Building the Capacity of African Health Sciences Librarians in the Development and Conduct of Systematic Reviews: The Initiative of African Medical Librarians

While African health sciences librarians’ role as expert searchers is widely recognized, they have much more to contribute to supporting the development and conduct of systematic reviews. Research evidence has indicated that the librarians rarely participate in the development and conduct of systematic reviews because they are either not called upon to be part, or do not have the skills to participate. Moreover, few librarians who have participated are from outside Africa. Keeping this in mind, the Network of African Medical Librarians (NAML) conducted a pre-AHILA Conference training workshop to introduce participants, specifically the librarians, to the systematic review process. The regional conference for health librarians took place in Ibadan, Nigeria from 14-18 October 2019. This paper evaluates the impact of training of African health sciences librarians in the conduct of systematic reviews. Participants' evaluation feedback was collected using pre and post-training surveys. A mixed-method was employed to gather and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The results indicated that the main barriers to librarians’ participation in systematic reviews were lack of skills due to insufficient training and lack of time. This paper is expected to encourage the librarians to advocate for further skills development, in addition to their normal information searching roles. Their participation in the systematic review process would make them, not just relevant but dependable collaborators of systematic review teams, as they participate in improving systematic review reporting

Present conditions of evidence-based practices among nursing and midwifery professionals in Tanzania

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding evidence-based practice（ EBP） in Tanzania. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey regarding EBP was conducted among nurses working in Muhimbili University Hospital, which is a teaching hospital, and three other non-teaching hospitals from October to December 2016. The questionnaire consisted of 10 measures regarding EBP in addition to demographic characteristics and EBP training experience. Results: A total of 143 nurses participated in the questionnaire survey regarding EBP, and 131 completed questionnaires without missing data were included in the analysis. Nurses working inMuhimbili University Hospital were more likely to receive EBP training than those working in the other institutions （chi-square test, P = 0.015）. Recognition of the importance of receiving EBP （P = 0.019）, frequency of using print information resources（ P = 0.009）, and frequency of using electronic resources （P = 0.001） were significantly higher among nurses with EBP training. Nurses with EBP training experience reported the use of greater numbers of research articles as well as printed and electronic resources for EBP. EBP training for nurses may improve the capacity for research using appropriateresources and access for EBP. Conclusion: EBP training programs should be targeted toward nurses with a diploma, those not workingin Muhimbili University Hospital, and those without EBP training. The concerns of nurse managers and/or supervisors should also be addressed to achieve EBP among staff nurses in clinical settings

Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases among professional drivers in LMICs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review collected evidence on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among professional drivers and reported on the most common factors that increase the risk of NCDs in this specific population in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). We conducted a thorough search on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Global Health, Web of Science and Africa-wide information databases on 11 May 2023. We adapted the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool to assess the quality of the studies. We estimated the prevalence of hypertension, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus (DM), overweight and obesity among professional drivers using a random effect model to compute pooled and subgroup analyses. In addition, we conducted a narrative synthesis of the risk factors and recommendations presented in the included studies. Forty-one studies, including 48 414 study participants, met the criteria for inclusion. The pooled prevalence of hypertension, DM and obesity among professional drivers was 36.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 31.8–41.6%], 15.2% (95% CI: 7.0–23.4%) and 27.2% (95% CI: 18.7–35.8%), respectively. Unsupportive environment, work stress, sedentary lifestyle, consumption of unhealthy foods and shift work were the most common modifiable risk factors reported. Our findings also show a significant burden of hypertension, DM and obesity among professional drivers in LMICs. The prevalence of DM and obesity was two- and three-fold higher than findings in general populations, respectively. Our findings indicate an urgent need for tailored interventions for different occupation-related risk factors for NCDs among professional drivers in LMICs.publishedVersio

Social media and professional networking: a case of information professionals in the SCECSAL region

The purpose of the study was to establish the extent to which library and information professionals in the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) region are using social media applications for professional networking. The findings show that although the professionals are adopting social media applications, its use is more for social networking than professional networking purposes. Among those using the applications for professional networking, Social Networking Services (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and MySpace) are their first choice applications; with Facebook being the most popular. They study also revealed that most of the professionals had taught themselves how to use social media. The major challenge faced in the use of social media was the lack of time in the effective use of the applications. The paper recommends that to enhance the use of social media for professional networking, social media must be integrated into individual networking activities and that library and information professionals and associations in the region should embrace social media applications

Assessment of the use of information and communication technology in the improvement of performance and efficiency in the banking sector: a case study of the National Micro Finance Bank (NMB) Dar es Salaam

