How University Athletics Can Impact Mental Health among Student Athletes at the University of Evansville

In recent years, the NCAA student athlete population in the United States has surpassed 500,000, and is continuing to rise each year [1]. These student athletes work their entire lives academically and athletically to reach the ultimate goal: competing in university athletics. However, when these athletes reach university, they are met with non-stop training, homework, exams, and evolving social lives. We have conducted a study at the University of Evansville evaluating how participation in university athletics may impact mental health status among these student athletes, as well as measuring players’ awareness of accessible mental health resources. Over fifty percent of participants reported experiencing at least one mental health condition while competing in their sport;eighty percent reported having knowledge of the mental health resources available to them on campus, however, nearly thirty percent of those knowledgeable reported not knowing how to access these resources. This has indicated a gap in awareness and utilization of mental health resources among student athletes at the University of Evansville.

Research integration for health sciences libraries

This article is a case study of an innovative academic health sciences library initiative that describes the planning and events in the inaugural year of a new library research program. In response to emerging trends in health sciences libraries to increase research skills of librarians in order to foster expanded research integration within the health sciences disciplines,the University of Michigan Taubman Health Sciences Library established an EXPERT Research Initiative. This new program is part of the strategic planning for the future of the library and is focused on three primary goals： expanding the library＇s research portfolio,building librarians＇ research skills and competencies,and increasing the library＇s research visibility. The article highlights five library projects that illustrate the different kinds of research collaborations librarians are engaged in with health sciences faculty,researchers,clinicians,and students.

The knowledge level of final year undergraduate health science students and medical interns about cardiopulmonary resuscitation at a university teaching hospital of Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) is a life-saving technique which is used after cardiopulmonary arrest. Chance of survival after arrest will increase if it is coupled with sufficient knowledge. Final year undergraduate health science students and interns manage many trauma and critically ill patients in our hospital. Even though all students took CPR training in undergraduate course, we sometimes saw difficulties in the resuscitation of patients after cardiopulmonary arrest by undergraduate health professionals. This study was to assess the level of knowledge of undergraduate health science students and medical interns about cardiopulmonary resuscitation.METHODS: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to March 30, 2013. All undergraduate health professionals were included. The mean score of knowledge was compared for sex, original residence and department of the participants by using Student's t test and ANOVA with Scheffe's test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS: Four hundred sixty-one out of 506 students were included in this study with a response rate of 91.1%. The overall mean knowledge score of final year undergraduate health science students and interns was 11.1(SD=0.2). The mean knowledge scores of nurses, interns, health officer, midwifery, anesthesia and psychiatry nursing students were 9.84(SD=2.5), 13.34(SD=2.8), 9.81(SD=3.0), 8.77(SD=2.6), 13.31(SD=2.7) and 8.43(SD=2.4) respectively.CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge level of undergraduate health professionals about cardiopulmonary resuscitation was insufficient. Training about CPR for undergraduate health professionals should be emphasized.

Knowledge and skills of neonatal resuscitation of health professionals at a university teaching hospital of Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND:Competency in neonatal resuscitation is critical in the delivery rooms,neonatology units and pediatrics intensive care units to ensure the safety and health of neonates. Each year,millions of babies do not breathe immediately at birth,and among them the majority require basic neonatal resuscitation. Perinatal asphyxia is a major contributor to neonatal deaths worldwide in resource-limited settings. Neonatal resuscitation is effective only when health professionals have sufficient knowledge and skills. But malpractices by health professionals are frequent in the resuscitation of neonates. The present study was to assess the knowledge and skills of health professionals about neonatal resuscitation.METHODS:An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in our hospital from February15 to April 30,2014. All nurses,midwives and residents from obstetrics-gynecology(obsgyn),midwifery and pediatric departments were included. The mean scores of knowledge and skills were compared for sex,age,type of profession,qualification,year of service and previous place of work of the participants by using Student's t test and ANOVA with Scheffe's test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:One hundred and thirty-five of 150 participants were included in this study with a response rate of 90.0%. The overall mean scores of knowledge and skills of midwives,nurses and residents were 19.9(SD=3.1) and 6.8(SD=3.9) respectively. The mean knowledge scores of midwives,nurses,pediatric residents and obs-gyn residents were 19.7(SD=3.03),20.2(SD=2.94),19.7(SD=4.4) and 19.6(SD=3.3) respectively. Whereas the mean scores of skills of midwives,nurses,pediatric residents and obs-gyn residents were 7.1(SD=4.17),6.7(SD=3.75),5.7(SD=4.17) and 6.6(SD=3.97) respectively.CONCLUSIONS:The knowledge and skills of midwives,nurses and residents about neonatal resuscitation were substandardized. Training of neonatal resuscitation for midwives,nurses and residents should be emphasized.

