Factors associated with hospitalization in a pediatric population of rural Tanzania: findings from a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Despite pediatric acute illnesses being leading causes of death and disability among children, acute and critical care services are not universally available in low-middle income countries, such as Tanzania, even if in this country significant progress has been made in child survival, over the last 20 years. In these countries, the hospital emergency departments may represent the only or the main point of access to health-care services. Thus, the hospitalization rates may reflect both the health system organization and the patients' health status.

Rewarming rate of hypothermic neonates in a low-resource setting: a retrospective single-center study.

Background: Hypothermic neonates need to be promptly rewarmed but there is no strong evidence to support a rapid or a slow pace of rewarming. This study aimed to investigate the rewarming rate and its associations with clinical outcomes in hypothermic neonates born in a low-resource setting.

Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the rewarming rate of hypothermic inborn neonates admitted to the Special Care Unit of Tosamaganga Hospital (Tanzania) in 2019-2020.

International medical electives in Sub-Saharan Africa: experiences from a 19-year NGO-driven initiative.

Background: Mainstream medical education remains largely focused on national health issues. Therefore, in order to expose medical students to international health issues, it is beneficial to facilitate international medical electives.

Methods: This article describes the Junior Project Officer (JPO) program, a medical experience based on clinical electives in Sub-Saharan Africa, supported by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Impact of Quality Improvement Bundle on Neonatal Mortality in a District Hospital in Tanzania.

Background: The poor quality of care received by mothers and neonates in many limited-resource countries represents a main determinant of newborn mortality. Small and sick hospitalized newborns are the highest-risk population, and they should be one of the prime beneficiaries of quality-of-care interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact on neonatal mortality of quality improvement interventions which were implemented at Tosamaganga Council Designated Hospital, Iringa, Tanzania, between 2016 and 2020.

Comparison of alternative gestational age assessment methods in a low resource setting: a retrospective study.

Background: Accurate gestational age (GA) determination allows correct management of high-risk, complicated or post-date pregnancies and prevention or anticipation of prematurity related complications. Ultrasound measurement in the first trimester is the gold standard for GA determination. In low- and middle-income countries elevated costs, lack of skills and poor maternal access to health service limit the availability of prenatal ultrasonography, making it necessary to use alternative methods.