation. Accurate differentiation between primary mania and substance induced symptoms is critical for appropriate management.
Case Presentation: We describe a male in his early 30s with a two week history of elevated mood, irritability, reduced need for sleep, increased goal directed activity, and psychotic features, occurring shortly after abrupt cessation of chronic alcohol use. Although the patient initially reported stopping alcohol 3 months prior, collateral history revealed continued use until days before presentation. A previous untreated manic episode three years earlier strongly suggested primary BPAD. Diagnostic evaluation using DSM-5-TR criteria and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) supported a diagnosis of BPAD, current manic episode with psychotic features.
Management and Outcome: Treatment comprised carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, and a short diazepam course for anxiolysis. Psychoeducation and motivational interviewing addressed both the mood episode and AUD. The patient achieved full symptomatic remission and remained abstinent on follow-up.
Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of longitudinal psychiatric history, collateral information, and standardized diagnostic tools in distinguishing primary BPAD from alcohol related presentations in low resource settings.

Prototyping to Practice: Validation of the Home Care Guide for Post-caesarean Mothers in Tanzania

Mwajuma Bakari Mdoe — 2026-02-10

Background: The post-caesarean section (CS) home care guide was developed to ensure uniform and contextualised discharge education is provided by nurse midwives, especially in an era where CS rates are high and hospital stays are short. Early discharge limits mothers’ access to hospital-based care, increasing dependence on home care, which, without evidence-based guidance, can lead to complications. Currently, post-CS mothers receive insufficient education on post-CS home care, likely due to the absence of a standardised guide. This study aimed to validate the developed post-CS home care guide to ensure its contextual feasibility for use in Tanzania.
Methods: This was an iterative multi-stage validation design, involving 13 purposively recruited maternal and child health experts, 20 nurse-midwives, and 50 post-CS mothers in Dodoma and Morogoro regions, from 6th February to 15th May 2023. Participants were requested to evaluate the guide’s scope, language, dosage, applicability, clarity, timing, and frequency of use in teaching sessions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participants’ demographic characteristics and Likert scale responses. The Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Item-face Validity Index (I-FVI) were computed for each component using SPSS version 25.
Results: The post-CS home care guide with 9 components was validated. The components are nutrition, wound cleaning and dressing, hygiene, maternal exercise and rest, breast care, regaining of sexual activity, adherence to prescribed medications and postnatal visits, use of family planning methods, and maternal mental health care. The 40-item guide demonstrated strong validity, with I-CVI scores between 0.83 and 1.0, and I-FVI scores of 0.76 to 1.0. No items were added or removed; minor edits were done to improve clarity based on participants’ recommendations.
Conclusion: The post-CS home care guide has been validated, as it offers a reliable, evidence-based tool for nurse-midwives to provide standardised, context-specific post-CS education to mothers and families, promoting safer recovery after CS delivery.

National Consensus on Introducing and Delivery of Paediatric Praziquantel for Curative and Preventive Treatment of Schistosomiasis Among Pre-school Children in Tanzania

Kijakazi Obed Mashoto — 2026-02-10

Background: Global and national strategies to control and/or eliminate schistosomiasis focus mainly on MDA for School-Aged Children (SAC) and in some areas, adults. Following growing demand for specific intervention for paediatric schistosomiasis, paediatric praziquantel (arPZQ) formulation has been developed, and it is expected to be on market in 2025.
Objective: The objective of the project was to prepare the health system for the introduction and delivery of paediatric praziquantel to pre-school aged children in Tanzania.
Methodology: This was cross-sectional implementation research which employed qualitative methods including group discussions, consultative meetings, and stakeholder’s engagements at different levels.
Results: The engagement of multi-stakeholders from national to community levels led to the identification of implementation gaps and challenges which have the potential to delay the introduction of arPZQ. Through engagement process, stakeholders addressed the gaps and identified potential delivery models relevant to the context of Tanzanian health system.
Conclusion: To ensure no pre-school child is left behind, consensus was reached to target children in the communities and those visiting health facilities for routine healthcare or child health growth monitoring services, and during vitamin A supplementation campaigns. Prior to starting the delivery of arPZQ, capacity of the healthcare facilities to deliver arPZQ should be strengthened to ensure healthcare workers do the right thing.

