HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: pharmacists knowledge, perception and willingness to adopt future implementation in a Zimbabwean urban setting

Truvada® was approved for use in prevention of sexually acquired human immunodeficiency virus in 2012. Consumers may require information about pre-exposure prophylaxis from pharmacists since consultation is free. The aim of the study was to assess pharmacists’ knowledge, perception and willingness to adopt pre-exposure prophylaxis. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, community and hospital pharmacists in Harare were interviewed using a standard questionnaire between September and October 2012. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. The response rate was 90%. Females comprised 47% of respondents. Most pharmacists had a negative perception about pre-exposure prophylaxis. Most pharmacists (94%) were willing to stock pre-exposure prophylaxis in their pharmacies. Cost, accessibility and increase in promiscuity were cited as major hindrances to future implementation. Only 58% of respondents were knowledgeable about pre-exposure prophylaxis. There is need for the government to increase accessibility and improve on awareness strategies for pre-exposure prophylaxis in Zimbabwe.Keywords: Truvada®, pre-exposure prophylaxis, pharmacist, knowledge, perceptio

Perceptions of postpartum mothers towards the care provided by male student midwives at labour units in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Student midwives should always provide cultural sensitive care and respect the rights of every woman when choosing health care providers during pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of this study was to describe and explore the perceptions of postpartum mothers towards the care provided by male student midwives during their midwifery practice. A qualitative explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was used. A non-probability, convenience sampling method was used to sample 42 postpartum mothers who received care from male student midwives at the five district hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews until data saturation was reached by repeating data. Open coding approach was used to analyse data. All ethical principles were adhered to. Results revealed that postpartum mothers, preferred care by male students‘ midwives; they were viewed to be respectful, sympathetic, and caring; however, they discussed their fears of midwifery practice with mothers. It is recommended that midwives should play a pivotal role in informing pregnant women during antenatal visits that male student midwives can conduct deliveries. The community awareness campaign should be strengthened that male student midwives are availability in maternity units.Keywords: Male student midwives, midwifery practice, perceptions, and postpartum mother

Navigating a Course for Enhanced Pedagogic Trends: A Survey on the use and Acceptability of ‘Translanguaging’ Techniques in a South African Context

The paper explores translanguaging patterns within a South African setting in general, and within the Xitsonga classrooms at M.L Nkuna High School in particular. A qualitative approach was employed, and a case study design was adopted. The purpose of the research was to track translanguaging patterns within Xitsonga lessons in order to improve the performance of learners who use Xitsonga as a home language. It sought to clarify the impact of translanguaging in the process of teaching and learning of Xitsonga Home Language at the school in question, to explore how the concept of translanguaging served to improve or hinder the teaching and learning of Xitsonga at the school, and whether or not, teachers are effectively using translanguaging within the School (GET) classrooms. This, however, was carried out with the learners’ linguistic background in mind. The study found that teachers are not familiar with translanguaging and they do not see translanguaging as a mechanism that can help in improving the performance of learners in Xitsonga. It was also discovered that translanguaging is not used effectively in classrooms despite the evidence that some learners are doing Xitsonga at school as home language, while at home a different language is spoken. Also, the occurrence of translanguaging patterns is poor. Therefore, translanguaging is not effectively used to enhance the teaching and learning of Xitsonga Home Language at M.L Nkuna High School.  &nbsp

Enhanced hypoglycaemic effects of metformin by valsartan in a diabetic rat model

The objective of this study was to establish the effect of valsartan on the hypoglycaemic effect of metformin. Forty-four 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on a high fat diet or standard diet for six weeks. Diabetes mellitus was induced by administering alloxan monohydrate 120 mg/kg intraperitoneally in rats on high fat diet. Valsartan had no significant effect on blood glucose levels in non-diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with a combination of metformin and valsartan at 5mg/kg (-10.8±8.5%), 15 mg/kg (-43.0±13.7%), and 30 mg/kg (-28.6±9.1%) for 14 days resulted in significant differences in the change in blood glucose levels compared to treatment with metformin alone (+9.5±9.1%) (F=4.351; d.f.=3;16; p=0.0201). Valsartan enhanced the hypoglycaemic effects of metformin in diabetic rats after two weeks of treatment. However, valsartan did not have significant effect on glucose tolerance in both nondiabetic and diabetic rats.Keywords: hypoglycaemia, valsartan, metformin, diabete

