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1.

Exercise Prescription: Practices of Healthcare Professionals in Hospital Setting, Kenya Oloo Micky Olutende, Peter Wisiuba Bukhala, Bernard Wesonga Journal of Physical Activity Research. 2018 3 (1). doi: 10.12691/jpar-3-1-8 Keywords: physical activity prescription/counseling, Non-communicable disease s, healthcare professionals, kenya, health promotion, healthcare setting, primary care, preventive health Context: Physical inactivity is a serious epidemic that affects one’s health and there’s evidence that exercise can improve quality of life and health. The healthcare setting has been recognized as an appropriate and promising venue for counseling and prescribing physical activity to increase activity index of the population. An exercise prescription from a healthcare professional will remind the patient that physical activity is part of their treatment plan and should be adhered to with the same diligence with which their medication is taken. However, limited research on the topic suggests that many healthcare professionals are not incorporating exercise into treatment, and many lack the confidence to do so. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current exercise prescription trends among practicing healthcare professionals in Kakamega County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study was carried out in public health facilities in Kakamega County. The target population was nurses, medical officers and clinical officers. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and a total of 280 healthcare professionals from 7 government hospitals in Kakamega county participated in the study. From these hospitals 221 healthcare professionals (medical officers=11,5%, nurses= 165,75% and clinical officers=71,32%) completed the questionnaire. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) reported that, they occasionally (n=75, 33.9%) referred patients to other professionals for fitness assessment or appraisal, they occasionally (n=78, 35.3%) provided patients with verbal directions for a physical activity program, they very rarely (n=73, 33%) provided patients with written directions for a physical activity program, they frequently (n=71 32.1%) counselled PA (verbal or written prescription) for purposes of preventing chronic disease, they occasionally (n=76, 34.4%) discussed about physical activity with their patients and 59 (26.7%) very rarely participated in exercise session at least three times a week. The independent between- group ANOVA yielded a non- statistically significantly effect, F (2, 218) = 1.132, p = .324, ƞp2= .01. Statistical power was not adequate and was equal to .248. Thus, the null hypothesis of no significant differences in knowledge of exercise prescription in health professionals at public health facilities in Kakamega was accepted. In conclusion these findings lend support for further training, increased incorporation, and further growth needed in healthcare professionals’ self-efficacy in the prescription of exercise. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

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Knowledge Gaps and Barriers to Heart Failure and Hypertension Management among Patients in Rural Tanzania: A Patient’s Perspective Qualitative Study Sarah Andrea Lolo, Andrew Katende, Leila Samson, Chipegwa Mlula, Evance Mahundi, Hassan Matimbwa, Liliane Pasape, Irene R. Moshi, Martin Rohacek American Journal of Public Health Research. 2025 13 (4). doi: 10.12691/ajphr-13-4-1 Keywords: Non-communicable disease , knowledge, heart failure, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, medication adherence, follow-up visit, challenge Context: Introduction: Information about heart failure and hypertension, and barriers to treatment adherence of patients with cardiovascular diseases living in rural sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. Objective: To explore knowledge about heart failure and hypertension, as well as barriers to treatment adherence and follow-up visits among patients with heart failure and hypertension.Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted from July to November 2023 at the Heart and Lung clinic of the St. Francis Regional Referral Hospital Ifakara. Using purposive sampling, 30 in-depth interviews were conducted among patients with heart failure and hypertension. Data were analyzed thematically.Results: Most participants showed limited understanding of risk factors, and of the chronicity of hypertension and heart failure. Salt and fat were commonly reported as the risk factors for hypertension and heart failure. Most participants had a good understanding on how to take their medications daily, and their negative side effects. Challenges were categorized into individual and facility factors. Individual factors included social support, health insurance, financial support, transport costs, distance to healthcare facilities, the chronic condition and severity of illness. Facility factors involved clinic appointments, patient-provider, drug costs, availability, perceived waiting times, and consultation fees. Conclusion: This study found a limited understanding on hypertension and heart failure and about risk factors and the chronicity of these conditions. Tailored interventions are essential to address these challenges. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

3.

Potential Role of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) to Reduce the Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Managing the Obesity: A Review Sana Noreen, Rabia Kanwal, Abdul Rehman, Ayesha Sadiqa, Fizza Mubarak, Madiha Khan Niazi, Ahasan Ullah Khan, Yunita Sari Pane Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2022 10 (10). doi: 10.12691/jfnr-10-10-8 Keywords: hormonal issues, Non-communicable disease s, Cinnamon Context: The current study aims to assess the impact of obesity on polycystic ovary syndrome. It has a huge impact on the body, impacting physical, emotional, cognitive, and intellectual faculties. Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, endometrial cancer, and other clinical problems result. Insulin resistance, which refers to the process by which the body is unable to respond to insulin production sequentially, leading to a high level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, is one of the most dangerous aspects studied in these individuals. Obesity is the leading cause of this condition, which is caused by an excessive buildup of fat in the body, which interferes with the body's natural functioning. Cardiovascular illnesses, which lead to a higher death rate globally, have a substantial relationship with PCOS. Women with PCOS have an increased amount of fatty tissues, which can worsen the condition and lead to type-II diabetes, stroke, and CVD. Physical manifestations of this heinous disease include acne, hirsutism, androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. Metabolic abnormalities contribute to the development and progression of PCOS and have major ramifications in later life that can be hazardous to health. It has been shown that even a 5% weight loss can reduce insulin and testosterone levels and improve fertility and menstrual cycle. Cinnamon has been shown to enhance menstrual cyclicity and insulin sensitivity in women with PCO. The purpose of this review is to investigate the efficacy of cinnamon supplementation in conjunction with specific lifestyle modifications, which has been proven to have potential therapeutic benefits against obesity and PCOS. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

4.

Access to Breast Cancer Treatment Services in Mombasa County, Kenya: A Quality of Care Analysis of Patient and Survivor Experiences Sultane Sherman, Vincent Okungu American Journal of Public Health Research. 2018 6 (4). doi: 10.12691/ajphr-6-4-3 Keywords: Kenya, Non-communicable disease s, breast cancer, access, quality of care Context: The increasing burden of cancer in Kenya has serious implications particularly for women. Understanding how women access breast-cancer treatment services is essential for mitigating its effects. The aim of this study was to examine access to breast cancer treatment services and implications on quality of care in Mombasa County, Kenya. Focus group discussions (N= 3), in-depth interviews (N=7) and a questionnaire were used in data collection. Qualitative data were analyzed using preset themes of access. Other emergent themes were identified and analyzed. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS V.23 and tabulated as descriptive. Lack of equipment, distance to facilities, unavailability of specialized personnel, high cost of care and cultural stigma, were the main barriers of access to cancer services. These barriers impacted on quality of care in terms of timeliness, equity, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, safety and efficiency. Poor quality of care was exhibited in reports of wrong and late diagnosis, poor outcomes in surgery, severe burns, broken down equipment, among others. There were also social consequences of being diagnosed with breast cancer including loss of business and termination from employment. Concerted efforts including investments in health workers, equipment and awareness creation are required to support access to quality breast cancer care. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)