Perception of Universal Healthcare among College Students, Faculty, and Staff at the University of Evansville

The U.S. is a country founded on freedoms protected by our constitution. A debate rages currently about whether healthcare is a human right. We conducted a survey at the University of Evansville regarding perceptions of Universal Healthcare among students, faculty, and staff in the College of Education and Health Sciences. Over ninety percent of those who responded agreed that healthcare was a human right. This indicates a strong need for better policy discussion that includes the voice of the everyday person.

Quality of Life of the Patients Suffering from Chronic Liver Diseases at the University Health Center Campus of Lome

Objective: Assess the quality of life (QOL) of the patients suffering from chronic liver diseases in our service. Patients and Method: A transversal prospective study conducted at the service of hepatology and gastroenterology at the University health center Campus of Lomé from August 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014. We have used the short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Patients of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma admitted during the said period were selected. Patients suffering from any other chronic diseases such as psychiatric or emotional troubles;linguistic or cognitive deficiencies that could hamper the dependability of the questionnaire were excluded. Results: The average age of the patients was 46 ± 12 years old with a male predominance (sex-ratio: 2.9). Our patients were distributed into 47.4% of cirrhosis and 52.6% of CHC. Those chronic liver diseases etiologies were alcoholic (57%), B viral (66%) and C viral (12.3%). The assessment of QOL showed an overall average score of 76.34 ± 21.1;a mean score of 30.4 ± 86.8 for the physical dimension and 36.5 ± 10.3 for the mental dimension. Patients with viral liver disease had poorer physical summary score (p = 0.000) and poorer mental summary score (p = 0.014) compared to alcoholic patients. Alcohol influenced the physical dimension of the patients (p = 0.000) while the mental dimension was more affected by the age of patients (p = 0.0035). Conclusion: The quality of life is altered by the patients suffering from chronic liver diseases (p = 0035) with regard to our context. This is so in particular with those identified to be viral infected.

Experiences of Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure for Postgraduate Neonatal Nursing Students at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences: Lessons and Implications for the Future

Background and Objectives: Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure immediately places postgraduate students in a clinical setting and incorporates continual hands-on instruction throughout their studies. It aims to motivate students by strengthening their academics, improving clinical and communication skills, and increasing their confidence. The underlying principles are to provide a clinical context and to ensure that the patient remains the centre of learning. The School of Nursing Sciences implemented this model in 2021 to produce hands-on Masters-level neonatal practitioners who can work in multidisciplinary clinical contexts. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of postgraduate nursing students on the Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure model and draw implications for the future. Methods: A phenomenological study design was utilized at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences and comprised of eight Master of Science Neonatal Nursing students in their second year. Convenience sampling was used to select the study site and participants. Data was collected between 15th January 2023 and 31st January 2023 using an in-depth interview guide. Audio recording and notes were transcribed immediately after data collection. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis and codes and themes were constructed from the coded data. Ethical clearance and permission were sought before conducting the study. Results: Four major themes emerged from the study: identity and role confusion, challenging and hectic experiences, positive educational experiences, and personal and professional growth. These themes contributed to the promotion of evidence-based practice by helping students to assess, diagnose, and treat various conditions, as well as gain interest, experience, knowledge, and exposure. Conclusion: The model has a significant impact on motivation to learn, as evidenced by reported increased skill level with potential for use in clinical practice. It is recommended that it be implemented in all postgraduate programs for full-time students.

Comparison of vergence mechanisms between university students with good and poor sleep quality

AIM:To compare the vergence mechanisms between good and poor sleepers in university students.METHODS:A total of 64 university students were recruited in this study.The validated Malay version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire(PSQI-M)was used to measure the participants’sleep quality over the past month.Participants were categorized as good sleepers(n=32)and poor sleepers(n=32)based on the PSQI-M scores.Heterophoria and fusional vergences were measured at distance and near.Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare heterophoria,negative fusional vergence(NFV),and positive fusional vergence(PFV)at distance and near between good and poor sleepers.Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between PSQI-M score and PFV at distance.RESULTS:Both distance and near heterophorias were not significantly different between good and poor sleepers(P>0.05).There was a difference in distance PFV(P<0.05)between good and poor sleepers,but not in distance NFV,near NFV,and near PFV(P>0.05).Distance PFV was negatively correlated with PSQI-M score(rs=-0.33,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:University students with poor sleep quality demonstrates a reduced ability to maintain fusion with increasing convergence demand at distance.Sleep quality assessment during binocular vision examination in university students is recommended.

