Papers by Addmore Chadambuka
Background: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is within the top five occupational illnesses in Zi... more Background: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is within the top five occupational illnesses in Zimbabwe. Workers at a mining company complained about loss of hearing at the mine clinic. Objective: To determine the prevalence of NIHL among employees at the Mine. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross sectional study at the mine. Workers were proportionally selected to represent all the mine departments or working areas. We measured noise levels at various mine sites, conducted a walk-through survey to observe noise related worker practices and conducted audiometric testing. Results: Mean age for workers was 34.8±7.6 years and the mean duration of exposure to noise was 7.5±1.2 years. All workers could define noise. Ninety (53%) workers attributed NIHL to noisy work environment. Excessive noise levels were in Plant Processing (94 dBA), Underground Mining (102 dBA) and (Underground Workshop (103 dBA). Sixty two (36.7%) workers had NIHL. NIHL increased as a function of age (chi square...
PLOS ONE
Introduction Globally people with tuberculosis (TB) continue to be missed each year. They are eit... more Introduction Globally people with tuberculosis (TB) continue to be missed each year. They are either not diagnosed or not reported which indicates possible leakages in the TB care cascade. Zimbabwe is not spared with over 12000 missed cases in 2020. A preliminary review of TB treatment outcomes indicated patient leakages throughout the presumptive cascade and undesirable treatment outcomes in selected cities. Chegutu District had pre-diagnosis and pretreatment losses to follow-up while Mutare City among others had 22.0% of outcomes not evaluated in the second quarter of 2021, and death rates as high as 14% were recorded in Gweru District. The problem persists despite training on data analysis and use. The TB cohorts were analysed to determine the performance of the care cascade and the spatial distribution of treatment outcomes in Zimbabwe. Methods Using data from district health information software version 2.3 (DHIS2.3), a secondary data analysis of 2020 drug-sensitive (DS) TB tre...
African Health Sciences, Jan 27, 2014
Background: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is within the top five occupational illnesses in Zi... more Background: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is within the top five occupational illnesses in Zimbabwe. Workers at a mining company complained about loss of hearing at the mine clinic. Objective: To determine the prevalence of NIHL among employees at the Mine. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross sectional study at the mine. Workers were proportionally selected to represent all the mine departments or working areas. We measured noise levels at various mine sites, conducted a walk-through survey to observe noise related worker practices and conducted audiometric testing. Results: Mean age for workers was 34.8±7.6 years and the mean duration of exposure to noise was 7.5±1.2 years. All workers could define noise. Ninety (53%) workers attributed NIHL to noisy work environment. Excessive noise levels were in Plant Processing (94 dBA), Underground Mining (102 dBA) and (Underground Workshop (103 dBA). Sixty two (36.7%) workers had NIHL. NIHL increased as a function of age (chi square=30.99 df=3 p<0.01) and was associated with work area (chi square=24.96 df=5 p<0.01). Observed workers took heed of noise warnings. There was no documented hearing conservation program at the mine. Conclusion: The prevalence of NIHL of 37% is high. Age and work area were associated with NIHL. Studies reported that age tends to distort the relationship between noise exposure and NIHL. Mine management should institute a hearing conservation program to protect employees against hazardous noise. Management may meanwhile use administrative controls and adhere to permissible exposure limits according to the noise regulations.
PubMed, May 1, 2011
Objective: A beverage manufacturing company reported 59.3% increase in occupational injuries betw... more Objective: A beverage manufacturing company reported 59.3% increase in occupational injuries between 2006 and 2007. Factors associated with occupational injuries at this company in Harare were characterized, described the injuries, identified the hazards and control measures in place. Design: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted. Setting: Two plants of a beverage manufacturing company in Harare. Subjects: We interviewed randomly selected workers at the 2 plants of the company Main outcome measures: Prevalence of occupational injuries, Factors associated with injury, occupational hazards, control measures Results: Of 392 workers interviewed, 53.3% reported having had a work-related injury. Twenty-six percent had not reported the injuries. Independent risk factors were: working in packaging department OR = 3.64 (95% CI: 2.25-5.88), having sleep disorder OR = 2.26 (95% CI: 1.21-4.22) and 7 day working week without rest OR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.01-3.47). Hazards identified were noise, broken bottles, unguarded machines and coal dust. High risk areas were automated. Common injuries were cuts/lacerations (70.8%) and the most affected parts being the fingers 27.3% (57/209) and the hands 17.2% (36/209). Most injuries (74.8%) occurred in the packaging department due to breaking bottles. Conclusion: Prevalence of occupational injuries is high. We recommended regular machinery maintenance to minimize bottle breakages, reduction in working time and supply of adequate personal protective clothing.