International Research Collaborations in Textiles & Apparel: Reflections & Best Practices

The purpose of the presentation was to explore and expand a model for creating international research groups and social entrepreneurial collaborations among academics in the Textiles and Apparel (T&A) industry. Topics of discussion included (1) how to empower women and girls in developing economies; (2) envision curriculum, research and entrepreneurship from a critical theory and feminist theory perspectives; (3) developing of a credible research team; (4) maintaining team commitment; (4) overcoming challenges; (5) identifying opportunities;(6) developing and maintaining an international profile; and (6) managing large-scaled international research projects

Adverse drug reactions reporting at a referral hospital in Zimbabwe

To establish factors influencing voluntary reporting of adverse drug reactions among health workers. A second objective was to establish the level of awareness on adverse drug reaction reporting and attitudes towards the voluntary adverse drug reaction reporting scheme. Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Setting: Parirenyatwa Hospital, a major referral and teaching hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. Subjects: 200 health professionals randomly selected from various departments. Main Outcome Measures: Number of health workers reporting adverse drug reactions; awareness of the adverse drug reaction reporting scheme

Use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV infected in patients at a referral hospital

A journal article on the administering of cotrimoxazole in HIV infected patients in Zimbabwe.The sub-Saharan region is the most affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic with an average of 8% of the population being infected. Opportunistic infections have a major impact on the health and survival of HIV infected patients. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has, however, significantly reduced the prevalence of opportunistic infections in HIV infected patients. Primary prophylaxis of opportunistic infections continues to be one of the most important strategies in the management of patients infected with HIV. In addition, primary prophylaxis against opportunistic infections including Pneumocystis carinni pneumonia (PCP) has already been shown to have an independent role in prolonging survival.Pneumocystis carinii remains an important pathogen for the broad spectrum of immunocompromised individuals, despite significant advances in antimicrobial therapy. Cotrimoxazole is recommended as the drug of choice for the prevention and treatment of PCP

Antioxidant properties, protein binding capacity and mineral contents of some plants traditionally used in the management of animal wounds

Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstrac

Who Are Social Entrepreneurs? Connecting the Stories of Women in the Global Textile and Apparel Industry

Current definitions of social entrepreneurs appear limited in view, delineating social-entrepreneurs as outside elites with special qualities and their work to be complex and lavish. Definitions of social entrepreneurs fail to capture and illustrate the multitudes and diversity of social entrepreneurship. Thus, social entrepreneurship needs refashioning to address the multiple types of intentions (feasibility and desirability) to act, opportunities, and capacities. The present interpretation lacks a holistic standpoint. Using a scenario of analysis of the textile and apparel industry, it becomes evident that micro-entrepreneurs engage daily in solving the complex problem of poverty, unemployment, exploitation, and other social issues through self-employment. They are by their very nature practicing social entrepreneurship. The purpose of this concept paper is not to dispute current definitions of social entrepreneurs but to help make definitions more holistic, by recognizing the contributions of the multiple types of people and organization who attempt to solve societal concerns

Indications of high levels of inattentive and distracted driving in South Africa

In 2015, the Road Traffic Management Corporation undertook a pilot study to investigate how prevalent driver inattention and distraction is in South Africa. Driver inattention and distraction is the leading factor in near-crashes in for instance the United States of America where indications are that 65 per cent of near-crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds before an incident. This pilot project interrogated a small sample (non-representative) of naturalistic driving data collected from four drivers over a period of six months to explore whether or not South Africans are prone to distracted driving. Preliminary indications are that inattentive and/or distracted driving, including mobile phone use, distraction by passengers and other in-vehicle behaviours are indeed prevalent. In the majority of the data analysed, all drivers showed signs of general inattention and at least one type of distracted driving behaviour. The frequency with which these behaviours occur seems to be high, leading to the question whether inattentive driving has become the norm rather than the exception for South African drivers. The findings substantiate the need for a much larger study that could explore the problem on a national level.Paper presented at the 35th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 4-7 July 2016 "Transport ? a catalyst for socio-economic growth and development opportunities to improve quality of life", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.The Minister of Transport, South AfricaTransportation Research Board of the US