Lower Extremity Arterial Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence and Associated Factors at the Libreville University Hospital Center

Introduction: Lower extremity arterial disease in diabetic patients has distinct characteristics. Objectives: To study the hospital frequency of lower extremity arterial disease and identify associated factors in diabetic patients at the Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, in the endocrinology department of the CHUL. All patients with type 2 diabetes over the age of 18 admitted to this department, regardless of the reason for hospitalization, who provided informed consent, were included. Socio-demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Personal and family cardiovascular history and functional symptoms were investigated. The physical examination included measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and the ankle-brachial index in all patients. Results: A total of 219 patients were included, of whom 75 had lower extremity arterial disease, representing a prevalence of 34.24%. It was compensated in 28 cases (37.33%) and decompensated in 39 patients (52%). In eight cases (10.67%), there was critical chronic ischemia. Cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes were physical inactivity (89.5%), hypertension (55.25%), overweight (49.77%), obesity (22.84%), and smoking (10.04%). In multivariate analysis, only hypertension (OR = 2.09;95% CI: 1.05 - 4.17;p = 0.035) and LDL cholesterol (OR = 2.75;95% CI: 1.10 - 6.85;p = 0.03) were significantly associated with lower extremity arterial disease in diabetics at the University Hospital of Libreville. Conclusion: Lower extremity arterial disease is common in diabetic patients at the University Hospital of Libreville. It is often asymptomatic, thus requiring systematic screening.[-rId11-]

Cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention and INTERHEART risk stratification among middle-aged adults in Malaysia

Objective:To investigate the interrelationship between cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention,and INTERHEART risk stratification in a middle-aged adult population in Malaysia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted during November 2022 and January 2023.Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception of cardiovascular diseases,behavioural intention towards adopting healthy habits,and INTERHEART risk stratification score(IHRS)based on established risk factors.A total of 602 respondents were included in the final analysis.Data were analysed with independent t-test/one-way ANOVA or Mann-Whitney/Kruskal-Wallis to test the differences,Pearson correlation or linear regression test to analyze the association of independent and dependent variables.Results:There was a significant positive correlation between medical knowledge related to cardiovascular disease(CVD)and knowledge related to CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioural intention and IHRS(P<0.05,Pearson correlation).Notably,individuals with higher IHRS tended to have lower knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,and behavioural intention.Males,laborers,active/former smokers,individuals with lower household income and educational levels,those involved in occupations not related to the healthcare sector,and those who did not receive the CVD health brochure or are unaware of health self-assessment tools are likely to have lower levels of knowledge,risk perception,and poorer behavioural intention regarding cardiovascular health(P<0.05,one-way ANOVA).While educational level,smoking status,awareness about CVD poster,self-assessment tools were repeatedly significantly associated with knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioral intention and/or IHRS(P<0.05,linear regression).Conclusions:These findings underscore the importance of promoting cardiovascular health awareness and risk perception among middle-aged adults to foster positive BI and reduce CVD risk.Tailored interventions targeting specific risk factors identified by INTERHEART may enhance risk stratification accuracy and facilitate targeted preventive strategies.

Preparedness,knowledge,and perception of nursing students about climate change and its impact on human health in India

Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability.Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and sustainability actions to build resilient health systems.In this study,we evaluated the preparedness,knowledge,and perception regarding climate change and its impact on human health among Indian nursing students.A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 644 undergraduate nursing students studying in three institutes in the southern,northern,and western parts of India.We used a structured online questionnaire with established validity and reliability to collect data.The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 software.The results showed that more than half of the students reported experiencing excessive increase(362;56.2%)and decrease(374;58.1%)in temperature in recent years.Though more than three quarters of the students(494;76.7%)accepted the general truth that climate change is mainly caused by human activities,only less than half of the students(309;48.0%)perceived the impact of climate change to be high.Three quarters of the students(483;75.0%)had a high level of knowledge regarding climate change.The students who had a high level of knowledge about climate change exerted a high perceived impact of climate change(χ^(2)=75.47;P<0.01).More than half of the students(50.9%)felt that they needed information about climate change to be included in the nursing curriculum,and only one sixth of the students(16.1%)were highly confident about engaging in climate change-related conversation with patients.Most of the students who participated in the study had basic knowledge about climate change and its impact on human health.However,there is an observed gap between knowledge and their preparedness and confidence to engage in climate change actions.Hence,we propose to strengthen the nursing curriculum by integrating various curricular and co-curricular activities related to climate change,so that future nurses are empowered to become climate change advocates.