Predictors of Knowledge and Risk Perception on Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study

Rabi Msabi Sumbuka — 2026-02-10

Background: Globally, an estimated 15.6 million individuals inject drugs, with about 1.4 million living with HBV infection. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) represent one of the populations most vulnerable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to frequent exposure to contaminated injecting equipment and limited access to preventive and treatment services. Despite this high vulnerability, a substantial gap persists in knowledge and risk perception regarding HBV infection transmission and prevention among PWIDs. This study aimed to assess the predictors of knowledge and risk perception toward HBV infection among PWIDs.
Methods: A facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2021 at the Itega Methadone Clinic in Dodoma, Tanzania. A total of 206 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and risk perception toward hepatitis B virus infection. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of poor knowledge and low risk perception, with statistical significance set at p <.05 and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Overall, knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission and prevention among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) was poor, with only 36% demonstrating adequate knowledge. Inadequate knowledge was significantly associated with low education level (AOR 2.44; 95% CI, 1.29–4.68; p=.005), short duration of methadone treatment (<1 year) (AOR 2.26; 95% CI , 1.12–4.55; p=.023), and low economic status (≤ TZS 100,000) (AOR 3.93; 95% CI, 1.01–15.25; p=.048). Regarding risk perception, the majority of participants underestimated their susceptibility to HBV infection, with only 25% perceiving themselves at high risk. Low risk perception was strongly predicted by low education level (AOR 12.68; 95% CI, 3.44–46.83; p˂.001) and inadequate knowledge (AOR 2.63; 95% CI, 1.28–5.39; p=.008).
Conclusion: This study revealed that knowledge and risk perception on hepatitis B virus infection among PWIDs remain alarmingly low. Only one-third of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, and merely a quarter perceived themselves at high risk of infection. Low education level, economic disadvantage, and shorter duration of methadone treatment were the strongest predictors of poor HBV knowledge, while low risk perception was significantly associated with both low education and poor knowledge. These findings underscore the urgent need to integrate comprehensive HBV education, counselling, and vaccination awareness into harm-reduction and methadone programs. Interventions should particularly target newly enrolled clients and those with limited formal education or low income to foster accurate risk perception and improve preventive behaviours.

The Theory of Planned Behaviour in Predicting Determinants of Male Involvement in Reproductive Health Services

Nyasiro S. Gibore — 2026-02-10

Background: Male involvement in reproductive health services can facilitate timely utilization of these services by women, potentially reducing maternal mortality. This study examined the determinants of male involvement in reproductive health services, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data were collected from 366 randomly selected married men aged 20 years and above. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the strength of the association between the dependent and independent variables.
Results: The odds of male involvement were three times higher for men who showed intention compared to those who did not show intention to be involved in reproductive health services (AOR 3.414, 95% CI, 1.519, 7.674). The odds of male involvement in reproductive health services were 57% lower for men who lived in rural areas when compared with their counterparts (AOR 0.426, 95 % CI, 0.237, 0.768). The odds of male involvement in reproductive health services were 71% lower for men with two wives compared to those with one wife (AOR 0.285, 95 % CI, 0.106, 0.765).
Conclusion: Male involvement in reproductive health services was higher among men who intended to participate, but lower among those living in rural areas and those with two wives. The findings suggest that efforts to improve male involvement in reproductive health services should focus on strengthening men’s intention to participate and addressing contextual barriers faced by men in rural and polygamous households. Tailored community-based strategies targeting these groups may enhance uptake and support broader reproductive health outcomes.