Research Square (Research Square), Nov 9, 2021
Background Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) with Sulphadoxine/ Pyrimethamine... more Background Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) with Sulphadoxine/ Pyrimethamine (SP) is used for the prevention of malaria among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. The program is integrated into routine Antenatal care (ANC) where a minimum of three doses is recommended during each pregnancy. The third dose coverage for Chiredzi District has consistently been below the 80% target coverage. We evaluated IPTp implementation in Chiredzi to understand the reasons for underperformance. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a Process-Outcome evaluation with the Logical Framework Approach. We interviewed 50 women in postnatal care and determined ANC services accessed using their ANC booklets. Health workers were interviewed for knowledge of the program. Stock availability and drug delivery records were reviewed using checklists at ve high-volume sites. Epi Info 7.2.4.0™ was used for data capturing and analysis. The software was used to calculate frequencies, medians, proportions, odds ratios and p-values at a 95% con dence interval. The outcome variable was receiving ≥3 doses of SP which was computed against the independent variables such as client-related characteristics to determine which factors were contributory using univariate and bivariate analysis. Results Only 12/50 (24%) women received ≥3 doses of SP during their pregnancy. Two (4%) women started their ANC visits in the rst trimester. Thirty-three (66%) had missed at least one SP dose during their ANC visit because of medicine unavailability. Knowing the number of times SP is given (OR 11.9; 95% CI 2.54-55.8) and having attended at least 4 ANC visits (OR 13.6; 95% CI 1.59-116.0) increased the likelihood of receiving adequate SP dosing. Conclusions The IPTp-SP program in Chiredzi District was underperforming, we attributed this largely to health system factors. Erratic supply and stock-outs of SP resulted in clients missing SP doses. Clients also missed SP doses because of late ANC booking and lack of knowledge on IPTp bene ts. Improving stock management and raising community awareness on prevention of malaria among pregnant women was recommended.
Introduction: Lack of team work is a major problem in civil service in Zimbabwe. Poor team work l... more Introduction: Lack of team work is a major problem in civil service in Zimbabwe. Poor team work leads to reduced performance in a team. Gutu district performed very little for the past three years and a baseline survey showed lack of team work. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of team building on team performance. Methods: A before and after quasi experimental study was conducted. District managers were study participants. A baseline survey was conducted to determine views on key leadership issues, such as convening meetings, managing conflict, planning and communication. Next, a five-day team building retreat was conducted in a secluded area away from the district. After the team building exercise, participants were observed for three months to assess improvement in planning, convening meetings, supervision, and outbreak response. A post intervention survey was conducted to after the intervention. Results: All six district health managers participated, none of them had been trained in management, there was improvement in holding meetings, and writing reports reduced conflicts. All managers assisted other managers achieve their goals. Conclusion: Team building has an effect on team performance on Gutu health managers
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, Jul 1, 2020
Background: Point-of-care (POC) assays for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) increase access to... more Background: Point-of-care (POC) assays for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) increase access to testing, shorten time to results, and expedite initiation of antiretroviral therapy when compared with laboratory-based assays. However, there is a significant gap in our understanding of its human resource impact at the facility level. This study evaluates front-line health workers' (HWs') time associated with EID. Setting: Using time-motion methodology, we collected time-use data on EID tasks performed by HWs at 3 EID facility types in Zimbabwe-5 POC hubs, 9 POC spokes, and 11 facilities that used centralized laboratories. Methods: Data collectors observed 30 EID processes and 30 HWs' provided self-reported time. Comparisons of mean differences of HWs' time-use between centralized and POC EID were performed with a 2-sample t test with unequal variances. Results: Observed average total labor time per EID test at POC facilities was 28 minutes, 22 seconds [95% confidence interval (CI): 22:51 to 35:48], which was equivalent to the average preresult time at facilities using centralized EID. HWs performed other tasks while the machine processed samples. Observed average preresult time (counseling to sample preparation) was 18 minutes, 6 Supported by seconds (95% CI: 13:00 to 23:42) for POC compared with 27 minutes, 48 seconds (95% CI: 23:48 to 32:50) for facilities using centralized laboratories. The mean difference of 9 minutes, 42 seconds (95% CI: 03:04 to 16:18) was statistically significant. The differences in self-reported average total labor time per EID test between HWs at facilities using centralized laboratories or POC were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Use of POC assays did not incur additional human resource time compared with sending dried blood spots to a centralized laboratory for EID.
