Search Results (162)

African American (AA) women often experience earlier onset and more severe menopause symptoms, especially vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) like hot flashes, compared to other groups. However, limited research has examined the effectiveness and acceptability of menopause treatments in this population. This scoping review synthesized evidence on pharmacological (e.g., hormone replacement therapy [HRT], SSRIs, venlafaxine, nitroglycerin) and holistic (e.g., dietary changes, physical activity [PA], supplementation) approaches for managing menopause symptoms in AA women. Using Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted, guided by the PCC framework. Four databases (CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus) were searched for English-language studies (2010–2025) involving AA women aged 40–65. Eligible studies included RCTs and observational designs with ≥10% AA participants. Data were charted and synthesized descriptively. Fourteen U.S.-based studies (11–53% AA representation) were included. Pharmacological treatments—especially HRT and SSRIs—were effective for VMSs and mood symptoms. Holistic approaches showed mixed outcomes; PA and magnesium offered modest benefit, while phytoestrogens sometimes worsened memory. Race-specific results were rarely reported. Effective pharmacological options exist, but evidence tailored to AA women is lacking. Future research must ensure greater AA representation and culturally responsive approaches to menopause care. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) are neurodegenerative conditions that cause gradual deterioration of cognition, memory and language in the elderly. AD has been declared as a health priority by the World Health Organization (WHO) considering its severity and unavailability of a permanent cure. Although the global AD/ADRD population is made up of many ethno-racial groups, the majority of AD studies have focused on the Caucasian population. The few AD studies conducted on minority populations in the US have found that significant AD health disparities exist, demonstrating that African Americans and Hispanics have a significantly higher prevalence of AD and related dementias, with their risk often approaching twice that of White individuals. For the past few years, epigenomic research has played an important role in understanding health disparities among diverse racial and ethnic groups. Unlike genetic studies, which focus on the DNA sequence that one is born with, epigenomics investigates how changes in gene expression due to extrinsic environmental exposures may impact disease pathophysiology. Recent epigenomic studies appear to be promising in not only understanding disease pathology but also in developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools for AD with population specificity. However, there is only a handful of studies and review articles available addressing the epigenomic applications in irradicating racial disparities in AD/ADRD. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the recent findings of epigenomic studies in AD and related dementias, their contribution in irradicating racioethnic disparities and insights into the future direction of their application in precision medicine. Full article

The integration experiences and vulnerabilities of migrants in host states are a critical area of study. This qualitative research, grounded in a human rights and social justice framework, investigates the systemic injustices and integration challenges faced by Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through in-depth interviews with 16 participants and six key informants, the study employs thematic analysis to uncover the socio-cultural, economic, and political barriers that impede successful integration. The findings reveal pervasive issues such as prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, and language barriers, which exacerbate the migrants’ vulnerabilities and make it difficult to support their families. They, at times, fail to buy food and pay school fees for their children. Despite these challenges, the resilience and creativity of Zimbabwean migrants are evident. The study’s unique contribution lies in its widening of the genealogy of theories of migration by incorporating African-centred migration perspectives, which are grounded in social justice perspectives. This critiques the Global North-dominated narratives that have historically sidelined the lived experiences of migrants from the Global South. The study offers a comprehensive examination of the interplay between systemic barriers and migrant resilience, offering new insights into how migration involves and affects families. This research calls for the development and implementation of rights-based integration frameworks to address systemic issues and enhance the well-being of migrants so that they can better support their families and kinsmen. Full article