Assessing the Feasibility of Visual Charts to Augment Diarrheal Disease Prevention Practices: A Qualitative Study with Caregivers in Kenya

Frida A. Okeyo — 2026-02-10

Background: Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, particularly in low-income urban settings. Despite interventions such as rotavirus vaccination, vitamin A supplementation, improved hand hygiene, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, diarrhoeal episodes persist. Visual charts offer a potentially effective educational tool for low-literacy populations. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of using visual charts to support diarrhoeal disease prevention practices among caregivers in Nyalenda, Kenya.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 14 caregivers of children aged 6 to 24 months and key informant interviews with 2 community health assistants and 2 health facility in-charges. Participants were purposively sampled based on child age, recent diarrhoeal episodes, and residence stability. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.
Results: Caregivers had considerable knowledge of diarrhoeal disease and prevention, but practices were inconsistent due to economic and environmental constraints, including limited soap and safe water access, unimproved sanitation, and congested living conditions. None of the participants had prior exposure to visual charts. All caregivers and health providers expressed strong interest in using visual charts, suggesting content on handwashing, water treatment, food hygiene, and solid and liquid waste management, with materials in English, Kiswahili, and Luo. Charts were envisioned as household reminders and training aids.
Conclusions: Visual charts were well-received and considered feasible to support diarrhoeal disease prevention in resource-limited settings. Findings highlight high receptivity and potential for future interventions to enhance knowledge and adherence to preventive practices.

Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness and Uptake among Female Health Sciences Students at Islamic University in Uganda

Mahmud Sulaiman Ishaq — 2026-02-10

Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women in Uganda. This study assessed awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female health science students at the Islamic University in Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 189 female students using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: While 84.7% of respondents were aware of cervical cancer, only 57.7% had acceptable knowledge of symptoms, and merely 11% had ever been screened.
Conclusion: Despite high awareness, cervical cancer screening uptake is very low. Targeted educational and screening interventions are urgently needed.

Mobile Health Information and Decision Support System Architecture: Enhancing Maternal Healthcare Access in Uganda

Martin Morgan Kusasira — 2026-02-10

Background: Maternal Health Information (MHI) is vital for empowering Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers to make informed decisions. However, access to this information remains a significant challenge in low-resource countries (LRCs) like Uganda, contributing to unacceptably high maternal mortality rates.
Methods: This study adopted a qualitative case study research design. Data was collected from 50 purposively selected respondents, including Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers, medical workers, and Village Health Team (VHT) members, using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires at two health facilities in Uganda.
Results: The study identified key impediments to Maternal Health Information access, including financial instability, inadequate spouse support, long waiting times at health facilities, the negative attitude of health workers, and language barriers. While health facilities were the primary source of information, Maternal Health Information was often reported as untimely and irrelevant to mothers’ specific needs.
Conclusion: The proposed architecture is designed to bridge the gaps by extending relevant, reliable, and multilingual MHI directly to mothers, thus empowering their decision-making process and having the potential to reduce maternal mortality in Uganda and similar low resource countries.

Self Care Practices and Knowledge of Hypertension Management Among Patients Attending Clinics in Tanzania: A Multi Centre Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Julius Edward Ntwenya — 2026-02-10

Background: Hypertension is a serious public health problem. Adherence to the recommended self-care practices (SCPs) significantly prevented hypertension and abated its undesired related health outcomes. This study assessed the SCPs, knowledge of hypertension management, and factors associated with SCPs adherence among adults attending clinics in selected hospitals in Tanzania.
Methods: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 adult hypertensive patients attending clinics in Dodoma and Dar-es-Salaam regions in Tanzania. This sample was systematically randomly selected during clinic visits, thus making a total of nine visits for the total sample. SCPs were assessed using the self-administered Hypertension Self-care Activity Level Effect Scale (H-SCALE). Analysis was done using SPSS, version 29.
Results: The mean age of the surveyed hypertensive patients was 53.6 ± 7.5 years. Overall, 25.1% had good SCPs, 76.2% adhered to prescribed antihypertensive drugs, 99.0% were non-smokers, 95.2% were non-alcohol users, 59.5% observed recommended dietary plans, 64.3% had regular physical activities, and 66.2% observed a diverse set of recommended eating and lifestyle behaviour. 71.1% had adequate knowledge about hypertension management. On binary logistic regression analysis, high odds of SCP adherence among hypertensive patients was associated with the absence of a family history of hypertension (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=1.2-5.0, P=.01) and adequate knowledge (AOR=2.3, 95% CI=1.8-4.4, P=.003). Conversely, the absence of comorbidities was associated with lower odds of SCPs among hypertensive patients (AOR=0.5, CI=0.3-0.9, P=.03).
Conclusion: This study found that most hypertensive patients had poor SCPs. There is a discrepancy between the level of knowledge and the day to day SCPs among hypertensive patients. Interventions should be responsive to how familial health history and comorbidities impact SCPs, thus empowering the patient with such knowledge and skills to manage hypertension properly.

