Immunohaematological reference values for HIV-negative healthy adults in Botswana

BACKGROUND: Clinical laboratories in Botswana have relied entirely on the reference intervals for normal immunohaematological values provided by manufacturers' kits and textbooks. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the means, medians, 2.5th and 97.5th percentile reference intervals, for normal immunohaematological values in healthy adults in Botswana. METHOD: A total of 261 healthy participants comprising 126 men (48%) and 135 (52%) women were enrolled in the southern part of Botswana, and immunological and haematological laboratory parameters were measured. RESULTS: The mean age was 28.8 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 27.7-29.8) years, with a median of 27 years and a range 18-66 years. The mean haemoglobin level was significantly lower for women (12.4 g/dL; 95% CI 12.1% - 12.7%) than men (15.1 g/dL; 95% CI 14.9% - 15.3%). The women's haemoglobin reference values (9.0 g/dL - 15.0 g/dL) levels were lower than observed in predominantly White populations (12.0 g/dL - 16.0 g/dL), but comparable with regional consensus reference intervals (9.5 g/dL - 15.8 g/dL) recently defined for East and Southern Africa. CONCLUSION: The established values provide an important tool for patient management and could influence decisions on inclusion of participants and adverse events in clinical trials conducted locally

The association bewteen family structure and sexual risk factors related to HIV infection of young people (aged 14-24] in Gaborone (Botswana)

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to find out whether there is an association between family structure (a well-structured family or a non-structured family) and sexual risk factors related to HIV infection of youths aged 14-24 [inclusive] in Gaborone, Botswana. Research Design A descriptive research design using quantitative approach was used in this study. Data Collection Data was collected through questionnaires handed to the respondents to fill and return the responses back to the researcher. Youths from Old Naledi location, University of Botswana and Gaborone Senior Secondary School served as study population. Findings The results showed there was no significant association between family structure family and the sexual risk factors related to HIV infection of youths aged 14-24 [inclusive]. Nevertheless, the results showed that as young people get older, they indulge in high-risk behaviours related to HIV infection, such as having sex under the influence of alcohol, having multiple sexual partners and having sex in exchange for money. Conclusion The findings have shown that the youth in general are at high risk of contracting HIV infection. A high number of them are sexually active, and therefore it is suggested that they be encouraged to be more pro-active in order to prevent HIV infection or infection with other sexually transmitted diseases.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doelwit van die Studie Die doel van hierdie studie was om uit te vind of daar 'n verband is tussen familiestruktuur (goed-gestruktueerde familiestruktuur of nie-gestruktueerde familiestruktuur) en seksuele risiko faktore wat verband hou met MIV-oordrag onder jongmense tussen 14 en 24 jaar (inklusief) in Gaborone (Botswana). Navorsingsontwerp 'n Beskrywende navorsingsontwerp met 'n kwantitatiewe aanslag is gebruik. Data Versameling Data is ingesamel deur middel van vraelyste. Jongmense van die Naledi-omgewing, Universiteit van Botswana en Gaborone Senior Sekondêre Skool het as studie-populasie gedien. Resultate Die resultate het gewys dat daar geen betekenisvolle verband was tussen familiestruktuur (goed-gestruktueerde familiestruktuur of nie-gestruktueerde familiestruktuur) en seksuele risiko faktore wat verband hou met MIV-oordrag onder jongmense tussen 14 en 24 jaar (inklusief) in Gaborone nie. Die resultate het egter aangedui dat, soos jongmense ouer word, hulle hoë risiko seksuele gedrag wat verband hou met MIV-oordrag begin vertoon. Voorbeelde van hoë risiko seksuele gedrag wat verband hou met MIV-oordrag, sluit onder andere in seksuele omgang onder die invloed van alkohol, veelvuldige seksuele verhoudings en seks vir geld. Gevolgtrekking Die resultate het gewys dat jongmense oor die algemeen 'n groot kans staan om met MIV geïnfekteer te word. Baie jongmense is seksueel aktief, en die aanbeveling is dat hulle aangemoedig moet word om pro-aktief op te tree ten einde infeksie van MIV of enige ander seksueel oordraagbare siekte te voorkom

Immunohaematological reference values for HIV-negative healthy adults in Botswana

Background: Clinical laboratories in Botswana have relied entirely on the reference intervals for normal immunohaematological values provided by manufacturers’ kits and textbooks. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the means, medians, 2.5th and 97.5th percentile reference intervals, for normal immunohaematological values in healthy adults in Botswana. Method: A total of 261 healthy participants comprising 126 men (48%) and 135 (52%) women were enrolled in the southern part of Botswana, and immunological and haematological laboratory parameters were measured. Results: The mean age was 28.8 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 27.7–29.8) years, with a median of 27 years and a range 18–66 years. The mean haemoglobin level was significantly lower for women (12.4 g/dL; 95% CI 12.1% – 12.7%) than men (15.1 g/dL; 95% CI 14.9% – 15.3%). The women’s haemoglobin reference values (9.0 g/dL – 15.0 g/dL) levels were lower than observed in predominantly White populations (12.0 g/dL – 16.0 g/dL), but comparable with regional consensus reference intervals (9.5 g/dL – 15.8 g/dL) recently defined for East and Southern Africa. Conclusion: The established values provide an important tool for patient management and could influence decisions on inclusion of participants and adverse events in clinical trials conducted locally