Background: Evidence on HAIs in Africa is fairly common. Objectives: The main objective was to identify the surveillance tools used for healthcare–associated infections (HAIs) in countries in the WHO African Region. Secondary objectives focused on the organization of surveillance, the pathogens involved, and the frequency of multidrug–resistant species. Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Observational or interventional studies on healthcare–associated infections in humans, published between January 2011 and December 2024, in French or English, were included. However, the following publications were not included: animal studies, healthcare–associated infections not related to healthcare, literature reviews, studies outside the period or geographical area, and studies in languages other than French or English. Sources of information and search date: The databases consulted were PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, African Index Medicus, Google Scholar, and AJOL. The search was conducted between January and March 2025. Risk of bias assessment: The risk of bias was assessed using a specific grid (eleven criteria), scored from one (low) to three (high). The studies were classified into three levels of methodological quality. The results of the bias assessment showed that the publications were excellent (strong and moderate) with a cumulative rate of 99.9%. Methods of synthesizing results: Data were extracted using a standardized grid and synthesized narratively. No meta–analysis was performed. Number of studies and characteristics: 95 studies were included, mostly cross–sectional studies (82.1%), cohorts (10.4%), and a few case reports. Most were from West Africa (60.0%), particularly Nigeria (16.8%) and South Africa (14.7%). Main results: • Most common pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus (53.7%), Escherichia coli (43.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (32.6%). • Resistance profile: ESBL (27.4%), MRSA (21.1%), multidrug resistance (13.7%). • Sources of HAIs: mainly exogenous (83.2%). • Laboratory methods: phenotypic (70.5%), genotypic or genomic rare (3.1%). • Scope of studies: local (96.8%), national (3.2%). Limitations of evidence: Risk of bias due to underreporting of HAIs, methodological heterogeneity, predominance of cross–sectional studies, low use of molecular methods, lack of modeling, and uneven geographical coverage. Overall interpretation and implications: surveillance of HAIs in Africa remains fragmented and poorly standardized. There is a need to strengthen national systems, integrate molecular methods, train professionals, and promote interventional research. The WHO GLASS program can serve as a framework for harmonizing surveillance. Full article

“Ubuntu/Botho/Hunhu” is a philosophical concept commonly used in Sub-Saharan Africa, arising out of the Bantu languages of its peoples. It is familiar in South Africa and Zimbabwe, for example, and through it, reference is made both to the way of being human and to the morality of the actions performed by people. Understood from the philosophical perspective, Ubuntu as an ethic is dignity-based. Naturally, Ubuntu is not the only metaphysical and moral worldview present in the diversity of contemporary sub-Saharan Africa, for given the presence of Catholic Christian believers, “Catholic Social Teaching” (CST) is also encountered. In countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe, Catholic parliamentarians are involved in State apparatuses, as members of provincial and municipal legislatures, and judicial officers may be of the Catholic tradition. Given the holistic nature of the human, it is a significant challenge for the believer to abandon their axiological systems when entering the public sphere. Like the African Ubuntu/Hunhu tradition, CST is dignity-based, although the arguments from within each for the attainment of dignity are divergent. Whilst acknowledging the inherent dignity of the person in both traditions, this study takes a different approach by highlighting contrasts. In divergences, human dignity and relationships in society will be explored, as the study extends novel moral actions for the good of the Ubuntu-inspired society. Full article

The research aims to derive the positive and negative values and strange habits included in Ibn Battuta’s journey called “Tuhfat An-Nuzzar fi Ghara’ibal-Amsar wa-‘Aja’ib Al-Asfar” by Shams al-Din bin Abdullah al-Lawati, the Moroccan al-Tanji, known as Ibn Battuta (d. 1377 AD), presented and investigated by Ali al-Muntasir al-Katani (D.T), which was included in Ibn Battuta’s trip, to the peoples of the countries he visited on the African and Asian continents. A total of 440 respondents participated in the study: 195 teachers in the supplementary track and 245 fourth-year regular track students at an Arab College of Education from all disciplines: early childhood, Arabic language, science, mathematics and computer science, English language, and special education. The respondents were asked to select an enrichment text or a story of one or more pages from Ibn Battuta’s travels, with the aim of eliciting the positive and negative values and strange customs of the peoples and countries Ibn Battuta visited in Africa and Asia. The study results indicated that Ibn Battuta’s travelogue, “Tuhfat An-Nuzzar fi Ghara’ibal-Amsar wa-‘Aja’ib Al-Asfar,” is considered an important literary reference, rich with texts and stories from which we can deduce the values and customs of the people of the countries Ibn Battuta visited in Africa and Asia. Teachers can use this information for discussion and constructive dialogue with their students in schools, in various educational subjects such as social studies, religion, literature, Arabic language, history, and geography. Most of the study participants support the idea of integrating Ibn Battuta’s travelogue into various lessons. The study recommends the importance of integrating and expanding it to include other subjects in schools, colleges, and universities. This integration should be systematically built around various activities that achieve “meaningful learning,” ensure active student participation, and enhance value for the learner and society. In conclusion, I recommend conducting detailed studies and research on the educational values derived from travel literature. Full article

