Self-reported disability in relation to mortality in rural Malawi: a longitudinal study of over 16 000 adults
OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether self-reported disability was associated with mortality in adults in rural Malawi. SETTING: Karonga Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS), Northern Malawi. PARTICIPANTS: All adults aged 18 and over residing in the HDSS were eligible to participate. During annual censuses in 2014 and 2015, participants were asked if they experienced difficulty in […]
Causes of death in the Taabo health and demographic surveillance system, Cǒte d’Ivoire, from 2009 to 2011
Background: Current vital statistics from governmental institutions in Cǒte d’Ivoire are incomplete. This problem is particularly notable for remote rural areas that have limited access to the health system. Objective: To record all deaths from 2009 to 2011 and to identify the leading causes of death in the Taabo health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) […]
Maternal mental health of adolescent mothers: a cross-sectional mixed-method study protocol to determine cultural and social factors and mental health needs in Lilongwe, Malawi
INTRODUCTION: Adolescence marks a transition of life from childhood to adulthood. Becoming a mother during adolescence presents unique challenges that have a significant mental and physical burden and may increase the likelihood of developing common mental disorders (CMDs). Untreated CMDs have serious effects on both the mother and her child. Culture constitutes an important context […]
Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana
Background: The prevalence of domestic violence remains unacceptably high with numerous consequences ranging from psychological to maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity outcomes in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to identify factors that increased the likelihood of an event of domestic violence as reported by ever married Ghanaian women. Methods: Data from […]
Clinic and care: associations with adolescent antiretroviral therapy adherence in a prospective cohort in South Africa
Objective: Adolescent antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence remains critically low. We lack research testing protective factors across both clinic and care environments. Design: A prospective cohort of adolescents living with HIV (sample n = 969, 55% girls, baseline mean age 13.6) in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa were interviewed at baseline and 18-month follow-up (2014-2015, 2015-2016). […]
Appropriateness and affordability of prescriptions to diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Background Irrational prescription of drugs can lead to high cost of treatment thus limiting access to essential medicines. We assessed the affordability and appropriateness of prescriptions written for diabetic patients in Eastern Uganda. Methods We collected secondary data from the health management information system registers of patients who attended the outpatient medical clinic at Mbale […]
Health disparities across the counties of Kenya and implications for policy makers, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
Background: The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2016 provided comprehensive estimates of health loss globally. Decision makers in Kenya can use GBD subnational data to target health interventions and address county-level variation in the burden of disease. Methods: We used GBD 2016 estimates of life expectancy at birth, healthy life […]
Modelling geographical accessibility to support disaster response and rehabilitation of a healthcare system: An impact analysis of Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique
Objectives Modelling and assessing the loss of geographical accessibility is key to support disaster response and rehabilitation of the healthcare system. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate postdisaster travel times to functional health facilities and analyse losses in accessibility coverage after Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique in 2019. Setting We modelled […]
Population Health Metrics Research Consortium gold standard verbal autopsy validation study: Design, implementation, and development of analysis datasets
Background: Verbal autopsy methods are critically important for evaluating the leading causes of death in populations without adequate vital registration systems. With a myriad of analytical and data collection approaches, it is essential to create a high quality validation dataset from different populations to evaluate comparative method performance and make recommendations for future verbal autopsy […]
Diagnosis and management of surgical disease at Ethiopian health centres: cross-sectional survey of resources and barriers to care
Objectives The aim of this study was to characterise the resources and challenges for surgical care and referrals at health centres (HCs) in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. Setting Eight primary HCs in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. Participants Eight health officers and nurses staffing eight HCs completed a survey. Design The study was a survey-based, cross-sectional […]
