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Research Article
Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya
Sarah Wanjiru
,
Geoffrey Wango*,
Pacificah Okemwa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-13
Received:
28 November 2025
Accepted:
23 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of biology, physiology, socially constructed gender norms, roles, unequal power relations and social-economic inequalities. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intervention strategies mitigating the challenges faced by women living with HIV and AIDS in Majengo informal urban settlements in Nyeri County. The study used the descriptive survey design that utilised qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from participants was collected using the snowballing method and involved in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopted the social systems theory to incorporate consciousness and phenomenology in the construction of society, such as social-economic factors that significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study assessed knowledge and use of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among infected women and identified risky practices and appropriate strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. The inquiry established that the success of the HIV and AIDS intervention strategies depends largely on context-specific challenges facing various populations, such as women living with HIV and AIDS in informal urban settlements. It recommends adoption of HIV and AIDS intervention strategies that mitigate gender and context-specific challenges in informal settlements, including improved infrastructure and enhanced health.
Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of ...
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Research Article
Evaluation of the ‘School for Husbands’ Strategy:
A Qualitative Assessment 12 Years After Implementation in the Koumpentoum Health District, Senegal
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
14-20
Received:
25 November 2025
Accepted:
23 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Women's lack of decision-making autonomy is a concern for their access to sexual and reproductive health services. To combat maternal morbidity and mortality, Senegal launched the husbands' school strategy in 2012, with the aim of improving men's involvement. The objective is to assess the perception of the husbands' school among the communities of Koumpentoum (one of the first districts to enrol). Methods: This is a qualitative study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with healthcare providers (12), community health workers (2) and beneficiaries (men (8) and women (8)). A purposive sampling method was used. The study included people who had been living in the district for at least one year and were involved in the strategy. A thematic analysis was performed using Nvivo 12 software. Results: The strategy is well recognised and adopted by the community because of its preventive and participatory nature in promoting family well-being. The degree of involvement of men was considered sufficient. The recruitment of peer husbands based on the exemplary behaviour of men in their households had created a positive emulation among other men. According to service providers, results were noted in terms of an increase in the fre ntion of reproductive health services and a decrease in cases of husbands opposing their wives' access to health services. Conclusion: The husband school strategy is a strategy that engages positive masculinity and improves access to sexual and reproductive health services. Policy makers could strengthen this strategy and scale it up.
Abstract: Introduction: Women's lack of decision-making autonomy is a concern for their access to sexual and reproductive health services. To combat maternal morbidity and mortality, Senegal launched the husbands' school strategy in 2012, with the aim of improving men's involvement. The objective is to assess the perception of the husbands' school among the ...
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Research Article
Factors Associated with Malaria Death in Children Aged 0 to 5 Years at Charles de Gaulle University Pediatric Hospital Center, Burkina Faso, 2018–2022
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
21-35
Received:
31 October 2025
Accepted:
23 January 2026
Published:
26 January 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Malaria is one of the leading causes of death among children under 5 years of age worldwide, with more than 90% of these deaths located in Africa. In Burkina Faso, malaria is also highly fatal. It is therefore essential to understand the explanatory factors of these deaths in order to develop effective and efficient preventive strategies. This study aims to identify the factors associated with malaria death in children aged 0 to 5 years at the Charles de Gaulles University Hospital (CHUP-CDG). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of children under 5 years of age with malaria who had been hospitalized at the CHUP-CDG. The data were collected from the medical records of the CHUP-CDG care units. The analysis calculated, using SAS® Software version 9.4., the ORs of associations of patient characteristics with death. Results: The case fatality rate of malaria was 40.63%. The variables associated with death were rural residence 3.72 [2.48; 12:77], poverty 3:53, [1,10; 11:30], severe malnutrition 3:62, [1,61; 21:51], coma 8:72 [3:15; 24:12], vomiting 2:82 [1:81; 4:12], respiratory distress 5:46 [2:20; 13,58], metabolic acidosis 5,39, [1,79; 16,28], hypoglycemia 3.68 [1.03; 13,21], renal insufficiency 4.91 [1.37; 17.58], having had an indication for transfusion and not having been transfused 308.22 [37.06; 408,66]. Conclusion: The need to raise awareness among the population for early use of health facilities, the promotion of universal health coverage and the promotion of a community health policy is necessary in view of the factors identified.