The study examines the complexities of the Aláròyé newspaper’s digital transformation. It seeks to understand how the organisation’s matrix, which includes circulation, readers, and advertising revenue, has been impacted by the shift to digital platforms while preserving its historical print business. Anchored on the uses and gratifications as well as technological determinism theory, the study demonstrates how digital technology influences the operational structures of media organisations. The study adopts a qualitative research design through interviews (with the newspaper’s publisher) and netnography with the newspaper’s social media community on Facebook. Data obtained are qualitatively analysed using the thematic analysis method. Findings from the study show that Aláròyé has made significant strides in embracing technology to enhance its operations, marking a notable shift from traditional practices to more modern, digital-driven strategies. The reception from the audience has been positive, with a growing number of readers engaging with the content across various digital platforms. The shift to digital media has allowed Aláròyé to expand its reach and foster a stronger connection with its audience, which is essential for the long-term success of the indigenous language newspaper. The study enhances the existing scholarship on indigenous language media by elucidating adaptive strategies and audience dynamics within African digital journalism. This establishes a framework for comprehending how indigenous language news outlets can sustain relevance in the digital era by preserving their cultural identity and social mission. Full article

Background: Individuals with heart failure (HF) are at increased risk of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium supplements are widely available and being used without clear evidence of efficacy in HF. Methods: We emulated a target trial to assess the association between magnesium supplements and adverse outcomes in U.S. veterans with newly diagnosed HF. Eligible patients were outpatients who received ambulatory care in the Veterans Health Administration between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2020. Veterans with a hospitalization within 30 days prior to the eligible date, previous magnesium supplement or replacement use, or end-stage renal disease were ineligible for the trial. Initial self-reported magnesium supplement use (measured at eligible date) was identified in medical records using natural language processing and then checked repeatedly to confirm continuous use. The outcome was all-cause hospitalization or death. Patients were followed for up to five years from the eligible date and were censored if they changed from the assigned treatment strategy or initiated prescribed magnesium replacement. We applied inverse probability treatment weighting and Cox’s regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs), with sensitivity analyses in patients surviving ≥ 6 months and those with continuous documentation of magnesium supplement use. Results: We enrolled 9900 magnesium supplement users and 9900 matched non-users. In the weighted cohort (mean age 72.6 years; 12.6% African American; 3.4% women; median follow-up 0.7 years), users had significantly better survival in both primary and sensitivity analyses (HR in primary analysis: 0.81 [0.77–0.86], p < 0.0001; HRs in sensitivity analyses: 0.91 [0.85–0.97], p = 0.0025 and 0.77 [0.72–0.82], p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: magnesium supplement use was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality or hospitalization among veterans with HF. Full article

Strongyloidiasis is an underappreciated helminth infection that belongs to a group of neglected tropical diseases. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in humans in 16 West African countries. We searched African Journals Online, Embase, Horizon, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify articles assessing S. stercoralis prevalence data. The search was restricted to articles published between 1 January 1975 and 31 December 2024 without language restriction. We followed the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 21,250 articles were identified, 336 of which met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently used diagnostic tools were Kato-Katz (35.1%) and formol-ether coprological methods (23.4%). Strongyloidiasis was reported in 15 of the 16 West African countries; Mali was the only country where it was absent. The S. stercoralis regional prevalence was 4.4%, ranging from 0.2% in Burkina Faso to 18.9% in The Gambia. S. stercoralis infection prevalence decreased from 14.0% (1975–1984) to 4.1% (2015–2024). S. stercoralis prevalence showed strong heterogeneity with the highest prevalence mainly observed in countries in the Gulf of Guinea. Most of the employed diagnostic techniques were inappropriate; the reported S. stercoralis prevalence is, thus, likely an underestimation of the true situation. Our observations call for more sensitive S. stercoralis diagnostic tools and strategies for strongyloidiasis control that are tailored to the different social-ecological settings of West Africa. Full article