South African Journal of Child Health, Mar 31, 2010
Introduction. Bulawayo City reported an age-specific death rate for under-5s of 5.9/1 000 in 2004... more Introduction. Bulawayo City reported an age-specific death rate for under-5s of 5.9/1 000 in 2004, and this figure rose to 6.8/ 1 000 in 2005. Nurses were trained in implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy in 2005. We evaluated the programme in order to establish the level of implementation and the quality of care given to children aged under 5 years. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study on a population of sick children aged between 2 months and 5 years, health care workers and caregivers. Data were collected using a structured observation checklist of the case management of sick children, exit interviews with caregivers, and a structured inventory checklist for equipment, drugs and supplies at each health facility. Results. Nine facilities, 17 nurses and 72 children were observed during the study. Seventeen children (24%) were assessed for the three general danger signs (failure to drink or breastfeed, vomiting everything ingested, and convulsions), 31 (43%) were correctly prescribed an oral antibiotic, and 11% received the first dose of treatment at the health facility. Thirty-two per cent of caregivers who received a prescription for an oral medication were able to report correctly how to give the treatment. Drugs were below minimum stock levels in all 9 facilities. Only 19 (20%) of the 94 nurses were trained in IMCI. Conclusion. IMCI implementation in Bulawayo failed to meet the accepted standard protocol requirements. The main deficiencies noted were the low number of IMCI-trained health workers and the lack of availability of essential drugs at health facilities. However, it was noteworthy that only two case assessment parameters differed statistically between IMCI-trained and non-trained nurses. Larger studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.
PubMed, Jun 1, 2011
Background: Case detection is an important component of tuberculosis control programmes. It helps... more Background: Case detection is an important component of tuberculosis control programmes. It helps identify sources of infection, treat them, and thus break the chain of infection. Objective: To determine the reasons of low tuberculosis case detection in Gokwe Districts, Zimbabwe. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted. We used interviewer administered questionnaire for nurses and patients, checklists, key informant interviews. Results: Thirty-eight nurses, forty-two patients and seven key informants were interviewed and 1254 entries in tuberculosis register were reviewed. Nurses correctly defined pulmonary tuberculosis, listed signs and symptoms, preventive measures and methods of tuberculosis diagnosis. Exit interviews showed 9/42 (21%) of patients presenting with cough were asked to submit sputa for examination and asked about household contacts with tuberculosis. About 27% of patients who were sputum positive in the laboratory register were not recorded in the district tuberculosis register. This contributed to the high proportion of early defaulters among tuberculosis suspects. Conclusion: Low tuberculosis case detection was because nurses were not routinely requesting for sputum for examination in patients presenting with a cough or history of previous treatment for cough. Nurses should routinely request for sputum for examination in patients presenting with a cough or history of recent treatment for cough.
