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AAS Open Research
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 2515-9321
Published by African Academy of Sciences

[1 journal]

The interconnected global emergencies of climate change, food security and
health: a call to action by the Science for Africa Foundation [version 1;
peer review: awaiting peer review]
- Authors: Thomas Kariuki, Judith Omumbo, Kabura Ciugu, Elizabeth Marincola
  Abstract: The evidence is clear that climate change is the greatest challenge facing mankind today. Africa is disproportionately burdened by multiple direct and cascading impacts of the climate crisis. Global investments for climate change adaptation, however, have not prioritized Africa adequately and there is a significant knowledge gap in understanding the context and science of climate change and sustainable solutions for the continent’s adaptation. Solutions for adaptation and resilience are made complex by an urgent need for accelerated economic growth, rapid population expansion and urbanization, habitat and biodiversity loss and dwindling financing. There are also challenges in matching policies, wavering commitments and actions with good science that focuses on sustainable lives, livelihoods and ecosystem preservation. The solutions must come from where the impacts are felt. The Science for Africa Foundation supports African researchers and institutions to lead in the science that addresses African priority development areas and has set climate change as a strategic priority. This call to action, by the SFA Foundation, outlines key areas that its strategy addresses through programs that support African scientific excellence, leadership and the best of Africa’s research to understand the science of climate change and its impacts; collate and assess evidence for policy; grow high level technical capacity on the continent; and create innovative priority actions for Africa.
  PubDate: 2023-01-03T12:23:45Z
  DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.13566.1
  Issue No: Vol. 6 (2023)
Preferences and expectations of feedback of individual genetic research
results in African genomics: Views of South African parents of children
with neurodevelopmental disorders [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer
review]
- Authors: Olivia P Matshabane, Cleo A Albertus, Marlyn C Faure, Dimpho Ralefala, Kirsten A Donald, Ambroise Wonkam, Jantina De Vries
  Abstract: Background: Genomic research is expanding at an exponential pace across the globe and increased access to genome analysis has led to greater generations of genetic results with specific relevance to individuals. This study aims to explore preferences and expectations of feedback of individually relevant genetic research results among parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Methods: Following a qualitative approach, we conducted four deliberative focus group discussions with (n=27) South African parents of children involved in genomics research on neurodevelopmental disorders. Results: Most participants expressed a strong interest in receiving genetic results regardless of severity, actionability and preventability. These results were viewed as valuable because they could empower or emancipate individuals, families, and communities. Receiving risk information was also believed to motivate healthier lifestyle choices. However, some participants were uncertain or articulated a desire not to receive results due to fears of anxiety or psychological distress. In addition, participants expected to receive results as a demonstration of respect from researchers and articulated it as an act to build trust between researchers and participants. Conclusions: Internationally, a debate continues around whether individually relevant genetic results should or should not be fed back to participants of genomic research studies. In Africa, there is scant literature which has investigated this question and no policies to guide researchers. This study provides a basis of empirical data on perspectives of African participants which could inform work on the development of a consolidated approach to the feedback of genetic research results in the continent.
  PubDate: 2022-12-13T12:01:09Z
  DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.13594.1
  Issue No: Vol. 5 (2022)
Delays in initiating rabies post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite
victims in Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda [version 3; peer review: 2
approved]
- Authors: Stevens Kisaka, Fredrick Makumbi, Samuel Majalija, Gloria Bahizi, SM Thumbi
  Abstract: Background Although rabies in dog bite patients is preventable through timely initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a number of barriers to achieving PEP exist. This study investigated the delays to initiation of PEP among dog bite patients in the emergency departments of two PEP centers in Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among dog-bite patients that presented to two selected rabies PEP centers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Delay to receive PEP was defined as reporting for PEP beyond 24 hours after the bite event. Generalized linear models were used to calculate prevalence ratios and the 95% confidence intervals as a measure of association between delay and patient factors. Results Out of 376 participants, just over half (53.5%) were males. The majority of participants (54.0%) were 15 years or older and 28.5% had no formal education. Just over three-quarters (77.9%) had category II dog bite wounds. Nearly 40% delayed to receive PEP, and median (inter quartile range) lag time between bite event and seeking medical care of 18 (41) hours. Compared to education level of secondary or above, patients with no formal education (adj. PR=4.06, 95% CI: 2.69 - 6.10) or primary education (adj.PR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.37 - 3.35), belonging to the lowest socio-economic tertile as compared to the highest (adj.PR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.10 - 2.28), knowing the owner of the biting dog (adj.PR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.65) and having category II wounds (adj.PR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.43 - 3.71) were all associated with delayed presentation for PEP. Conclusions and recommendations Delays to receive PEP are common and are associated with poor level of education or low socio-economic status, knowledge of who the dog owner is and less severity of bite wounds. Seeking care irrespective of wound severity or knowledge of dog owner should be promoted.
  PubDate: 2022-12-08T17:00:39Z
  DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13311.3
  Issue No: Vol. 4 (2022)
Patient loyalty to HIV care in an HIV facility in Eldoret, Kenya: A
- Authors: Felishana Cherop, Michael Korir, Vincent Bagire, Juddy Wachira
  Abstract: Patient loyalty is the continuous commitment and engagement in care where patients can improve and sustain quality of life through continuous use of medical care. Identifying strengths and weaknesses in providing excellent quality care is a key measure of success of healthcare professionals and hospital management. However, few studies have examined patient loyalty from a strategic leadership perspective within HIV health care systems. The purpose of this study is to determine how patient loyalty to HIV care is influenced by multiple factors in a healthcare system environment. The study employs a mixed-methods approach guided by the complexity theory and the theory of planned behavior. A total of 444 surveys with (50 healthcare providers and 394 adult HIV-infected patients) currently on antiretroviral drugs, as well as 22 in-depth interviews with healthcare providers will be conducted. The study will be done at AMPATH Eldoret Kenya. We will use stratified proportionate and census sampling methods to select study participants for the survey while purposive and convenient sampling techniques will be used for in-depth interviews. Structured questionnaires and interviewer guides will guide data collection. Quantitative data analysis will entail hierarchical regression to test direct effects while multiple regression will test the mediation effects using the Hayes PROCESS Model No.6 in SPSS. Qualitative data analysis will be conducted using a thematic analytical method.
  PubDate: 2022-12-22T15:39:39Z
  DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13121.2
  Issue No: Vol. 3 (2022)