Background: Parent education is a key component of family-centred care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It supports positive parent-infant interactions, reduces parental stress and anxiety, and contributes to shorter hospital stays. Objectives: This paper reports on the adaptation of a South African parenting education intervention for parents of premature infants in the NICU: the NeuroSense PremmieEd programme. The study aimed to demonstrate the programme’s content validity, feasibility, and acceptability for preterm parent–infant dyads in public hospital NICUs, using a hybrid focus group discussion (FGD) method. The programme was based on an existing intervention and informed by literature on the components of parenting educational programmes and empirical data on parental expectations. Methods: A qualitative, iterative refinement process was undertaken using hybrid-format FGDs. A conceptual FGD was held during the design phase, followed by two consensus FGDs after pilot testing (reported separately). Stakeholders included end-users (mothers), clinicians, an instructional designer, a neurodevelopmental care expert, and programme facilitators. Results: The first FGD reviewed draft version 0.1 of the programme, confirming content relevance and clarity, while recommending adjustments, such as module integration, cultural and language alignment, and visual aids to support comprehension. Version 0.2 was then ready for pilot testing (reported elsewhere). The second and third FGDs led to refinements addressing emotional sensitivity in terminology, improved layout and readability, and the addition of home care guidance. Stakeholders highlighted the potential use of low-cost digital formats to enhance accessibility and standardisation. These revisions informed the final version 0.3. Conclusions: The hybrid FGD approach enabled input from diverse and geographically dispersed stakeholders. The NeuroSense PremmieEd programme was found to be feasible and acceptable by both mothers and healthcare professionals, supporting its suitability for broader implementation in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Prepubescent children and young adolescents (ages 7–14) are in a critical developmental stage for establishing the foundations of healthy sexual behavior. Increasing rates of precocious puberty, combined with limited access to accurate and age-appropriate sexual health education, heighten the vulnerability of this age group to sexual health risks. These risks include early and often coerced sexual initiation, exposure to sexual abuse, and consequent outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancies. However, comprehensive cross-regional analyses and evidence-based interventions addressing the sexual health needs of this age group remain limited. Addressing this gap promotes mutual learning, context-specific adaptation, and global alignment of sexual health support efforts, crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal target of universal access to sexual and reproductive health care. This scoping review aims to map the available evidence on the scope and characteristics of sexual health interventions for prepubescents and young adolescents in the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping review. A systematic search of English-language articles published from 2010–2025 will be conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and African Index Medicus. Five reviewers will screen the articles in Covidence and independently assess full-text articles using a standardized data extraction form. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion and with a sixth reviewer. The review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Data will be summarized and synthesized to identify patterns in interventions, delivery methods, outcomes, and implications for practice, research, and policy. Comparative and gap analyses will highlight similarities, differences, and priorities for future research and interventions. An adolescent sexual health expert will help validate and contextualize findings. Results can guide strategies to address shared challenges and advance universal access to sexual health support for prepubescents and young adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a critical global health threat across human, animal, and environmental domains, evidence from AMR economic evaluations remains limited. This study systematically reviewed available studies, emphasizing existing evidence and reported limitations in AMR-related economic evaluations. Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed empirical studies was conducted, including publications up to July 2023 without temporal restrictions, but limited to English-language articles. Literature searches were undertaken in PubMed and Cochrane using a search strategy centered on the terms “economic evaluations” and “antimicrobial resistance.” Screening and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently, with disagreements resolved through consensus or consultation with a third reviewer. Findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Of the 3682 records screened, 93 studies were included. Evidence gaps were identified across income and geographic regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the African, Southeast Asian, and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Studies were comparatively more numerous in high-income countries (HICs) and the European and Americas regions. Substantial gaps also existed in one health approach and community-based evaluations. Nine major study limitations were identified, with many interlinked. The most frequent issues included limited generalizability primarily due to inadequate sampling approaches (n = 16), and single-center studies (n = 11), alongside errors in cost estimation (n = 4), and lack of consideration for essential features or information (n = 3). Conclusions: The review highlights persistent evidence gaps and recurring methodological shortcomings in AMR economic evaluations. Addressing these limitations, particularly in LMICs, will strengthen the evidence base and better inform policy implementation to combat AMR effectively. Full article

