Browsing by Author "Sungwa, Edson."

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    Assessment of knowledge on the danger signs of pregnancy among pregnant women at Sinza Palestina Hospital in Ubungo Municipality, Tanzania
    (Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2023-09-28) Sungwa, Edson.; Mwakanyamale, Adela A.
    Background: The rate of maternal mortality has dropped globally however in some developing countries the rate of decline has been slow. Several efforts have been made to improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality. Lack of information on danger signs during pregnancy is one of the factors that contribute to maternal mortality. The study aimed to assess knowledge of pregnancy danger signs among pregnant women at Sinza Palestina Hospital in Ubungo Municipality, Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving all pregnant women who attended RHC services at Sinza Palestina Hospital in Ubungo Municipality. Socio-demographic characteristics and obstetrics experiences in the last pregnancy, knowledge on danger signs of pregnancy were collected. Data were analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Categorical and continuous variables were summarized and presented in tables and bar charts. Any p-value of < 0.05, at a 95% confidence interval was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 410 pregnant women aged 18 – 46 years, mean age of 27 years were enrolled in this study. Amongst, 66 (16.1%) had low knowledge on obstetric danger signs and associated with age less than 20 years (aOR = 15.3, 95% CI: 4.8 – 48.3, p–value, < 0.001), education level (aOR = 27.7, 95% CI: 5.0 – 152, p–value, < 0.001), being single (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.1 – 12.9, p–value, < 0.04), parity (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1 – 3.4, p–value, < 0.02 and less ANC visits (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2 – 7.0, p–value, < 0.04). Moreover, occupation which was thought to have an association with knowledge of obstetrics danger signs, the association did not reach a statistically significant with p = 0.44. Conclusions and recommendations: In general, the findings of this study, show that the vast majority (83.9%) of pregnant mothers have sufficient knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Vaginal bleeding was the most commonly mentioned obstetric danger while Convulsion and fever were mentioned less. Age and education level of pregnant women, parity and ANC visits were identified as the significant factors for knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women. We recommend that health education and behavioural change programs to continue be implemented in all health facilities to continue imparting knowledge to all pregnant mothers. Efforts should be directed towards empowering nurse midwives.
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    Childhood emotional neglect experiences as a risk factor for psychological distress among adolescents in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A community-based cross sectional study
    (Journal of Clinical Images and Medical Case Reports, 2022-01-04) Mwakanyamale, Adela A.; Mbao, Ezekiel H.; Sungwa, Edson.
    Background: Emotional neglects is the mostly widespread type of childhood experience which is believed to affect the overall psycho-logical adjustment of the child as a result, victims may experience psy- chological distress with symptoms of low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. There is limited published data on this subject in Tanzania. This study investigates emotional neglect as a risk factor for psychological distress among adolescents in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, community-based study of adolescents that was conducted in randomly selected schools in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. The data collection process started July 2019 and was completed in July 2020. Each participant was contacted and in- formed about the purpose of the research, confidentiality issues, and reporting of the results. A multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to obtain a required number of the study participants. Kes- sler psychological distress scale (K10) and the Adverse Childhood Expe- rience (ACE) questionnaires were used to measure the variables under this study. Results: Out of 3193 participants enrolled in the study, 1543(48.3%) participants were male and 1650(51.7%) were female. The partici-pants’ age ranged from 13 to 18 years old (mean ± standard devia- tion= 16.44 ± 2.58 years). Childhood emotional neglect was reported in 51.9% of participants. There was a strong positive correlation between childhood emotional neglect and psychological distress during adoles- cence (r= 0.55, p<0.001). Conclusion: Finding from this study demonstrated that childhood emotional neglect is prevalent in our setting and is associated with psychological distress during adolescence. Urgent intervention target- ing at reducing occurrence of childhood psychological maltreatment is necessary to reduce the incidence of psychological distress among Tanzanian adolescents. Keywords: emotional neglect; psychological distress; adolescents; Tanzania
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    A cohort study to compare banana leaves dressing with convention dressing for children with burn wounds at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania 2021
    (Tanzania journal of health research, 2023-03-26) Sungwa, Edson.; Mwakanyamale, Adela A.; Stephen, Ambroce M.