Dietary Knowledge and Its Associated Factors Among Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension in Tertiary Hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study

Elizabeth Madikenya — 2026-02-10

Background: Dietary knowledge plays a central role in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. However, limited evidence exists on patients’ understanding of appropriate dietary practices within the Tanzanian context. This study assessed the level of dietary knowledge and its associated factors among patients attending two tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Central Tanzania.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among adults diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or both at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital between July and September 2021. A total of 335 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and dietary knowledge was categorized as adequate or inadequate based on the mean score. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with inadequate dietary knowledge, with significance set at p<.05.
Results: Nearly half of the respondents, 47.8% (n = 160) had hypertension, 21.2% (n = 71) had diabetes, and 31.0% (n = 104) had both conditions. More than half, 53.4% (n = 179), demonstrated inadequate dietary knowledge. Middle-aged adults (30-44 years) (AOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.76–8.61), unemployed individuals (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.36–5.05), and those who consumed alcohol (AOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.18–4.12) had significantly higher odds of inadequate dietary knowledge. Conversely, participants with hypertension only had lower odds of inadequate knowledge compared with those with both diabetes and hypertension (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23–0.77).
Conclusion: This study revealed that more than half of patients living with diabetes, hypertension, or both had inadequate dietary knowledge, highlighting a significant gap in the nutritional understanding required for effective NCD self-management. Hence, underscore the need for targeted, context-specific dietary education interventions, particularly for socio-economically vulnerable groups, to strengthen NCD management and improve long-term health outcomes in Tanzania.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Intimate Partner Physical Violence Among Pregnant Women in Rwanda

Annet Murungi — 2026-02-10

Background: Intimate partner physical violence (IPPV) during pregnancy is a public health concern and a breach of human rights. Physical violence has major consequences for the mother, fetus, and newborn child. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and factors associated with IPPV among pregnant women in Rwanda.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic Health Survey 2019-2020. A total of 1,849 women aged 15-49 years were included in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence and frequency of different attributes while a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with IPPV among pregnant women. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were used to report the magnitude of the association between different variables and IPPV among pregnant women. Stata 16 was used for analysis and survey commands were applied to all analyses.
Results: The prevalence of IPPV among pregnant women in Rwanda was 4.5% and the associated factors were the partner’s alcohol drinking habits, drinks and sometimes gets drunk (AOR 3.68, 95% CI (1.3-10.1), drinks and gets drunk often (AOR 14.67, 95% CI (5.2-41.4), number of living children 3-5 (AOR 2.64 95% CI (1.2-5.6), and polygamous couple (AOR 2.81 95% CI (1.2-6.4).
Conclusion: IPPV against pregnant women is still present in Rwanda. Having a male partner that drinks alcohol and gets drunk, polygamy, and having 3-5 children were factors associated with this IPPV. It is important to address the issue of substance abuse, refine social norms, and attitudes that promote gender inequalities through several stereotypes in families, empower women, and encourage them to use contraceptives. These findings emphasize the need for evidence-based policies and integration of prevention measures in the maternal health services to prevent IPPV against mothers and protect their unborn children.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology for Thyroid Tumours at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Tanzania