This paper examines the extent of ICT usage and application in banking institutions and the extent to which ICT has improved efficiency and performance in the National Microfinance Bank (NMB) in Dar es Salaam region. Findings of this paper revealed that ICT has improved performance, efficiency and record keeping in aspects like fast access to customer information and to some extent, its retrieval. However, there are shortcomings also which the study revealed like lack of technical service support, power failures and interruptions as well as inadequate IT facilities particularly in the bank branches. Based on the findings, it is recommended that NMB should identify critical training needs and invest in staff training to ensure that they have up to date IT skills and knowledge about relevant software in order to cope with software changes as well as competitions. Furthermore, in order to stand competition in its branches, the NMB should invest in ICT hardware and software in branches rather than concentrating on the headquarters only. University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 7(2) 2005: 27-4

Present conditions of evidence-based practices among nursing and midwifery professionals in Tanzania

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding evidence-based practice（ EBP） in Tanzania. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey regarding EBP was conducted among nurses working in Muhimbili University Hospital, which is a teaching hospital, and three other non-teaching hospitals from October to December 2016. The questionnaire consisted of 10 measures regarding EBP in addition to demographic characteristics and EBP training experience. Results: A total of 143 nurses participated in the questionnaire survey regarding EBP, and 131 completed questionnaires without missing data were included in the analysis. Nurses working in Muhimbili University Hospital were more likely to receive EBP training than those working in the other institutions （chi-square test, P = 0.015）. Recognition of the importance of receiving EBP （P = 0.019）, frequency of using print information resources（ P = 0.009）, and frequency of using electronic resources （P = 0.001） were significantly higher among nurses with EBP training. Nurses with EBP training experience reported the use of greater numbers of research articles as well as printed and electronic resources for EBP. EBP training for nurses may improve the capacity for research using appropriate resources and access for EBP. Conclusion: EBP training programs should be targeted toward nurses with a diploma, those not working in Muhimbili University Hospital, and those without EBP training. The concerns of nurse managers and/or supervisors should also be addressed to achieve EBP among staff nurses in clinical settings

Building the Capacity of African Health Sciences Librarians in the Development and Conduct of Systematic Reviews

While African health sciences librarians’ role as expert searchers is widely recognized, they have much more to contribute to supporting the development and conduct of systematic reviews. Research evidence has indicated that the librarians rarely participate in the development and conduct of systematic reviews because they are either not called upon to be part, or do not have the skills to participate. Moreover, few librarians who have participated are from outside Africa. Keeping this in mind, the Network of African Medical Librarians (NAML) conducted a pre-AHILA Conference training workshop to introduce participants, specifically the librarians, to the systematic review process. The regional conference for health librarians took place in Ibadan, Nigeria from 14-18 October 2019. This paper evaluates the impact of training of African health sciences librarians in the conduct of systematic reviews. Participants' evaluation feedback was collected using pre and post-training surveys. A mixed-method was employed to gather and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The results indicated that the main barriers to librarians’ participation in systematic reviews were lack of skills due to insufficient training and lack of time. This paper is expected to encourage the librarians to advocate for further skills development, in addition to their normal information searching roles. Their participation in the systematic review process would make them, not just relevant but dependable collaborators of systematic review teams, as they participate in improving systematic review reporting.</jats:p

Health information on the internet

International Encyclopedia of Public Health, 2nd edition, Volume 3Advancements in information and communication technolo- gies (ICTs) including Internet have accelerated the search for health-related information and become a common practice worldwide. It has brought a change in people’s lifestyle and has a greater impact compared to any other communication tools. A study by Alghamdi and Moussa (2011) noted that, a majority of people rely on Internet to search for health infor- mation, social, business, and other information available online. The evolution of Internet and its utilization has improved access and retrieval of health information. Alghamdi and Moussa (2011) observed that patients used various sources of information such as newspapers, books, and colleagues to search for health information in previous days. Modern search engines and platforms (e.g., social networks, websites, portals, health databases) have made health information easily acces- sible using various devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, and computers (Hong et al., 2015). Health informa- tion is now available at fingertips. The Internet is a powerful tool for empowering patients in making decision on health-related matters, and it facilitates patients to communicate easily in health-care services. It is also observed that limited patient communication is associ- ated with poor patient health outcomes and low patient satisfaction. However, Internet is viewed as a medium for patient empowerment; although some websites are not rated as trustworthy or validated (Beck et al., 2014). The public health impact of the Internet is wide reaching, affecting many aspects of people’s social lives and practice. For example, university students used the Internet to search for health information on various aspects especially on specific illness, fitness, and nutrition compared to other online users. In higher learning institutions and health-care centers, Internet has been a crucial tool in exchanging information using various online platforms such as social media tools (e-mails and other interactive tools). Telemedicine and video conferencing are useful tools in transferring information from one part to another (e.g., in facilitating hospital communication) in relation to clinical aspects such as medical diagnosis, treatment, transferring of data, and moni- toring patients’ health-care delivery services. This article focuses on the use of Internet for public health, and it covers the following subtopics: accessibility, quality, prospects, efficacy, and challenges of accessing health informa- tion on the Internet