Abstract: Introduction: Malaria is one of the leading causes of death among children under 5 years of age worldwide, with more than 90% of these deaths located in Africa. In Burkina Faso, malaria is also highly fatal. It is therefore essential to understand the explanatory factors of these deaths in order to develop effective and efficient preventive strateg...
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Research Article
Analysis of Compliance with the Principle of Justification for CT Scans Performed in the University Hospitals of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
36-44
Received:
14 November 2025
Accepted:
16 December 2025
Published:
26 January 2026
Abstract: The principle of justification is one of the fundamental principles of radiation protection, and even the most important one, as it is the first that must be considered before any request for an X-ray examination. The objective of this study is to assess compliance with the justification principle for CT scans performed in the University Hospitals of Ouagadougou through an analysis of the relevance of examination requests. This is a descriptive analytical study combining two approaches, a quantitative approach and a qualitative approach, based on 516 CT scans performed between August 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025. The analysis of justification was based on the consistency between the stated clinical indication and the requested CT scan. This conformity analysis was carried out using the “Good Practice Guidelines” (Guide de Bon Usage, GBU) for medical imaging examinations published by the French Society of Radiology (SFR) and the French Society of Nuclear Medicine (SFMN). Overall, 51 out of the 516 examinations (9.88%) in our study were deemed inappropriate. Among these, males were the most represented, accounting for 74%, with a sex ratio of 2.84. Lumbar and brain CT scans were the most affected by inappropriate requests, with respective rates of 23.53% and 19.61%. Spinal syndromes and tumor and/or abdominal masses were the most common inappropriate indications in our sample, representing 45.1% and 17.7% respectively. Physicians who had received training in radiation protection had a relevance rate of 92.88%, compared to 66.66% among those who had not received such training. Training physicians in radiation protection in general, and in the justification principle in particular, therefore appears to positively influence the relevance of X-ray examination requests, with a p-value of 0.036 (p < 0.05).
Abstract: The principle of justification is one of the fundamental principles of radiation protection, and even the most important one, as it is the first that must be considered before any request for an X-ray examination. The objective of this study is to assess compliance with the justification principle for CT scans performed in the University Hospitals ...
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Research Article
Epidemio-clinical Study of Simple Malaria in Adults in the General Medicine Department of the Reference Health Center of Bamako Municipality III in 2023
Oumar Sangho*,
Salia Keita,
Fanta Sangho,
Haïsseba Dansala,
Cheick Abou Coulibaly,
Ibrahim Fall,
Abou Sogodogo,
Borodjan Diarra,
Abdoul Salam Diarra,
Abdoul Karim Sylla,
Lancina Doumbia
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
45-52
Received:
2 February 2026
Accepted:
12 February 2026
Published:
25 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.15
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Abstract: Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Mali. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical aspects of uncomplicated malaria cases in adults treated at the general medicine department of the Reference Health Center in Commune III of Bamako in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1 to December 31, 2023. All patients aged 18 years or older with either clinically suspected or confirmed uncomplicated malaria-diagnosed through thick blood film, thin blood smear, or rapid diagnostic test (RDT)-were included. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and subsequently entered and analyzed with SPSS version 25. The national malaria control protocol served as a reference for evaluating prescriptions. Results: A total of 317 uncomplicated malaria cases were recorded among 7,584 admissions, accounting for 4.9%. The mean age was 34 ± 15 years, with a female predominance (63%). The main clinical signs were headache (86.12%), chills (49.53%), and fever (52.7%). Thick blood smears were performed in 94% of cases and were positive in 86.44%. Antimalarial treatment was primarily based on artemether/lumefantrine (60.88%). The treatment protocol was appropriate in 65% of prescriptions. Conclusion: Uncomplicated malaria remains prevalent among adults in Commune III. Strengthening preventive measures and adhering to the protocol remain essential to reduce morbidity and prevent severe forms of malaria.
Abstract: Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Mali. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical aspects of uncomplicated malaria cases in adults treated at the general medicine department of the Reference Health Center in Commune III of Bamako in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1...
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