Was there evidence of occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among nurse midwives ten years into the epidemic in Zambia?

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine occupational factors associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)) infection. The survey covered 30 health institutions throughout Zambia. A total of 370 consenting midwives took part in the study.

A qualitative study to identify community structures for management of severe malaria: a basis for introducing rectal artesunate in the under five years children in Nakonde District of Zambia.

Background: Malaria is a serious illness among children aged 5 years and below in Zambia, which carries with it many adverse effects including anemia and high parasites exposure that lead to infant and childhood mortality. Due to poor accessibility to modern health facilities, malaria is normally managed at home using indigenous and cosmopolitan medicines. In view of problems and implications associated with management of severe malaria at home, rectal artesunate is being proposed as a first aid drug to slow down multiplication of parasites in children before accessing appropriate treatment.

An assessment of factors contributing to treatment adherence and knowledge of TB transmission among patients on TB treatment.

Background: The treatment guidelines for tuberculosis treatment under Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) have been a common strategy for TB treatment in Zambia. The study was carried out in Ndola, Zambia, to investigate factors contributing to treatment non-adherence and knowledge of TB transmission among patients on TB treatment, in order to design a community-based intervention, that would promote compliance.

Methods: A household-based survey was conducted in six randomly selected catchment areas of Ndola, where 400 out of 736 patients receiving TB treatment within the six months period, were recruited through the District's Health Management Board (DHMB) clinics.

Adoption of safe water behaviors in Zambia: comparing educational and motivational approaches.

Context: In the developing world, drinking water is an important route for transmission of diarrheal disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children.

Objectives: In Field Trial 1 (FT1) and Field Trial 2 (FT2), the effectiveness of the behavior change approach known as motivational interviewing (MI) was compared to the standard practice of health education alone in initiating and sustaining safe water treatment and storage behavior among community residents. In Field Trial 3 (FT3), MI was compared with social marketing.

Improving ability to identify malaria and correctly use chloroquine in children at household level in Nakonde District, Northern Province of Zambia.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated causes of malaria and how cases were managed at household level, in order to improve the ability to identify malaria and ensure correct use of chloroquine. It was conducted in Nakonde District, Northern Province of Zambia, between 2000 and 2001. Nakonde district is in a hyperendemic malaria province, where Plasmodium falciparum is predominant.