Knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccination among female university students.

Background: Prevention strategies for reducing cervical cancer incidence rely on informed populations, particularly those most at risk. This study assesses the knowledge and awareness of female university students towards cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccination.

Methods: A validated self-administered questionnaire was used in a descriptive cross-sectional study among female university students.

Failed tracheal intubation in primary health care.

Tracheal intubation in primary health care is a necessary skill and usually one that is necessary for appropriate emergency management of unstable patients. Primary care practitioners may not have an anaesthetist or critical care doctor available to help them in these emergencies and must manage these patients themselves. Often tracheal intubation may fail because of multiple possible factors and a different course of action may be needed to minimise the potential for harm to the patient.

Palpitations: Evaluation and management by primary care practitioners.

Palpitations are a common, non-specific presenting complaint in primary healthcare and emergency departments. Palpitations are mostly a symptom of benign underlying disease but a sign of life-threatening conditions. Importantly, palpitations are a symptom and not a diagnosis, and cardiac causes are the most concerning aetiology.

Preparedness level of frontline healthcare professionals in Tshwane regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Facing the highly transmissible viral infection referred to as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that threatens human life, South African frontline healthcare professionals have faced a major challenge. Being one of the African countries with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 cases, this study aimed to assess the preparedness levels of emergency doctors, nurses and clinical associates in the Tshwane district of South Africa regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey using a developed and piloted online questionnaire.

A description of events surrounding the index COVID-19 diagnosis in a staff member at Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented a huge challenge to the health systems across the world. When the virus hit South Africa, and the state of national disaster was announced by the president, the healthcare system had to work on its COVID-19 response preparedness. Initially, a few hospitals were then designated facilities for managing COVID-19 patients.

An overview of the viral haemorrhagic fevers for the primary care doctor.

The viral haemorrhagic fevers are infectious diseases that often cause life-threatening illnesses. These diseases are common in the tropical areas of the world, and travel history to an endemic area together with recognising signs and symptoms is essential to aid diagnosis. Treatment is often supportive, and infection control measures need to be instituted early at the point of entry.