HIV infection, seasonality and younger age predicting incident Bell's palsy among black South Africans.

Background: Although South Africa (SA) is facing a high prevalence of HIV infection, there is no literature from this region on a link between Bell's palsy and HIV. The aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of Bell's palsy in relation to demographics, seasons and HIV status among black South Africans.

Methods: This retrospective cohort was conducted among adult black patients, without Bell's palsy in 2003, presenting to the neurology outpatients department at Dr.

Advertisement and knowledge of tobacco products among Ellisras rural children aged 11 to 18 years: Ellisras Longitudinal study.

Background: Tobacco products use is the leading cause of chronic diseases morbidity and mortality. This study explores an exposure to tobacco advertisements factors and knowledge, an association with snuff/pipe usage and cigarette smoking among Ellisras rural children aged between 11 to 18 years.

Methods: A total of 1654 subjects (854 boys and 800 girls) who were part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study completed the questionnaire.