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Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
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Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
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Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
16 articles
Newest firstBackgroundSnakebite envenoming remains a neglected tropical disease and an important public health challenge in Zambia. Effective management of snakebite patients requires healthcare workers who are adequately trained, familiar with treatment protocols, and aware of national management guidelines. However, evidence regarding healthcare worker preparedness for snakebite management in Zambia remains limited. This st…
Open article record in new tab ↗Treatment default in tuberculosis care undermines disease control efforts, contributing to ongoing transmission, drug resistance, and adverse health outcomes. Zambia, like many high-burden countries, continues to face challenges with patient adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment, especially in urban informal settlements. Despite the national TB programs efforts, limited research has specifically explored the ca…
Open article record in new tab ↗IntroductionScreening, Brief Interventions and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs reduce unhealthy alcohol use among adolescents. However, self-report screening alone may lead to false negatives and low service use, especially in HIV care settings. This study explored the contextual implementation factors and strategies of an alcohol biomarker-augmented SBIRT program for HIV-affected adolescents in Zambia, whe…
BackgroundPsychosis poses a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, yet data on risk factors in Zambia remains scarce. Understanding the factors associated with psychosis among adolescents and young adults is critical for effective intervention strategies. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the correlates of psychosis at Livingstone university teaching hospital (LUTH). We collected sociodem…
BackgroundAdvanced HIV disease (AHD), defined as a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3 or the presence of WHO Stage 3 or 4 clinical conditions, poses significant diagnostic challenges in resource-limited settings such as Zambia. Early identification of AHD is essential for improving outcomes for recipients of care (ROCs). The VISITECT(R) CD4 test, a point-of-care tool, offers potential for addressing these challenges; h…
BackgroundIndividuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD) have a heightened risk of mortality despite access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has a disproportionate burden of AHD-associated deaths. However, there is limited country-specific data on AHDs burden and associated risk factors to help design targeted interventions. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and factors associat…
Open article record in new tab ↗IntroductionTrypanosomiasis is caused by several species of trypanosomes. The disease is endemic in Eastern Zambia, particularly in the Luangwa River valley. There is a significant threat as many people are at risk of the infection. The disease is classified as a neglected tropical disease. Previously, Trypanosome epidemiological studies in this area focused on using low-sensitive parasitological diagnostic tools…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundA growing number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) also have non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Shifting the health systems paradigm from vertical, parallel care to an integrated delivery model may facilitate better care-seeking and ultimately improve outcomes for people with a dual burden of HIV and NCDs. We describe the current state of integration of hypertension and diabetes care into HIV treatment in…
BackgroundEvidence on patterns of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and how to effectively deliver services to address AOD use in humanitarian settings is limited. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the patterns of AOD use among Congolese refugees in Mantapala Refugee Settlement and members of the surrounding host community and identify potential appropriate intervention and implementation approaches to addr…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundMany countries in sub-Saharan Africa are rapidly scaling up "differentiated service delivery" (DSD) models for HIV treatment to improve the quality of care, increase access, reduce costs, and support the continued expansion and sustainability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs. Although there is some published evidence about the health outcomes of patients in DSD models, little is known about their…
IntroductionSince 2017 global guidelines have recommended "same-day initiation" (SDI) of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for patients considered ready for treatment on the day of HIV diagnosis. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have incorporated a SDI option into national guidelines, but uptake of SDI is not well documented. We estimated average time to ART initiation at 12 public healthcare facilities in Malawi…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundMen and women with undiagnosed tuberculosis (TB) in high burden countries may have differential factors influencing their healthcare seeking behaviors and access to TB services, which can result in delayed diagnoses and increase TB-related morbidity and mortality. MethodsA convergent, parallel, mixed-methods study design was used to explore and evaluate TB care engagement among adults ([≥]18 years) with…
Open article record in new tab ↗Background The significant contribution of community-based distribution (CBD) of family planning services and contraceptives to the uptake of contraceptives in hard-to-reach communities has resulted in the scaling-up of this approach in many Sub-Saharan countries. However, contextual factors need to be taken into consideration. For example, social network influence (e.g. spouse/partner, in-laws, and parents) on fe…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has severely strained healthcare systems globally. Community pharmacists remain vital health professionals with unique roles in responding to symptoms, supplying medicines, and providing health promotion in the communities where they serve. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and preparedness of community pharmacists in Zambia as frontlin…
Introduction Social, structural and systems barriers inhibit uptake of HIV testing. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has shown promising uptake by otherwise underserved priority groups including men, young people and first-time testers. Here, we use characteristics of HIVST kit recipients to investigate delivery to these priority groups during HIVST scale-up in three African countries. Methods Kit distributors collected i…
Background HIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Zambia. Like many other African nations with high HIV burden, heterosexual intercourse is the commonest mode of HIV spread. The estimation of prevalence and factors associated with sexual intercourse among in-school adolescents has potential to inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of sex-related diseases in Zambia. Methods W…
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