Background: African American (AA)/Black and Latinx communities have limited access to evidence-based fall prevention programs such as Tai Chi Prime (TCP). Community-led interventions that incorporate peer support are cost-effective and sustainable. Using the Treatment Fidelity Framework (TFF) and a mixed-methods research approach, we evaluated the training and support given to trainees during the TCP leader training pathway process and their subsequent fidelity in delivering six culturally tailored community courses. Methods: Trainees completed feedback forms after each TCP leader training pathway course. Using a fidelity checklist, a TCP master trainer rated six community TCP classes led by race- and language-concordant leaders. Trainees were invited to participate in virtual one-on-one semi-structured interviews to share their perspectives on the appropriateness and relevance of the TCP leader training pathway and their experience leading community TCP classes. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics on Microsoft Excel. Three study team members coded qualitative data using directed content analysis approach. Results: Twenty-five candidates enrolled in the TCP leader training. Forty-eight percent identified as AA/Black while 52% identified as Latinx. Eleven trainees (six AA/Black and five Latinx) completed the entire TCP leader training pathway to become certified TCP leaders. Trainees rated the training process as highly satisfactory and appropriate. Leaders from both communities received high fidelity scores for community course delivery. Conclusions: Findings contribute to the existing literature, particularly regarding how to effectively disseminate and evaluate a culturally tailored TCP leader training and certification process for culturally diverse communities while maintaining fidelity to the curriculum. Full article

Part of the relics of colonialism on the African continent is the loss of social identity caused by the adoption of colonial languages, leading to the endangered status of indigenous African languages. This qualitative study examines the potential and challenges of podcasting in indigenous African languages, with a focus on Yoruba. We conducted a sentiment analysis of the podcast “I Speak Yoruba Too” and “learn Yoruba online” to assess the range of audience feedback on the podcast. 735 data points were gathered and preprocessed, Hugging face transformers were used to analyse the sentiments on audience feedback. The result of the analysis shows that the negative reviews were 183, the neutral reviews 226, and the positive reviews 326. The visualisation of the word cloud of the labels shows the words frequently used in the reviews, revealing the challenges and the appreciation of the commenter. An in-depth interview was conducted with the host of the “I Speak Yoruba Too” podcast and the “learn Yoruba online Podcast”. The findings reveal that part of the challenges of podcasting include the absence of a standard Yoruba curriculum for foreign learners and time constraints. This paper argues that the deterministic nature of podcast technology offers opportunities to content creators and listeners, based on the medium’s flexibility and ease of access in facilitating language acquisition. Audience reviews and interview results also confirm the potential of the podcast to generate community building and social identity formation among learners. However, the monetisation of such digital products is often underexplored by both emerging and established podcasters. Full article

This paper presents a novel visual approach to teaching multiplication to elementary school pupils using stick intersections. Within the South African context, where students consistently demonstrate low mathematics achievement, particularly in foundational arithmetic operations, this research explores an alternative pedagogical strategy that transforms abstract multiplication concepts into visual, concrete, countable representations. Building on theories of embodied cognition and visual mathematics, this study implemented and evaluated the stick intersection method with 45 Grade 4 students in Polokwane, Limpopo Province. Using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative assessments with qualitative observations, the results revealed statistically significant improvements in multiplication performance across all complexity levels, with particularly substantial gains among previously low-performing students (61.3% improvement, d = 1.87). Qualitative findings demonstrated enhanced student engagement, deeper conceptual understanding of place value, and overwhelmingly positive learner perceptions of the method. The visual approach proved especially valuable in the multilingual South African classroom context, where it transcended language barriers by providing direct visual access to mathematical concepts. High retention rates (94.9%) one-month post-intervention suggest the method facilitated lasting conceptual understanding rather than temporary procedural knowledge. This research contributes to mathematics education by demonstrating how visually oriented, culturally responsive pedagogical approaches can address persistent challenges in developing mathematics proficiency, particularly in resource-constrained educational environments. Full article