PubMed, Jun 1, 2010
Background: A report of an anthrax outbreak was received at Gokwe district hospital from the Vete... more Background: A report of an anthrax outbreak was received at Gokwe district hospital from the Veterinary department on the 23(rd) January 2007. This study was therefore conducted to determine risk factors for contracting anthrax amongst residents of Kuwirirana ward. Methods: We conducted a 1:1 unmatched case control study. A case was any person in Kuwirirana ward who developed a disease which manifested by itching of the affected area, followed by a painful lesion which became papular, then vesiculated and eventually developed into a depressed black eschar from 12 January to 20 February 2007. A control was a person resident of Kuwirirana ward without such diagnosis during the same period. Results: Thirty-seven cases and 37 controls were interviewed. On univariate analysis, eating contaminated meat (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 2-29.8), belonging to a household with cattle deaths (OR= 9.7, 95% CI 2.9-33), assisting with skinning anthrax infected carcasses (OR= 5.4(95% CI 1.7-17), assisting with meat preparation for drying (OR = 5(95%CI 1.9-13.9), assisting with cutting contaminated meat (OR = 4.8(95% CI 1.7-13.2), having cuts or wounds during skinning (OR = 19.5, 95% CI 2.4-159) and belonging to a village with cattle deaths (OR = 6.5(95%CI 1.3-32) were significantly associated with anthrax. Conclusion: Anthrax in Kuwirirana resulted from contact with and consumption of anthrax infected carcasses. We recommend that the district hold regular zoonotic committee meetings and conduct awareness campaign for the community and carry out annual cattle vaccinations.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, Jul 1, 2020
The purpose of this guidance document is to present a clear and condensed set of information on P... more The purpose of this guidance document is to present a clear and condensed set of information on POC EID products, and provide some suggestions and considerations related to site upgrades and sample transportation between spokes and hubs. 1. Side-by-Side Analysis of POC EID Products Appendix 1 provides a table of information on the three products that are currently eligible for procurement with Global Fund funding. The table contains the characteristics and implementation considerations for each product. We understand that there are many factors to consider when selecting a product, and emphasize that there is no "right" or "wrong" answer in deciding which platform should be used in your context. 2. Other Product Selection Considerations Sample transport using whole blood vs DBS: Please note that DBS is not the most suitable specimen for decentralized testing at primary health centers due to the additional time, expertise and equipment needed to process DBS samples. It is a more time-consuming process than transporting and testing whole blood. Allowing the blood to dry for DBS preparation takes several hours, usually overnight, thus delaying specimen transport for testing. Once the DBS reaches the testing lab, the sample needs to be reheated, thus requiring additional processing time, as well as requiring a power demanding heating device. The quality of the DBS preparation has also been documented to be extremely variable and often leading to the specimen to be rejected by the lab if not collected properly. The collection of blood onto the DBS card is not very intuitive and also requires a relatively high volume of blood as compared to what is required to perform the POC tests. Considering the population we service, the smaller the blood volume collected, the better it is. Thus, DBS might make sense for conventional EID, where stability of whole blood conflicts with transportation time for long distances, but in the context of POC EID, whole blood should be prioritized. Transportation of whole blood is possible using sealable EDTAtreated capillary tubes, which in addition to ease sample collection, have a greater potential to improve turnaround times to results, one of the core objective of the project and POC EID implementation in general. EDTA-blood is stable for 24h prior of testing if kept at ambient temperature, and up to 3 days if kept and transported at 4C.
The Pan African medical journal, 2022
PLOS ONE, Dec 12, 2022
Background Anthrax continues to be a disease of public health concern in Zimbabwe. Between Decemb... more Background Anthrax continues to be a disease of public health concern in Zimbabwe. Between December 2021 and February 2022, Tengwe reported 36 cases of human anthrax. Gastrointestinal anthrax has the potential to cause serious outbreaks leading to loss of human life. We investigated the outbreak, identified the risk factors using one health approach to inform outbreak control. Materials and methods We conducted descriptive analysis of the outbreak and a 1:2 unmatched case control study to identify risk factors for anthrax. A case was any Tengwe resident who developed an ulcer and/or abdominal symptoms and epidemiologically linked to a confirmed environmental exposure. Validated, structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the cases and neighbourhood controls. Soil and dried meat samples were collected for laboratory investigations. District preparedness and response was assessed using a checklist. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.5. The odds of exposure were calculated for each risk factor examined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors associated with contracting anthrax. Results Through active case finding we identified 36 cases, 31 were interviewed. Twenty-one (67.7%) were males. The median age was 33 years (Inter quartile range: 22-54). Nineteen (61.2%) cases presented with abdominal symptoms with zero deaths reported. The independent risk factor for contracting anthrax was eating under-cooked meat (aOR = 12.2, 95% CI: 1.41-105.74, p = 0.023). All samples collected tested positive for anthrax. No livestock vaccinations or zoonotic meetings were being conducted prior to the outbreak. Notification
Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2022
Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program includes a cascade of serv... more Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program includes a cascade of services given to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in-utero, during delivery and during breastfeeding. Zimbabwe has made tremendous progress in increasing coverage of PMTCT services and reducing MTCT rate. COVID-19 has negatively impacted HIV programs. Murewa was among the districts with the most COVID-19 cases. We evaluated the PMTCT program in Murewa District in the face of COVID-19 challenges. Methods: We assessed inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes of the PMTCT program using the logic model approach. We collected data using interviewer-administered questionnaire, records review, and a checklist to assess availability of inputs, processes carried out and outputs realized from the program. We randomly selected health workers and program recipients. We used Epi info 7 to compute frequencies, means and proportions. Results: Murewa District had 58 health workers in post against an establishment of 92. Seven out of 16 facilities reported having HIV test-kit stockout. Only 4/16 were conducting postnatal clinics. No PMTCT training were conducted. Only 1872/5693 (33%) of HIV consumables including HIV test kits and CD4 count reagents were procured. The reasons reported for low PMTCT coverage in Murewa were fear of contracting COVID-19 at health facilities 33/43 (77%), lack of bus fare 28/43 (65%) and unavailability of medical consumables 26/43 (60%). Conclusion: The PMTCT program in Murewa District failed to meet targets for inputs, processes,
Health Services Research, Aug 1, 2020
Research ObjectivePoint‐of‐care (POC) assays for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) increase acc... more Research ObjectivePoint‐of‐care (POC) assays for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) increase access to testing, shorten time to results, and expedite initiation of antiretroviral therapy when compared with laboratory‐based (centralized) assays. However, there is a significant gap in our understanding of its human resource impact at the facility‐level. This study evaluated the human resource labor time associated with the use of EID platforms by facility‐based health workers (HWs).Study DesignUsing time‐motion methodology, we collected direct observation and self‐reported time‐use data on EID tasks performed by HWs at health facilities in Zimbabwe. Data collection occurred at three EID facility types in Zimbabwe—five POC hubs (test samples from the hub and lower‐volume, nearby facilities), nine POC spokes (lower‐volume), and eleven facilities that use centralized laboratories.EID activities were grouped into pre‐result (counseling, administrative, blood sampling, and preparation) and total EID time (counseling to result communication). Total EID time was observed in POC hub facilities. Since EID tests were not performed on‐site at facilities using centralized laboratories and POC spoke facilities, tasks related to logging and communicating results were not observed. Instead, direct observation data were complemented with HW surveys at those facilities.Mean difference comparisons between centralized and POC EID services were performed with a two‐sample t test with allowance for unequal variances. Bootstrapping with 10 000 replicates was used to estimate the bias‐corrected and accelerated 95% confidence intervals for each measure and difference in means test. To assess whether results were robust, group comparison was performed with two‐sided permutation tests with 10 000 replicates, with same inference to those from the bootstrapped two‐sample t tests. A P‐value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Population StudiedFacility‐based health workers in Zimbabwe.Principal FindingsData collectors observed 30 EID processes and 30 HWs provided self‐reported time. Observed average total labor time per EID test at POC hubs was 28 minutes, 22 seconds (95% CI, 22:51‐35:48). HWs performed other tasks while the POC EID machine processed assays.Observed average pre‐result time (counseling to sample preparation) was 18 minutes, 6 seconds (95% CI, 13:00‐23:42) for POC compared with 27 minutes, 48 seconds (95% CI, 23:48‐32:50) for facilities using centralized laboratories. The mean difference of 9 minutes, 42 seconds (95% CI, 03:04‐16:18) was statistically significant. The major driver of this difference was the longer time to prepare dried blood spots (DBS) compared with POC assays.Self‐reported average labor time per negative EID was 49 minutes, 30 seconds (95% CI, 0:42:56‐0:57:08) for facilities using centralized laboratories compared with 53 minutes, 4 seconds (95% CI, 0:40:24‐1:04:44) for POC assays. The differences for self‐reported time were not statistically significant, and results were similar for positive EIDs.ConclusionsPOC EID did not incur significant additional facility‐based human resource time compared to centralized EID.Implications for Policy or PracticeThis study, combined with previously published data demonstrating that POC EID significantly improves timely ART initiation and is cost‐effective, furthers the evidence that POC EID is a feasible intervention for low‐resource contexts, where health facilities are short‐staffed.Primary Funding SourceUNITAID.