Bahati Robert — 2026-02-10

Background: Thyroid diseases are common and serious diseases in the world and because of this fact, early diagnosis is necessary. Clinicians in our settings rely on clinical presentation, physical examination and biochemical findings in diagnosing patients with thyroid mass and sometimes this leads to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of cancerous lesions. Abnormal lymph node sometimes can be mistaken for a thyroid nodule. Clinical examination or biochemical findings become difficult differentiatingdifficult differentiating the two conditions. The global consensus is to employ FNAC as standard baseline test to pick out thyroid lesions with malignancy potential. The inherent pitfalls and unique presentation in developing countries have proven a challenge in using FNAC as a stand-alone tool for preoperative assessment
Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology for thyroid tumours at a tertiary hospital in Northern Tanzania from January 2019 to June 2023.
Methodology: A retrospective cross sectionalcross-sectional hospital-based study that was conducted from January 2019 to June 2023 in patients who had thyroidectomy done during the study period at KCMC. Structured Questionnaires were used to collect key information from case notes, descriptive data were summarized by median and interquartile range and proportions in percentage and analyzed by SPSS version 25.
Results: A total of 207 patients who underwent thyroidectomy across the period of study were eligible. Females were 89.37% and% and males 10.63% with a Female: Male ratio 8.4:1. The age of participants ranged from 8 to 81 years, median (IQR) 49 (37-56) years. Malignant lesions 47.83% were papillary carcinoma, 30.43% follicular carcinoma and the rest were squamous cell carcinoma 8.7%,follicular%, follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma 8.7% and 4.35% papillary carcinoma follicular variant.
The study had a sensitivity of 36.36%, specificity 91.89%, positive predictive value of 34.78% negative predictive value 92.39% false positive rate 8.10%, false negative rate 63.64% and an overall accuracy of 85.99%.
Conclusion: This study reveals high specificity, a low sensitivity, and a within range diagnostic accuracy for FNAC at detecting malignancy in thyroid nodules. The findings are a baseline data on performance of FNAC in thyroid tumours at our facility, there is a consistent trend toward papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) than follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) across regions.

Malaria Knowledge and Associated Factors Towards Mosquito Net Use among School Children in Muheza District, Tanzania

Hillary Raphael Sebukoto — 2026-02-10

Background: Schoolchildren face a high risk of malaria, yet remain a neglected demographic in control programmes compared to pregnant women and children under five. In Tanzania, in recent years, mosquito nets have been provided to primary schoolchildren, but usage remains low. Studies on malaria knowledge and mosquito net use among schoolchildren is limited. This study aimed to assess malaria knowledge and identify factors associated with mosquito net use among schoolchildren in Muheza District, Tanzania
Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. Schoolchildren and household heads were interviewed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Malaria knowledge was assessed, with scores above 50% classified as good knowledge. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with mosquito net use, with statistical significance set at p ≤ .05.
Results: A total of 530 schoolchildren were enrolled. Of these, 87.2% owned at least one mosquito net, and among them, 69.8% reported using a net the previous night. Overall, 90.6% of children demonstrated good malaria knowledge. Factors significantly associated with mosquito net use included urban residence (aPR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.62), living with parents (aPR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14–1.58), and ownership of a television or radio (aPR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.83). Household-level determinants included access to electricity (aPR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.20), a household size-to-bed-net ratio of ≤ 2 (aPR 2.30; 95% CI, 1.36 to 3.88), and possession of a mosquito net that had been in use for ≤ 3 years (aPR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.41).
Conclusion: Although most schoolchildren in Muheza District have good malaria knowledge, 30% did not use a mosquito net the night before the interview, and 3% still believed in local herbal remedies. Higher mosquito net use was associated with living in urban areas, parental care, ownership of mass-media devices, household access to electricity, a favourable household size-to-bed-net ratio, and having a relatively new mosquito net. Strengthened malaria education and targeted interventions, particularly in rural areas are urgently needed to promote consistent net use and correct misconceptions regarding malaria treatment.