Type 2 Diabetes—Hard to Select a Healthy Choice

Introduction: The use of foods containing high levels of sugar is increasing all the time. This is a risk factor for increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. There are few studies that have investigated the availability of low-sugar müsli products in grocery stores. Purpose: The study aims to identify which types of müsli contain high respectively low levels of sugar, and which brands are involved. Methods: The material consists of both qualitative interviews and observations from five grocery stores: City Gross, Hemköp, Ica Maxi, Stora Coop and Willy’s in Helsingborg, Sweden. The qualitative interviews had a semi-structured character and were recorded. The interviews took approx. 20 minutes and a textual analysis was conducted of the results. Data from observation was analyzed based on brand, nutritional composition and flavors, and also, where low sugar products were placed on store shelves. Results: The grocery stores provided together brands from AXA, Coop, Finax, Frebaco, Garant, ICA, Risenta, Saltå Kvarn och Urtekram, in total 24 müsli products. Of these products, 19 were high in sugar. The observation reveals that müsli products with high sugar content (17 - 29 g per 100 g müsli) are more prominently displayed than those with low sugar content. From the interviews with the store managers, it became clear that it would be valuable to highlight healthy müsli products on the shelves. However, central bureaucracy puts obstacles to such measures. Discussion: The study emphasizes the need for increased visibility of low-sugar products and proposes solutions such as negotiating with responsible person at the head office in Stockholm. Several reviews have shown that if the grocery store raises the prices of unhealthy food, the consumer is willing to purchase healthier müsli and other products. Conclusion: This study shows the need for grocery stores to upgrade healthy müsli products along with advertising to be able to influence customer’s shopping habits. Also, further research is needed how type 2 diabetes is affected by high intakes of food products with high sugar content.

Female Contraception: Comparative Study of Biometrics and Vascularization of the Uterus at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital (Togo)

Female contraception uses both hormonal and non-hormonal methods. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of female contraception on uterine vascularisation and the endometrium. Method: It was a descriptive comparative study with an analytical aim. It took place at the University Clinic of Obstetrics Gynaecology and the Radiology and Medical imaging Department of Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé over a two-month period from May 15, 2023 to July 15, 2023. Group 1 included women using a modern contraceptive method and group 2 women not using a modern contraceptive method. Epidata 3.1 and R 4.0.4 software were used to process the data. Results: Each group included 50 women. There were no significant differences in uterine and endometrial biometrics. All women on contraception had their zone 1 vascularized, without vascularisation of zone 2, without significant difference with women without contraception The pulsatility index was greater than 3 in 51% (n = 51) of women, including 62.7% (n = 32) of women without contraception and 37.3% (n = 19) of women on contraception, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Contraceptive methods do not influence the biometry of the uterus. However, uterine artery Doppler indices can predict abnormal uterine bleeding.

Toilet Availability and Use in Public Places in Buea: Implications for Public Health

Toilet facilities in public places are a necessity and are supposed to be present in any public place where people visit. Despite the importance of toilet facilities in public places, there is limited access to toilet facilities in public places in Sub-Saharan Africa and this has been a persistent issue. Given that limited studies have been done on availability and use of toilets in public places, this study aimed to fill this research gap. To achieve the objective of the study, a cross-sectional study was used to select participants from the study site. The sample size was 400 after adjustment for non-response. Results from the study showed promising as 95% of public places had a toilet and water for hand washing. However, most of the toilet facilities lacked soap. Toilets in offices and hospitals were perceived to be cleaner and of good quality compared to those in markets and travel agencies. Results also showed that participants hardly used toilets in markets and travel agencies. Toilet facilities in offices and churches were most used, as office toilets were rated clean and of good quality by the participants. The study recommends the need for routine checks by the council to ensure the presence of toilet facilities in public places and the need to sensitise business owners on the importance of having and maintaining toilet facilities in their business establishments.