    Background: Globally burns among children is a public health concern. Banana leaf dressings or Conventional dressing materials may be used to dress burn wounds to children. The study aimed to explore outcomes of burn wounds dressed using banana leaves and conventional dressing materials respectful. Methods: Hospital based cohort study design conducted at Bugando Medical Center Burn Unit. Non-probability convenient sampling method with a sample size of 35 pediatric patients with burn wounds for each group of convectional dressing methods and banana leaf dressings were reached. Stata program Version 13 was used to analyze data. Results: A total of 70 children; 1 to 18 years, median age of 4 and interquartile range [IQR: 1-17] years were enrolled in the study. Thirty-five were dressed with Banana leaf other 35 were dressed with convention materials. Results showed that Banana leaf dressing was associated with; less pain (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1 – 0.5, p – value <0.001), less medication use (aOR = 3.0,95% CI: 1.1 – 8.7, p – value 0.02) and good satisfaction (aOR = 85.6, 95% CI: 3.3 – 219, p – value <0.001) respectful during dressing change compared to conventional dressing method. However, no different observed between length of hospital stay and dressing method chosen. Conclusions: Although there is no evidence of a dressing method that is best for burn wounds. This study shows that Banana leaf dressing is convenient in terms of having less pain experiences and that it can be locally obtained in areas where banana plant is easily available. We recommend the use of banana leaf dressings for burns moreover, enlightenment of the public on the intervention and prevention of burns among children. Keywords: Banana leaf dressing, Conventional dressing, Burns, wound
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    Immediate seven day outcomes and risk factors of low birth weight neonates at referral hospitals in Mwanza City, Tanzania in october 2020
    (African Journal of Health Sciences, 2020) Sungwa, Edson.; Stephen, Ambroce M.
    Background: Every year more than 20 million neonates worldwide are born with low birth weight (LBW) per year. Ninety-five percent of LBW births occur in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine Immediate Seven Day Outcomes and Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight Neonates at Referral Hospitals in Mwanza City. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based observational prospective cohort study of neonates with LBW whom were followed up for seven days in the neonatal wards at referral hospitals in Mwanza city. Maternal social-demographic, newborns clinical data and vitality outcomes were collected. Categorical and continuous variables were summarized and presented in tables or bar charts. Any p-value of < 0.05, at 95% confidence interval was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Total of 200 neonates with median age of 0.8 days at baseline were enrolled. Amongst 148 (74 %) had prolonged hospitalization; due to sickness 88 (59%), and 60 (40%) due to poor weight gain. Whereas, the remaining 42 (21%) were discharged and 10 (5%) died within seven days. Prolonged hospitalization was associated with family income (p-value= <0.001) and place of delivery (p-value = <0.001). Neonatal death was associated with family income (p-value =0.035) and birth weight (p-value = 0.019). Early discharge associated with gestational age at first antenatal visit, family income, mode of delivery, APGAR score at one minute, time interval between delivery and admission and timing of medication initiation. Conclusion: LBW neonates are at high risk of death and prolonged hospitalization due to sickness or due to poor weight gain. Associated factors of these outcomes were family income, place of delivery, birth weight, gestation age during first antenatal visit, mode of delivered and low APGAR score.
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    Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice on Malaria Prevention and Treatment among Pregnant Women in Karatu District, Arusha Region, Tanzania
    (Nursing and primary care, 2021-12-16) Sungwa, Edson.
    The spread of Malaria has been increasing rapidly in many Sub-Saharan countries including Tanzania. The increase in mortality rate caused by Malaria among people including pregnant women is contributed mainly by the absence of sufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices of how to prevent and treat Malaria. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and practice among pregnant women in Malaria prevention and treatment in Endabash Ward, Karatu District, Tanzania. Pregnant women are vulnerable to Malaria due to invasion of the placenta by Plasmodium. This study involved a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Design. The study used Mixed Approach. Data were collected through In-Depth Interview (IDI), Focused Group Discussion (FGD), and Questionnaire. It was found that the majority of pregnant women had an understanding of the meaning, transmission, signs and symptoms and ways of preventing and treating Malaria. However, there were some pregnant women who still lacked knowledge on this condition. It is recommended that policy-makers should improve knowledge and control strategies on Malaria in this population.
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    Malnutrition and associated factors among adults starting on antiretroviral therapy at PASADA Hospital in Temeke District, Tanzania
    (Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2018) Kabalimu, Titus K.; Sungwa, Edson.; Lwabukuna, Warles C.
    Background: Malnutrition is known to play a significant role in HIV/AIDS progression. Severe malnutrition has been previously found to be associated with early mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) undergoing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among adult PLHIV attending care and treatment centre (CTC) in Temeke District, Tanzania. Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study involved consecutive eligible patients attending the CTC for initiating in ART, between January and April, 2014. All participants who agreed to sign a consent form were enrolled. The participants had undergone baseline workup for ART initiation (by CTC), which included blood tests for liver and renal function tests, and CD4+ cell count, using calibrated instruments and standard techniques. In all patients the weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI), denoting the nutritional status. This parameter was recorded in the study instrument together with the CD4+ count for each patient. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain more information, namely demographic and lifestyle data. Results: A total of 125 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of malnutrition among participants was 19.4%. Those with severe malnutrition comprised of 9%. Significant association was noted between malnutrition and irregular income (OR= 3.8, CI: 1.2-11.5) and also inability to get at least two meals a day (OR= 3.4, CI: 1.2-9.2). Severe malnutrition was significantly associated with the CD4+ counts of <200 cells/mm (OR =7.6; CI: 1.7-34.6). Conclusion: About 19% of participants were malnourished at the time of initiation of ART and among them 9% were severely malnourished. The most important risks for malnutrition were found to be irregular income and inability to get adequate feeding. This calls for routine nutritional assessment at CTCs prior to initiation of ART so as to identify those who need immediate intervention, including those with severe malnutrition.