The Pan African medical journal, Oct 26, 2011
Introduction: The 2007 United Nations General Assembly Report on HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe reported no... more Introduction: The 2007 United Nations General Assembly Report on HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe reported nondisclosure of HIV status as a challenge in the PMTCT programme. Preliminary investigations on nondisclosure among 21 women tested for HIV at Chinhoyi Hospital showed that only six had disclosed their HIV status. We investigated the determinants of nondisclosure of HIV status. Methods: A cross sectional analytic study was conducted at six health facilities in Makonde district. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was adapted to guide socio-cultural variables assessed. Antenatal and postnatal women tested for HIV in the PMTCT program who consented to participate were interviewed. Results: We enrolled 334 women. Thirty four percent (114) did not disclose their HIV status. Among HIV positive respondents, 43% (25) did not disclose their status. Women who believed disclosure caused physical abuse (OR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.17-2.90), caused divorce (OR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.25-3.22) and was unimportant (OR= 2.26, 95% CI: 1.33-3.87) were two times less likely to disclose their status. Respondents who received group HIV pre-test counselling were 2.4 times more likely not to disclose. Receiving ANC HIV education at least twice and referral for psychosocial support were significantly protective [OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.24-0.63) and 0.16 (95% CI: 0.06-0.41) respectively. Independent determinants of nondisclosure among HIV positive women were perception that disclosure would cause divorce (AOR=7.82, p=0.03), living with an extended family (AOR=10.3, p=0.01) and needing spousal approval of HIV testing (AOR= 0.11, p<0.001). Conclusion: Lack of psychosocial support and counselling for women and belief that disclosure causes divorce, abuse or is unimportant contributes to nondisclosure. Identifying women with social challenges and strengthening their referral for psychosocial support can improve disclosure of HIV status and reduce mother to child transmission of HIV.
International journal of child health and human development, Jul 1, 2013
ABSTRACT Chitungwiza and Harare Central hospitals experienced increases in paediatric burn injuri... more ABSTRACT Chitungwiza and Harare Central hospitals experienced increases in paediatric burn injuries occurring at home from 35% and 31% in 2008 to 41% and 38% in 2009 respectively. A study was carried out to determine factors associated with these accidental burn injuries occurring at home. Methods: A matched 1:1 case control study was carried out at Chitungwiza and Harare Central Hospitals. A case was a child twelve years and below admitted with accidental burn injuries occurring at home between 1st May 2010 and 31st July 2010 residing in Chitungwiza and Harare. A control was a child twelve years and below admitted for other medical conditions at the two institutions during the same period and residing in the same neighbourhood as the case. Interviewer administered questionnaires were administered to consenting caregivers of cases and controls within the wards. Results: 131 cases and 131 controls were interviewed. Independent risk factors for accidental burn injuries were child unattended at home AOR=2.88 (1.10-7.55), using same room for cooking and sleeping AOR= 5.08 (2.29-11.27), not taking precaution when cooking AOR =4.86 (1.73-13.65) and not taking precautions when serving food AOR =7.85 (2.18 -28.25). Previous health education on burn prevention AOR =0.39 (0.26-0.71) was protective. Conclusion: Most of the identified risk factors for burn injuries were within the home environment yet most caregivers reported taking precautions. There is need to educate the community on methods of modifying the home environment in order to reduce occurrence of burn injuries at home.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), 2012
Introduction: In 2007, Zimbabwe government distributed rectangular insecticide treated nets in Ch... more Introduction: In 2007, Zimbabwe government distributed rectangular insecticide treated nets in Chipinge District, covering 100% of population at risk. However, malaria morbidity continued increasing from 492/1000 (49.2%) in 2007 to 667/1000 (66.7%) in 2008. A study was conducted in Chipinge District in May 2009 to investigate the use of rectangular insecticide treated nets and factors affecting their use in malaria prevention. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative methods were triangulated to assess utilisation of rectangular insecticide treated nets. Five interviewers administered 380 questionnaires to senior matriarchs selected from five wards, with 19,667 sampling frame (19,667/380 = 52). Five focus group discussions were conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, while qualitative data were summarised into thematic areas. Results: Approximately, 95% of respondents knew that malaria was caused by mosquito bites. Perception of nets as malaria preventative measure was high (88%). Utilization of rectangular insecticide treated nets was low (33%) with 81% of those not using them expressed difficulty procedures of mounting them and unavailability of related accessories as main reasons. People preferred conical insecticide treated nets (84%) compared to rectangular insecticide treated nets (15%). Conclusion: Although the Chipinge people accepted insecticide treated nets for malaria prevention, procedure of mounting rectangular insecticide treated nets and accessing related accessories prevented consistent use.In order for insecticide treated net project to have impact on malaria prevention, priority should be given to conical shape or rectangular shape with adequate accessories like wire nails and strings or twine.
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Papers by Addmore Chadambuka