Seroprevalence of Mumps among Patients Attending Selected Hospitals in Kenya

Paul Muchai — 2026-02-10

Background: Mumps is a highly infectious viral disease that poses a significant public health concern despite presence of safe and effective vaccine. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence of mumps among patients attending selected hospitals in Coast and Central regions of Kenya, and to evaluate the demographic factors associated with mumps seropositivity.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study where serum samples collected from patients attending Kiambu, Murang’a and Kilifi County hospitals were quantitatively tested for anti-mumps IgG antibodies using commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Sample size estimation was calculated using Cochran formula. A total of 451 volunteers were enrolled between October 2020 and November 2021. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Board of Kenya Medical Research Institute Scientific and Ethics Review Unit. Statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software.
Results: The overall mumps seropositivity rate was 90.5% and geometric mean of mumps IgG titers (GMT) was 401.3 U/ml. Both seroprevalence and GMT were not significantly influenced by the demographic factors of the population under study. Nonetheless, there were trends of higher prevalence related to certain demographic groups. Seroprevalence increased with increasing age from 85% for less than 10-year-olds to 100% among those aged between 60 and 69 years (P=.779). Similarly, females had a higher prevalence at 91.5% compared to 88.6% among males (P=.063). Also, the population from the central region of Kenya had a seroprevalence of 92% compared to 87.3% at the coast region (P=0.249) and rural residents reported 91.3% compared to 88.5% in urban residents (P=.607).
Conclusions: The high mumps seroprevalence in this Kenyan population reflects widespread natural infection in the absence of vaccination. Age-related increases in antibody prevalence and geometric mean titres indicate cumulative exposure over time. These findings provide essential pre-vaccine baseline data and support the need for strengthened mumps surveillance and consideration of mumps vaccine inclusion in Kenya’s national immunization program.

Exploring Recent Trends in Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake in Tanzania

Joanes Faustine Mboineki — 2026-02-10

Background: Despite ongoing community awareness programmes in Tanzania, cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake remains low, with only 10 to 29% of eligible women participating. Improving screening is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which targets reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. This study explored recent changes in CCS awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women in urban Dar es Salaam.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Kawe ward, Dar es Salaam. Twenty-six women aged ≥21 years were purposively sampled. Data were collected between January and February 2020 using in-depth, face-to-face interviews guided by open-ended questions. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and analysed using five-step qualitative content analysis to develop codes, categories, subthemes, and themes.
Results: All participants had heard of cervical cancer and CCS, yet only 2 of 26 had ever been screened. Awareness was high, but most women demonstrated inadequate knowledge of cervical cancer causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and screening guidelines. Major barriers to screening included absence of symptoms, limited knowledge, lack of health-seeking behaviour, time constraints, perceived costs, and long waiting times at screening sites. Despite these barriers, participants expressed strong positive attitudes toward CCS and showed readiness to undergo screening if services were accessible, affordable, and accompanied by adequate education.
Conclusion: While awareness of cervical cancer is high, knowledge gaps persist and remain a major barrier to CCS uptake. Ongoing community awareness initiatives have increased recognition of the disease’s severity but have not translated into improved screening practices. Strengthening educational content, expanding community-level outreach, reducing waiting times, and improving service accessibility are essential to increase CCS participation among urban women in Tanzania.

Influence of Antenatal Family Planning Counselling on Attitude Towards Early Postpartum Family Planning: A Randomised Controlled Trial in Kenya

Morris Senghor Shisanya — 2026-02-10

Background: Globally, women value postpartum family planning (PPFP) for health and pregnancy spacing. It is imperative to understand the diverse aspects influencing women’s attitudes towards early PPFP to address them effectively. There is a lack of comparative studies on the effectiveness of interventions to improve attitudes towards early PPFP. Bridging this gap is vital for evidence-based FP promotion and better maternal and child health outcomes. This study, therefore, compared attitudes toward early PPFP across nurse-led, community-based, and routine ANC groups.
Methods: The study was a randomised control trial conducted in Kisumu County among pregnant women. Three arms were established: nurses’ and community interventions and a control. Sample size was determined based on expected differences in contraceptive use postpartum. Multistage sampling involving purposive, cluster, and simple random sampling was used. The intervention involved providing antenatal information on postpartum family planning (PPFP) using a mobile phone-based tool. Attitudes towards PPFP were measured using Likert scales and analysed through ANOVA. The study aimed to assess the impact of interventions on attitudes towards early PPFP.
Results: Most participants (96.4%) had a positive attitude towards early PPFP, though some factors were linked to reduced positivity. Higher education (OR 0.6, 95% CI, 0.4 to 0.9, P=.026), comorbidity (OR 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.6, P=.006), and longer counselling waiting and turnaround times (OR 0.9, 95% CI, 0.8–1.0, P=.059) and (OR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.0, P=.032) were associated with more negative attitudes, while good perceived health increased positivity (OR 3.1, 95% CI, 1.0 to 9.2, P=.043). There was no significant difference in attitude between study arms (F (2,243) =3.0, P=.053).
Conclusion: The study found a generally positive attitude towards early PPFP among participants, but no significant difference in attitude between intervention and control arms. Negative attitudes were associated with comorbidities, longer waiting times, and counselling turnaround times. The study recommends improvements in counselling quality by optimising waiting and turnaround times.