Predictors and Complications of Prematurity in Two Health Facilities in Fako Division, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Background: Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality. Most preterm births can be associated to an identifiable risk factor. In Cameroon, especially in the Southwest Region, there is limited data regarding prematurity associated risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and complications of prematurity in two health facilities in the Fako division, the BRH and RHL. Methods: A hospital based retrospective case control study was done from the 1st of January 2021 to 28th of February 2022. We assessed the gestational ages at which preterm birth occurred and their short-term outcome using a structured pretested questionnaire to collect data from files. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: The minimum sample size was 137 preterms. 45.5% of cases were born between 34 and increased the risk of having a preterm birth meanwhile being married (AOR: 0.410;95% CI: 0.217 - 0.773;p = 0.006) decreased the risk. Hospital complications were neonatal infection 103 (51.5%), respiratory distress 79 (39.5%) and neonatal jaundice 61 (30.50%). Among the cases, 97 (48.50%) stayed in the hospital for 2 to 4 weeks and 177 (88.5%) were discharged alive. Conclusions: Modifiable factors that increased the risk of prematurity were advanced maternal age, secondary level of education, rural residence, and prenatal alcohol consumption. Being married decreased the risk. The most common hospital complications in both the cases and controls were neonatal infection, respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal jaundice.

Coverage and Factors Associated with Acceptance and Satisfaction of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Six Health Zones in Benin

Introduction: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) was adopted in 2019 in two health zones in Benin where malaria transmission is very high. Positive results led to the extension of the intervention to other zones with additional financial support. Annual SMC campaigns from 2021 to 2023 were carried out in all six health zones in the Atacora and Alibori departments. In five years of implementation, various approaches have been developed on the basis of a communication plan facilitating buy-in and acceptance by all stakeholders. The aim of this study was to assess the effective coverage and acceptance of the SMC by their beneficiary populations in 2023. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study with an analytical focus. Data collection took place from November 30 to December 13, 2023. The study population consisted of children under 5 years of age residing in the departments of Atacora and Alibori in northern Benin. A total of 3573 children under 5 years of age were included in the study, and their parents or guardians were interviewed. Results: During the 2023 campaign, 87.7% of targets were reached by SMC administration and 100.00% of children had received at least one dose of SMC by the fourth visit. Effective therapeutic coverage of SMC was 70.55%, with 99.60% in BNK, 69.40% in KGS, 16.20% in MK, 56.10% in 2KP, 92.40% in NBT and 89.60% in TMC. This coverage was statistically related to child and respondent ages (p Conclusion: SMC is a strategy accepted by the population, and the main reasons for non-participation in SMC were dominated by the absence of mothers or babysitters when the agents visited.

Health behavior outcomes in stroke survivors prescribed wearables for atrial fibrillation detection stratified by age

BACKGROUND Smartwatches have become readily accessible tools for detecting atrial fibrillation(AF).There remains limited data on how they affect psychosocial outcomes and engagement in older adults.We examine the health behavior outcomes of stroke survivors prescribed smartwatches for AF detection stratified by age.METHODS We analyzed data from the Pulsewatch study,a randomized controlled trial that enrolled patients(≥50 years)with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack and CHA2DS2-VASc≥2.Intervention participants were equipped with a cardiac patch monitor and a smartwatch-app dyad,while control participants wore the cardiac patch monitor for up to 44 days.We evaluated health behavior parameters using standardized tools,including the Consumer Health Activation Index,the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire,the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey,and wear time of participants categorized into three age groups:Group 1(ages 50-60),Group 2(ages 61-69),and Group 3(ages 70-87).We performed statistical analysis using a mixedeffects repeated measures linear regression model to examine differences amongst age groups.RESULTS Comparative analysis between Groups 1,2 and 3 revealed no significant differences in anxiety,patient activation,perception of physical health and wear time.The use of smartwatch technology was associated with a decrease in perception of mental health for Group 2 compared to Group 1(β=-3.29,P=0.046).CONCLUSION Stroke survivors demonstrated a willingness to use smartwatches for AF monitoring.Importantly,among these study participants,the majority did not experience negative health behavior outcomes or decreased engagement as age increased.

