ABSTRACT Namibia, one of the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, has embarked on a large scale public health sector roll-out of ART. The Catholic Health Services is implementing an HIV/AIDS treatment program in the Andara district since 2004. Even though there is strong evidence to show that antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the survival and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), an increased trend of mortality in patients on ART in the Andara district was observed, but t...
ABSTRACT The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia has embarked on a fight against the human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic. The human immunodeficiency virus counselling and testing (HCT) services comprises the core component of the prevention, treatment and care pertaining to HIV. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the renovation of health facilities on the HCT service utilisation. The study used a quantitati...
ABSTRACT Summary Despite the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) in Nigeria, access to and use of LLINs continues to be minimal. Little is also known about the perceived fair price people are willing to pay for LLINs in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and mothers of under-five children in randomly-selected malaria holo-endemic communities of Ijebu North and Yewa N...
Abstract While many studies have looked at the stressful effects of chronic illness of those who suffer such conditions, less is known about the effects on caregivers, especially in developing countries. Mothers in particular must bear the brunt of care and stress for children who have sickle cell disease (SCD). A sample of 200 mothers attending six SCD clinics in both public and private hospitals in the Ibadan-Ibarapa Health Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria, were interviewed. Stress levels were me...
ABSTRACT Unintended pregnancy is a potential risk for women which could adversely affect their health, family and society at large. In Nigeria, information on factors influencing decision-making on unintended pregnancy among married women has not been adequately explored. This study was designed to assess the factors that influence decision making on unintended pregnancy among married women in Ibadan South- West Local Government Area (IBSWLGA), Nigeria. This study was exploratory and involved...
ABSTRACT Emergency contraception (EC) has been available in Namibia for many years; however, there has been little research on knowledge, attitudes and practice of female learners about it. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of secondary school female learners towards emergency contraception. A cross sectional descriptive study of 294 secondary female learners was conducted at Mweshipandeka and Gabriel Taapopi secondary schools in Ongwediva, Namibia, d...
ABSTRACT This study was undertaken to determine whether the needs in the care and support of orphans and other vulnerable children in Windhoek are met and fulfilled. The main objectives of the study were to identify the basic needs of orphans and other vulnerable children, to determine the specific social support that is needed in the care of orphans and other vulnerable children, and to make recommendations regarding the needs in the care and support of orphans and other vulnerable children...
ABSTRACT Malaria and HIV/AIDS are two most widely spread diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. The coinfection is very common in the region, especially in unstable malaria transmission areas with the prevalence of 29.9 - 40%. In Namibia these two diseases are common in northern eastern regions, which are unstable malaria transmission areas. These two diseases affect poorer segments of the population. Individually and biologically Malaria increases viral load of HIV people. The severity of malaria ...
ABSTRACT Immunization is one of the world’s most cost-effective health interventions that help prevent childhood diseases. However, many infants especially in developing countries are not usually fully vaccinated. This study was conducted to assess the factors contributing to low coverage of expanded program on immunization (EPI) in the Kasena Nankana Municipal of Ghana. The study employed an analytical cross sectional study design. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample the st...
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the challenges facing health workers regarding the occupational health services (OHS) at Onandjokwe Hospital. The objectives of the study were to determine the existing situation relating to the OHS rendered at Onandjokwe Hospital and to describe and explore the perceptions of health workers regarding OHS at the hospital. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodology that included the use of a checklist, key informant intervi...
ABSTRACT This study was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The researcher aimed to explore and describe the awareness knowledge of women regarding health promotion on prevention of breast and cervical cancer. A quantitative approach was utilized for the study in order to provide a comprehensive picture and understanding of the awareness knowledge of women regarding health promotion on prevention of breast and cervical cancer. The study population consisted of all women of child bearing a...
ABSTRACT A hair salon is a shop where a person can have hair cut and styled in order to look more attractive. The employees in the hair salons are exposed to many irritative and allergenic substances, which may cause health problems. This study was conducted to assess the occupational health risks among various employees in hair salons in Windhoek. The main purpose of the study was to determine and describe health problems among employees in Windhoek hair salons, in order to provide importan...
ABSTRACT Available data has shown that most deaths due to liver cancer and cirrhosis are primarily attributed to the complications of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections, globally. Countries ought to have well-documented information on the HBV prevalence and risk factors to be able to understand and interrupt its transmission. In Namibia, data on the HBV prevalence and risk factors are scanty and older than two decades. Also, health care workers’ (HCWs) awareness on the HBV prevention and c...
ABSTRACT Quality Improvement (QI) is a diverse health care issue with multiple dimensions, which include structural, leadership and organizational attitudes. Generally, private hospitals are perceived to have better quality of care according to international standards; this perspective is true in Namibia, whereby only one private hospital is accredited according to international standards. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of staff regarding the COHSASA acc...
Abstract An alarming increase of breast cancer in Namibia started in 2005 with a record of 179 cases, and 1625 cases in 2006 respectively. To date, the cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) as a registry reported 3092 cancer incidences in 2012. The purpose of this study is to explore the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) and the correlation of the determinant factors on early detection of bread cancer among women in Windhoek. Methods used were the purposive sampling involving 236 women ...