Reliability and Intra Urban Variability of a Quality of Life Index: Findings of Pilot Studies of Young Women in Kampala, Uganda

Rachel E. Culbreth — 2026-02-10

Background: Research on health and quality of life among young adults living in the slums is relatively sparse. This analysis aimed to: 1) assess the reliability of the Uganda Youth Quality of Life (QOL) Index across two pilot studies, and 2) examine intra-urban differences in QOL domains among young women in three slum communities of Kampala.
Methods: Data from two consecutive pilot studies conducted among young women and girls in Kampala, Uganda were utilized for this analysis (n=60). These pilot studies were originally designed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of daily diaries and wearable devices for the larger cohort study (“TOPOWA”, meaning empowerment). The QOL domains (living conditions and lifestyle, social relationships, and personal independence) were obtained from the Uganda Youth Quality of Life Index (part of baseline survey). Comparisons in QOL domains between the two pilots were conducted to examine reliability, and inter-urban differences were analyzed across the three study sites (Banda, Bwaise, and Makindye).
Results: The mean age of all participants was 20.1 years, and nearly one-third reported having children. While the QOL index demonstrated reliability across pilots (no significant differences in domain scores or life satisfaction, p=0.59), significant intra-urban differences were found. Participants in Bwaise reported consistently higher satisfaction across multiple domains compared to Banda and Makindye. However, satisfaction with their current dwelling was highest in Makindye (F=4.7, p=.02). Overall life satisfaction also differed significantly by site (F=5.2, p=.008).
Conclusions: The Uganda Youth Quality of Life Index was reliable across the two pilot studies. However, intra-urban differences were noted across Kampala, suggesting that urban slum communities have a high degree of variability in life satisfaction and may warrant targeted interventions which address community differences.

Ceftriaxone Resistance in the Surgical Adult Intensive Care Unit at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Gibonce Mwakisambwe — 2026-02-10

Background: The resistance to first line agents, namely third generation cephalosporins, specifically ceftriaxone, has been clinically observed in a number of patients at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) medical wards. However, there has been no any study from the intensive care units with regards to resistance to ceftriaxone per se.
Objective: The objective of our study was to audit the use of ceftriaxone with STG adherence as the first line antibacterial agent on the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections among patients admitted in the surgical Adult Intensive Care Unit (AICU) at MNH, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: This was a prospective descriptive cross-sectional clinical audit study, done from January, 2021 to December, 2021. Results were analyzed using SPSS 23.
Results: During one year of the study period, a total of 735 patients were admitted in the surgical MNH-AICU with different clinical diagnosis. A total of 731(99.50%) were included in the final analysis, with only 75(10.26%) having culture and sensitivity performed on them. Among all isolates, Klebsiella pneumoniae 34(45%) was the most predominant bacteria. Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter spp and Escherichia coli were 100% resistant to ceftriaxone (CRO) while five isolates of K. pneumoniae were resistant to all tested antibiotics including Meropenem. The STG adherence was only in 26(4.30%) patients out of 731 patients studied with regards to ceftriaxone prescription.
Conclusion: In this study, the majority of pathogens were due to multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The STG adherence was very low with regard to the use of ceftriaxone (4.30%). The resistance to Ceftriaxone was 100%; thus, Ceftriaxone should no longer be used as the first line for prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections in the surgical MNH-AICU and similar settings. Crucially, the establishment of dedicated Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) teams, along with rigorous education and strict adherence to defined guidelines, is of paramount importance to counteract and effectively reduce the observed antimicrobial resistance(AMR) burden.

