http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/67 2026-05-07T05:43:44Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4415 Title: Prevalence Rates of Hemodialysis and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at the Mutare Hemodialysis Centre, Zimbabwe (2019–2025). Authors: Chari, Wadzanai T. Abstract: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern, particularly in Zimbabwe, where its prevalence is on the rise, leading to increased demand for renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis. This study aimed to assess the rate of hemodialysis among CKD patients at the Mutare Hemodialysis Centre and explore the clinico-pathological characteristics influencing treatment modalities and patient outcomes from January 2019 to January 2025. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, involving systematic sampling of 90 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Key demographic data, socio-geographic factors, comorbidity prevalence, laboratory profiles, and treatment outcomes were collected through structured data collection sheets. The findings revealed a male predominance (60%) in the study population, with a mean age of 57 years. Notably, the age distribution showed a significant percentage of participants aged between 61 and 75 years, which accounts for 33.3% of the sample. Urban dwellers constituted 57.8%, highlighting better access to healthcare resources. A substantial number of patients presented with comorbidities, including hypertension (43.3%), diabetes mellitus (27.8%), and obesity (4%). Laboratory assessments indicated severely impaired renal function, with elevated serum creatinine levels averaging 675 μmol/L and a low mean GFR of 23 mL/min, categorizing the majority of participants in advanced stages of CKD. In terms of treatment frequency, 61.1% of patients received dialysis once per month, while 38.9% received it twice monthly. Moreover, 20% of patients reported experiencing complications during the course of treatment, indicating ongoing challenges in CKD management. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies to address prevalent comorbidities and emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and education for CKD patients. Given the limitations related to the sample size and cross-sectional design, future research should aim to include larger, more diverse populations to enhance the understanding of CKD in Zimbabwe. This research provides vital insights into the characteristics of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis and highlights the necessity for improved healthcare practices and policies to optimize patient outcomes in the region. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4414 Title: Urine Biochemistry Results at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital Public Health Laboratory From 2022 to 2024. Authors: Mupeni, Trisha P. Abstract: Urine dipstick tests are essential diagnostic tools widely used in clinical settings to assess various health conditions. This study focuses on the analysis of urine dipstick results at Sally Mugabe Hospital public health laboratory from 2022 to 2024, aiming to evaluate the prevalence of different urinary abnormalities and their clinical implications. The research was based on a retrospective cross-sectional methodology to investigate the correlation of patient clinical conditions, sociodemographic traits and urine biochemistry results. Patients with age groups ranging from 15 and above were the focus of the study which particularly excluded those with inadequate urine sample data as well as those who had surgery during the study period using 200 as the sample size. The results showed that abnormal results were highly prevalent, especially when it came to blood (38%), leukocyte esterase (55%) and nitrites (72%) in urine samples. These findings imply that the research population has a notable prevalence of urinary tract infection. Given that standard markers like bilirubin (0%) and urobilinogen (0%) were not found abnormal in this population the findings suggest that a tailored approach to urine screening may be helpful. The data was analysed using a statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Services to summarize the socio demographic characteristics and urine biochemistry results. In order to improve diagnostic effectiveness and resource allocation in public health settings, the study emphasizes the potential for creating a low-cost dipstick test that focuses on clinically significant parameters. By narrowing the focus to most relevant indicators an innovation could enhance early detection and treatment strategies ultimately benefitting patient outcomes. The results contribute valuable insights into the epidemiology of urinary issues within the patient population; there is a necessity to improve diagnostic tools that address the challenges faced by healthcare providers in resource limited settings 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4413 Title: Detection of Illicit Drugs in Urine Samples at Lancet Clinical Laboratories, 2024. Authors: Murendo, Tendai Abstract: The detection of illicit drugs in urine samples is a critical component of public health monitoring, particularly in urban settings where substance misuse poses significant societal challenges. This research aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of illicit drug use among patients at Lancet Clinical Laboratories in Harare during 2024. Utilizing a retrospective cross-sectional design, a total of 716 urine samples were analysed, revealing a notable positive detection rate of 28.9% for at least one illicit substance. The study highlighted male patients as disproportionately affected, constituting 86.5% of positive cases, with a mean age of 30 years, indicating a significant demographic trend associated with drug use. High-density areas, particularly Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Mbare, and Mabvuku, emerged as major contributors to the overall sample pool, underscoring the urban nature and accessibility of illicit substances in these communities. The most frequently detected substances were marijuana (67.6%), followed by benzodiazepines (30.0%) and opiates (23.2%). Alarmingly, 36.7% of positive cases indicated poly-drug use, primarily involving cannabis in combination with benzodiazepines, reflecting a concerning trend linked to increased health risks and complicating treatment strategies. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of drug misuse and the importance of treatment access. Furthermore, community-based harm reduction programs are essential to support individuals struggling with addiction and to mitigate the broader societal impacts of substance abuse. This study provides vital insights into the current landscape of illicit drug use in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the necessity for evidence-based public health policies tailored to combat this growing crisis. Ongoing surveillance and research are essential for adapting strategies to effectively reduce the adverse impacts of substance abuse in high-risk populations. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4412 Title: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Infection Among Blood Donors at Saint Joseph Hospital, Monrovia from January–December 2024. Authors: Karpee, Phonelius L. Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality rates. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection among blood donors at Saint Joseph Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia, between January and December 2024. The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional design using retrospective data from hospital records. A structured questionnaire and laboratory results were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviors of blood donors. A sample size of 600 participants was selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different months and donor categories. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. Findings revealed that the prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors increased progressively over the 12-month period, rising from 14.3% in January to 37.5% in December. High-risk factors identified included unsafe medical practices, unregulated tattooing, multiple sexual partners, and a history of blood transfusion. Notably, unsafe medical practices contributed to over 40% of infections in some months. The study highlighted gaps in public awareness, screening practices, and regulatory enforcement concerning HBV transmission routes. The results underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including regular HBV screening, public education on transmission risks, and stricter enforcement of safety protocols in medical and cosmetic procedures. The study recommends the integration of HBV education into community outreach programs and improvements in blood donor screening to ensure transfusion safety. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z