Ethics of Human Resources Management in the Cameroonian Health System, Medical Nomadism and the Ineffectiveness of the Fight against High Blood Pressure

Context/objectives: The fight against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is a long-term undertaking, which requires available, motivated and well-managed human resources (HR). The administrative management of skills on both qualitative and quantitative levels is one of the essential functions of a health system. To better implement policies of fight against High Blood Pressure (HBP) and other chronic diseases, it is important to establish strategies to retain health personnel. This loyalty requires favorable working conditions and consideration of the contribution-reward couple. Good working conditions are likely to reduce the phenomenon of medical nomadism;conversely, poor HR management can contribute to their exodus towards exotic “green pastures”, thus leading to an additional crisis in the Cameroonian health system. The fight against HBP is a complex, multifaceted and multifactorial reality that requires appropriate management model for all types of resources mainly HR. The main objective of this research is to show the impact of poor management of human resources in Cameroon health system on medical nomadism and the ineffectiveness of the fight against High Blood Pressure. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey among five hundred (500) health facilities in the center region of Cameroon has been conducted. A stratified probabilistic technique has been used, and the number of health facilities to be surveyed has been determined using the “sample size estimation table” of Depelteau. The physical questionnaires have been printed and then distributed to data collectors. After data collection, the latter were grouped during processing in Excel sheets. The Chi-square test was used for data with a qualitative value and that of Kolmogorov-Sminorf for data with a quantitative value to assess the normality and reliability of data. The Crochach’s Alpha reliability test allowed us to have a summary of the means and variances and then to search for intragroup correlations between variables. Descriptive analysis was possible with the XLSTAT 2016 software. Results: 43.60% of Health Facilities (HF) managers were unqualified. 82.20% of HF managers have staff in a situation of professional insecurity. They are mainly contractual (49.00), decision-making agents (24.40%), casual agents (08.80). The proportion of unstable personnel is average of 22.00% and very unstable, 12.00%.

Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Salmonella Strains Isolated at the National Clinical Biology and Public Health Laboratory in Bangui, Central African Republic

In Africa, each year, there are estimated to be more than 91 million cases of salmonellosis and 137,000 cases of death. The problem of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains is a threat to public health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated in biological products analyzed at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (NLCBPH) in Bangui. This is, therefore, a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, running from January to December 2022. It focused on the strains of Salmonella isolated and identified in stools, urines, and blood samples. For each strain of Salmonella isolated, an antibiogram was carried out following the recommendations of the French Society of Microbiology (CASFM, 2022). A total of 93 strains of Salmonella have been recorded. The age group 0 - 9 years was 29% and that of >50 years was 11%. The median age of patients was 30 years with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 78 years. The female gender was more represented at 52.69% than the male gender at 47.31%, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.89 (M/F). Salmonella strains were much more isolated in stools at 62% followed by urines at 29% and blood at 6%. Salmonella arizonae strains were more represented with 52%. Salmonella strains have a resistance rate to Tetracycline of 62.37% followed by Penicillins of 50%. The rate of multi-antibiotic resistance of the Salmonella strains isolated represented 48.38%. Salmonella spp. strains were multi-resistant at 58.69% followed by Salmonella arizonae strains at 47.91%. There is a significant association between the different families of antibiotics and Salmonella strains (p < 0.05). According to the results obtained, Penicillins, Phenicoles, and Cyclins had a high rate of resistance on Salmonella strains. No strain-producing Broad Spectrum Beta-lactamase has been isolated. Salmonella strains represent a zoonotic health danger, constitute a public health problem and remain a current subject. This germ is resistant to the antibiotics used. It is, therefore, essential to emphasize monitoring the resistance of these germs in the Central African Republic (CAR) to improve the health of the population.

Fetal Macrosomia in the Maternity Ward of the Community University Hospital: Risk Factors and Maternal-Fetal Prognosis

Introduction: Fetal macrosomia is a birth weight greater than or equal to 4000 grams. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of macrosomia, to identify the risk factors, and to evaluate the maternal and perinatal prognosis in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Community University Hospital Centre (CHUC). Methodology: This was a retrospective case-control study over a period of 24 months in the maternity ward of the CHUC. Results: The frequency of delivery of macrosomic fetuses was 4.1%, and the average age of women with large fetuses was 29.5 years. In 65.7% of cases, they were not engaged in any income-generating activity. Most of them had at least secondary education (65.7%) and were mainly multiparous (78.8%). The risk factors found were maternal age greater than or equal to 35 years, multiparity, previous large fœtus, gestational diabetes, obesity and male sex. Maternal complications were dominated by uterine atony (52.2%), perineal tear (31.9%), and cervical tear (15.9%). In our series, macrosomic newborns were three times more likely to present with a neonatal complication than normal-weight newborns. Neonatal mortality was 2.1%. Conclusion: Reducing macrosomia requires a better understanding of the risk factors, early detection, correct management during vaginal delivery and close monitoring of labour with good control of obstetric manoeuvres.