Kidney function in healthcare clients in Khayelitsha, South Africa: Routine laboratory testing and results reflect distinct healthcare experiences by age for healthcare clients with and without HIV.

In South Africa, PLHIV are eligible for free ART and kidney function screening. Serum creatinine (SCr) laboratory test data from the National Health Laboratory Service are collated at the Provincial Health Data Centre and linked with other routine health data. We analysed SCr and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) results for PLHIV and HIV-negative healthcare clients aged 18-80 years accessing healthcare in Khayelitsha, South Africa and comorbidity profiles at SCr and eGFR testing.

Early-onset diabetes in Africa: A mini-review of the current genetic profile.

Early-onset diabetes is poorly diagnosed partly due to its heterogeneity and variable presentations. Although several genes have been associated with the disease, these genes are not well studied in Africa. We sought to identify the major neonatal, early childhood, juvenile, or early-onset diabetes genes in Africa; and evaluate the available molecular methods used for investigating these gene variants.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospital Admissions by Deprivation Levels Among Children and Adults in Scotland.

Background: Socioeconomic deprivation may predispose individuals to respiratory tract infections. We estimated RSV-associated hospitalizations by socioeconomic deprivation in Scotland.

Methods: Using national routine health care records and virological surveillance from 2010 to 2016, we used a time-series linear regression model and a direct measurement based on ICD-10 coded diagnoses to estimate RSV-associated hospitalizations by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile and age in comparison to influenza-associated hospitalizations.

COVID-19 among adults living with HIV: correlates of mortality among public sector healthcare users in Western Cape, South Africa.

Introduction: While a large proportion of people with HIV (PWH) have experienced SARS-CoV-2 infections, there is uncertainty about the role of HIV disease severity on COVID-19 outcomes, especially in lower-income settings. We studied the association of mortality with characteristics of HIV severity and management, and vaccination, among adult PWH.

Methods: We analysed observational cohort data on all PWH aged ≥15 years experiencing a diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection (until March 2022), who accessed public sector healthcare in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Estimation of the Number of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations in Adults in the European Union.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in adults that can result in hospitalizations. Estimating RSV-associated hospitalization is critical for planning RSV-related healthcare across Europe.

Methods: We gathered RSV-associated hospitalization estimates from the RSV Consortium in Europe (RESCEU) for adults in Denmark, England, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, and Scotland from 2006 to 2017.

Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in the European Union: estimation of RSV-associated hospitalizations in children under 5 years.

Background: No overall estimate of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalizations in children aged under 5 years has been published for the European Union (EU). We aimed to estimate the RSV hospitalization burden in children aged under 5 years in EU countries and Norway, by age group.

Methods: We collated national RSV-associated hospitalization estimates calculated using linear regression models via the RESCEU project for Denmark, England, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Scotland, 2006-2018.

New perspectives on respiratory syncytial virus surveillance at the national level: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://bit.ly/40TsO0G

COVID-19 among adults living with HIV: Correlates of mortality in a general population in a resource-limited setting.

Introduction: While a large proportion of people with HIV (PWH) have experienced SARS-CoV-2 infections, there is uncertainty about the role of HIV disease severity on COVID-19 outcomes, especially in lower income settings. We studied the association between mortality and characteristics of HIV severity and management, and vaccination, among adult PWH.

Methods: We analysed observational cohort data on all PWH aged ≥15 years experiencing a diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection (until March 2022), who accessed public sector healthcare in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Exploring Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs and Associated Barriers of Homeless Young Adults in Urban Ghana: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Homelessness has become a major global and public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This phenomenon predisposes young adults to severe psychosocial and health challenges.

Aim: To explore the sexual and reproductive health needs and behaviours of homeless young adults and challenges in accessing these services.

A Systematic Review of European Clinical Practice Guidelines for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis.

Background: Since the widespread adoption of palivizumab prophylaxis in Europe, there have been a number of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) published for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children. The aim of this systematic review was to identify CPGs for the prevention of RSV infection across Europe.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search and contacted European influenza and respiratory virus networks and public health institutions, to identify national CPGs for the prevention of RSV infection.

Accessing HIV care may lead to earlier ascertainment of comorbidities in health care clients in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

Successful antiretroviral rollout in South Africa has greatly increased the health of the HIV-positive population, and morbidity and mortality in PLHIV can increasingly be attributed to comorbidities rather than HIV/AIDS directly. Understanding this disease burden can inform health care planning for a growing population of ageing PLHIV. Anonymized routine administrative health data were analysed for all adults who accessed public health care in 2016-2017 in Khayelitsha subdistrict (Cape Town, South Africa).

Sleeping space matters: LLINs usage in Ghana.

Long Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) is an effective malaria prevention mechanism. However, ownership of LLIN does not imply its use among households. The availability of enough sleeping space is a natural prerequisite to install and use LLINs.

Underuse of modern contraception in sub-Saharan Africa: are there implications for sustainable development and climate change? A review of the literature.

The aim of this study was to review the recent literature regarding the underuse of modern contraception in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and examine the link with poverty, conflict, sustainable development and climate change. Data were examined in the PubMed, Hindawi and Science Direct databases. Selected studies were primary research published in the last 10 years relating to modern contraceptive use in SSA.