Evolution and determinants of antenatal care services utilization among women of reproductive age in Rwanda: a scoping review.

Background: Maternal and child health remains a global priority, with antenatal care (ANC) recognized as essential for ensuring positive pregnancy outcomes. Despite significant improvements, in low- and middle-income countries, ANC service utilization remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper contributes to the understanding of the evolution and determinants of ANC service utilization among women of reproductive age in Rwanda.

Plasmodium falciparum with pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions in asymptomatic malaria infections in the Lake Victoria region, Kenya.

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) targeting the Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) are widely used to diagnose P. falciparum infection. However, reports of P.

anti-prostate cancer efficacy and phytochemical composition of the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of (sweet).

Background: Prostate cancer is a significant global health concern, particularly among ageing male populations, with a disproportionately higher burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Conventional treatments, though effective, are costly and cause devastating side effects which limit their clinical benefits. Hence, this study evaluated the antiprostate cancer properties and secondary metabolites of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate lead extracts of to explore safer and efficacious natural alternatives based on ethnomedicinal claims.

Antioxidant, anti-prostate cancer potential, and phytochemical composition of the ethyl acetate stem bark extract of Boascia coriacea (Pax.).

Background: The antioxidant and anticancer potential of natural compounds, particularly from medicinal plants, is increasingly being explored as alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and chemotherapeutics. Boascia coriacea (Pax) has been traditionally used for treating various ailments, including oxidative stress-related diseases and prostate cancer. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence to validate the ethnomedicinal claims, hence this study.

Patient satisfaction survey in a public hospital: Remera Rukoma District Hospital, Rwanda, 2023.

Background: Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of healthcare quality, influencing outcomes and providing insights for improvement. This study aims to assess patient satisfaction levels, and associated factors, and identify areas for enhancement at Remera Rukoma District Hospital (RRDH) in Rwanda, where such data was previously lacking.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a mixed approach of data collection was conducted, involving 384 participants (164 inpatients, 220 outpatients).

"It was not normal, and I had to find a doctor and tell him." Kenyan Women's Response to Cervical Cancer Symptoms.

This study aimed to characterize the cervical cancer diagnosis experience of Kenyan women undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. We analyzed qualitative interviews with 29 women living in rural Kenya who were currently undergoing cervical cancer treatment at Machakos Cancer Care and Research Centre at Machakos Level 5 Referral Hospital in eastern Kenya. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted in Kiswahili and English and then de-identified and translated to English during transcription.

Antimicrobial and food barrier properties of polyvinyl alcohol-lactic acid food packaging films.

Microbial contamination and the need for sustainable food production are driving the shift toward biodegradable food packaging materials. There is an urgent need to develop smart food packaging materials that can prevent contamination and prolong the shelf life of meat. To achieve this, the physical-chemical characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based packaging films were enhanced through incorporation of lactic acid and anthocyanins to act as a pH indicator.

Effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions targeting long-distance truck drivers: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of global evidence.

Introduction: Globally, long-distance truck drivers' (LDTDs) risk of exposure to HIV infections is higher compared with other populations in transit. Thus, several HIV prevention interventions have been implemented, though to a narrower extent compared with other most at-risk populations. Consequently, the effectiveness of such interventions is not well understood.

Discontinuation of family planning use among women of reproductive age in Rwanda: analysis from three Rwandan Demographic Health Survey (RDHS) 2010-2020.

Background: Family planning (FP) is fundamental in addressing unwanted pregnancies, unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal and child mortalities. It plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especial Goal 3. However, despite a high FP discontinuation percentage of 30% in Rwanda, there is limited studies on the contributing factors.

Analysis of properties of biodiesel and its development and promotion in Ghana.

The increasing global population and the challenges associated with fossil fuel has led to a surge in energy demand, necessitating research on renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Biodiesel, is produced from biomass materials like vegetable oil and fats, is a promising alternative. Transesterification is a principal method used in biodiesel production, as it is simple, versatile, and efficient.

Presence of Plasmodium falciparum strains with artemisinin-resistant K13 mutation C469Y in Busia County, Western Kenya.

Malaria remains a key health and economic problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The emergence of artemisinin drug resistance (ART-R) parasite strains poses a serious threat to the control and elimination of this scourge. This is because artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) remain the first-line treatment in the majority of malaria-endemic regions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Plasmodium falciparum population dynamics in East Africa and genomic surveillance along the Kenya-Uganda border.

East African countries accounted for ~ 10% of all malaria prevalence worldwide in 2022, with an estimated 23.8 million cases and > 53,000 deaths. Despite recent increases in malaria incidence, high-resolution genome-wide analyses of Plasmodium parasite populations are sparse in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Skin care habits of patients with eczema at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kiambu county, Kenya: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Background: There is a dearth of data on eczema from the African continent despite the purported increasing burden.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of eczema at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital and patient skincare.

Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional research design was performed describing the period between 2016 and 2020.

Nutrient, non-nutrient, antioxidant activity, and Fourier Transform Infrared analysis of Kenyan indigenous edible leafy vegetables from (Hochst Ex Oliv and Hiern).

Background: is a vegetable with therapeutic advantage for human diseases.

Objective: Evaluate nutritive and non-nutritive components, antioxidant activity, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy profile of L. cornuta leaves.

Food insecurity and mobility difficulty in middle-aged and older adults: The importance of bio-psychosocial factors.

Objective: Food insecurity has been associated with mobility difficulty (MD) in old age. However, there is a scarcity of research on this topic from low- and middle-income countries, while the bio-psychological factors underlying this association are largely unknown. We investigated the food insecurity-MD link in Ghana and explored how sleep, anxiety, loneliness, and physical activity (PA) mediate the association.