All Articles

Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Healthcare Workers in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) placed significant pressure on global health systems, necessitating rapid and widespread immunization, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Despite being prioritized in immunization programs, variations in vaccine uptake among HCWs have been reported across different settings. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCWs in Kiambu County, Kenya. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 112 HCWs sampled using stratified random sampling from Level 2 to Level 5 healthcare facilities. Data were collected through a pre-tested and validated 18-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 29.0. Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and ANOVA. The overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 88.9%. Significant predictors of uptake included age (p = 0.048), cadre (p = 0...

Factors Influencing HIV Status Disclosure Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Mukono District, Uganda: Beyond Health System Support

Abstract:

HIV status disclosure is a complex process influenced by multiple factors beyond health system support. Understanding these factors is essential for developing comprehensive interventions to promote disclosure and improve HIV prevention and care outcomes.

Intramuscular Fat Deposition and Osteoarthritis Pathology: A Possible Overlooked Pathogenic Correlate?

Abstract:

Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent joint disease and one affecting many aging adults is strongly associated with various degrees of disability and high health costs. Commonly deemed largely incurable and progressive, it appears muscle fat deposition and its encroachment on muscle tissue may account for multiple adverse health outcomes, especially the osteoarthritic disease process. This mini review examines whether contemporary evidence supports a role for efforts towards preventing excess fat infiltration into vulnerable muscles as one means of reducing osteoarthritic pain and disability. To this end, research on this theme and reported as of June 2025 on this issue was sought. We found that with few exceptions and regardless of joint examined a role for muscle mass infiltration in osteoarthritis disability appears of high clinical significance.

Exploration of Beliefs about Exclusive Breastfeeding: An Elicitation study with Low-income Women in South Korea

Abstract:

The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are well-known. Despite the legislative and systemic efforts to promote breastfeeding in South Korea, the nation’s current rate of exclusive breastfeeding (5.2%) during the infant’s first six months is alarming. Under the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study elicited the beliefs around exclusive breastfeeding commonly held by low-income women participating in NutriPlus, the community nutrition program. Using a convenient sampling method, online open-ended surveys were conducted with two program clinics in Seoul during spring of 2024. The survey included questions about their demography and beliefs regarding indirect theoretical constructs of the exclusive breastfeeding behavior by listing top three things that came to their mind. A total of 120 NutriPlus clients participated in this survey. Though 53.1% of postpartum women were breastfeeding, only 28.1% were breastfeedin...

Degradation assessment of Vinyl Ester Matrix Fiber Reinforced Plastics Exposed to Cyclic Hydrochloric Acid Concentrations using Gravimetric Analysis for Chemical Storage Tank use

Abstract:

The roof of an HCl fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) chemical tank failed by accident after it had been operated for less than its expected lifetime. A possible cause is the change in day and night temperature, which lead to the cyclic change in the concentration of HCl vapor in contact with roof part. To investigate this possibility, a detailed analysis on the durability of the material exposed to cyclic solution concentration is required. In this research, vinyl ester-glass fiber composite specimens were exposed to 35 mass % and 0 mass% of HCl alternately at 40°C to replicate cyclic concentration exposure in both the vapor and liquid phases. The mass uptake and penetration depth of HCl as well as the strength loss of the material were investigated. Mass uptake and thickness change in vapor phase shows two times higher than liquid phase, at 3.5% and 6% respectively. This occurs due to differences in the concentration of solutio...

Iatrogenic Extra-Capsular Extension of Knee Septic Arthritis Via Intra-Articular Joint Injection

Abstract:

Septic arthritis is a potentially limb or life-threatening joint infection that requires prompt recognition and intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality. While intra-articular joint injections are commonly performed for osteoarthritis and other arthropathies, they carry a rare but significant risk of iatrogenic infection, particularly when performed in the presence of unrecognized joint or periarticular infection.

Creative Process in Psychotherapy: Form and Structure as A Basis of Treatment

Abstract:

This conceptual paper proposes that form and structure in the creative process provide a basis for psychotherapy interventions. It illustrates how framing, pattern, and iteration can support change within different modalities.

A Case of Postoperative Hematoma Mimicking Giant Hydrocele

Abstract:

In adult males, non-communicating hydroceles are non fluctuant scrotal swellings that are formed when there is an imbalance of fluid secretion and absorption between the parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis. Giant hydroceles are a rare manifestation and have previously been classified as hydroceles that drain more than 1000 mL of fluid. In this report, we describe a case of a giant hydrocele requiring surgical management and highlight a review of the literature.

Call to Action: The Need for Adverse Drug Event (ADE) Standardization and Codification Through Improved ADE Definitions, Documentation and Mapping, as well as More Refined Medication Definitions

Abstract:

Information on adverse drug event (ADE) assessment and prevention within Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is difficult for clinicians to use and produces wide-ranging results. Challenges include inconsistent ADE and drug product definition and documentation, workflows, terminology standardization, interoperability, and clinical decision support (CDS) to inform clinical decision-making within EHRs. These factors contribute to care issues for clinicians, such as alert fatigue and provider burden for clinicians and medical errors, patient harm, and even death for patients. Clinicians play the primary role in documenting, reviewing, detecting, and preventing ADEs within EHRs. It is essential that clinicians, clinical informaticists, nursing informaticists, pharmacy informaticists, and the health informatics profession understand the current electronic ADE paradigm to advocate for improved detection and prevention of ADEs within EHRs.

Soil Fertility Dynamics and Xanthomonas Wilt Incidence in Enset (Ensete Ventricosem) Based Farming at Chencha, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract:

Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is a vital food security crop cultivated in South and South-western parts of Ethiopia. However, enset production and the farming families have been threatened by Xanthomonas wilt and its spread in the farming system. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the soil fertility and plant management practices association on the incidence of Enset Xanthomonas wilt. Data on soils fertility and diseases from enset based farming clustered into inner, outer and outfield farm zone were sampled and surveyed. The result indicated that soil chemical properties significantly (p≤0.05) varied from inner to outfield farm zone. Significantly maximum nutrients store revealed in inner enset farm zones. Disease incidence reduced from inner to the outfield enset farm zone. Disease prevalence and disease incidence scored 28.5% and 11.6%, respectively depending on altitude and genotypes. Soil fertility levels in the enset inner and outfield plots were v...