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    Opportunistic Infections and Associated Factors among HIV Infected Patients on anti-retroviral treatment at Bombo Hospital in Tanga Region, Tanzania
    (African Journal of Health Sciences, 2022) Kabalimu, Titus K.; Sungwa, Edson.; ;
    BACKGROUND A substantive number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) develop Opportunistic Infections (OIs). The introduction of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in Tanzania led to a significant decline in opportunistic infections and a slower progression to AIDS, but OIs are still prevalent. This study was set to determine the magnitude of OIs and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) attending care and treatment clinic at Bombo Regional Referral hospital, Tanga region. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted on HIV/AIDS patients on ART attending Bombo Hospital in Tanga from July to October 2019. A non-probability, consecutive sampling technique was employed to obtain study participants. Data were collected using available data obtained from the patients’ files, hospital record books and interviews of study participants by using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were entered into the computer using Excel 2013, cleaned and analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.2.6. Any p-value of < 0.05, at a 95% confidence interval was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS The study showed that out of the 360 participants, 126 cases (35.0%) of OIs were reported. Pulmonary Tuberculosis had the highest prevalence of 18.0% among PLHIV while other opportunistic Infections altogether contributed 17.0%. Late ART initiation (OR=10.9, 95% CI: 6.5 – 18.3, p-value <0.001), Poor drug adherence (OR=19, 95% CI: 9.0 – 39.7, p-value <0.001), female gender (69% vs. 31%), which was however, not statistically significant (p-value – 0.904), Informal and Primary School education (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 – 1.6, p-value 0.04) being married (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.3 – 3.4, p – value 0.004) and widowed/widower (OR=7.7, 95% CI: 1.7 – 33.7, p – value 0.007) respectively were found to be associated with OIs to PLHIV. CONCLUSION The rate of OIs still high among PLHIV, Pulmonary Tuberculosis is the leading disease with 18.0% of all OIs symptomatic patients. Delay in ART initiation after positive test results, poor drug adherence and moderate malnutrition have been identified as major risk factors affecting 66.0%, 70.0%, 71%of PLWHA with OIs. We recommend early initiation of ART, Education on ART adherence and refilling of large quantities of ARV drugs to individuals working far from their homes.
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    Prevalence and factors that are associated with elevated blood pressure among primary school children in Mwanza Region, Tanzania
    (The Pan African Medical Journal, 2020) Sungwa, Edson.; Kabalimu, Titus K.
    Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) among children is reported to be increasing due to sedentary lifestyles. In developed countries the prevalence of paediatric HTN is recorded to be up to 21% while the magnitude of the same is up to 11% in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the blood pressure profile and factors associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) among children of Mwanza region. Methods: a cross sectional study involving 742 children aged 6 to 16 years in selected primary schools in Mwanza region was conducted from June to August 2019. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires where parents helped children to fill in. Blood pressure, body weight and height were measured using digital portable sphygmomanometer, self-calibrating digital weighing scale and Shorr measuring board respectively. Data were analyzed using EpiInfo. Results: This study found mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 109.2 ± 8.1 mmHg and 62.3 ± 7.2 mmHg respectively. Prevalence of elevated BP was 18.1%. Pre-hypertension 9.6%, and hypertension 8.5%. The age specific elevated BP prevalence was significantly higher (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2 - 2.9, p = 0.008) among children aged ≥10 years (21.4%) than younger ones (15.1%). Prevalence was also higher (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1 - 2.3, p = 0.048) among girls (20.1%) than boys (16.0%). Elevated BP was found to be associated with obesity (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.6 - 7.7, p = <0.001), overweight (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1 - 3.3, p = 0.037), eating fried food (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1 - 4.4, p = 0.023), drinking sugar soft drinks (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2 - 3.5, p = 0.002) and not eating fruits (OR = 13.4, 1.6, 95% CI: 2.1 - 65.8, p-value 0.006). Conclusion: Findings indicate high prevalence of elevated BP among children of Mwanza region. There was an association between elevated BP and increased age, gender, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Importance of measuring paediatric blood pressure and health information regarding effects of sedentary life is recommended to Tanzanians. Parents should encourage their children to have active physical activities. Moreover, health workers should implement programmes to modify sedentary lifestyle and prevent children from elevated blood pressure.