From MDGs experience to SDGs Actions: Insights from Tanzanian Nurses and Midwives

Peter Taratara — 2026-02-10

Background: Nurses and midwives constitute the largest proportion of the health workforce and play a central role in achieving maternal and child health outcomes. During the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era, particularly MDGs 4 and 5, their engagement was considered essential. However, anecdotal evidence from low- and middle-income countries suggests that nurses and midwives were insufficiently involved in MDG-related planning and decision-making. This study explored the enabling and inhibiting factors influencing Tanzanian nurses’ and midwives’ participation in the implementation of MDGs 4 and 5, with the aim of identifying lessons to strengthen engagement during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) era.
Methods: A descriptive, holistic case study design was employed. Data were collected in 2017 from five hospitals in Tanzania (three public and two private) using surveys, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews. Participants included 66 clinical nurses and midwives and eight nursing and midwifery administrators. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis to identify key themes related to awareness, participation, enablers, inhibitors, and future engagement.
Results: Most participants reported awareness of the MDGs, primarily through mass media, workplace meetings, and colleagues. However, awareness was uneven across facilities, with notable gaps in some hospitals. Nurses’ and midwives’ participation in MDGs 4 and 5 was largely limited to routine clinical activities, such as patient education and record-keeping, rather than involvement in planning or decision-making processes. Major enablers included their professional knowledge, numerical dominance in the workforce, and close proximity to patients. Key barriers included heavy workloads, limited time, inadequate representation in policy forums, insufficient empowerment, and organizational and resource constraints. Despite these challenges, participants expressed strong willingness to engage more actively in future global health initiatives.
Conclusion: Nurses and midwives in Tanzania played a largely indirect and constrained role in the implementation of MDGs 4 and 5, with participation primarily embedded in routine clinical practice rather than strategic decision-making. Strengthening leadership support, improving access to information, enhancing professional empowerment, and increasing involvement in policy and planning processes are critical to maximizing nurses’ and midwives’ contributions to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 and future global health agendas.

Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Allium sativum Extract Against Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Isolates

Fromence Nyambu Mwachofi — 2026-02-10

Background: The increasing trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have continued to pose a global public health concern. This rapid emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance have necessitated the exploration of innovative approaches to combat microbial infections. This study investigated the potential of enhancing antimicrobial properties through the synergistic effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Allium Sativum (garlic) extracts against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Methods: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), were synthesised using the sol-gel method and later synergised with extracts of Allium sativum. Formation of ZnO NPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-visible spectrophotometry methods. Similarly, these methods were also used in formed Allium Sativum extracts as well as in ZnO NPs and garlic acid combined product. The antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolates were determined using Kirby Bauer disc and well diffusion methods.
Results: The average size of ZnO NPs in the present study is 40.96nm with a percentage crystallinity of 58.30%. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ZnO NPs ranged from 5 to 0.312 mg/ml. The antimicrobial assay of both ZnO NPs and crude Allium Sativum extracts showed a concentration-dependent effect. The zones of inhibition for ZnO NPs ranged from 18mm to 20mm±2.5, crude Allium Sativum extracts 8mm to 14.2mm±2, while the synergistic effect of ZnO NPs and crude Allium Sativum extracts was more effective with zones of inhibition ranging from 40mm±2 and 42mm±3.5 against Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Antimicrobial assays revealed that the drug combination exhibited a significantly enhanced inhibitory effect against tested isolates by 35% with reduced minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by 50% compared with individual treatments.
Conclusion: Our findings confirm the promising use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in treating pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) bacteria that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) could be a possible alternative antibiotic. These results highlight the powerful potential of combining nanotechnology with natural products as alternative antimicrobial agents.