Orapuh Journal

Musa cavendish ameliorates isoproterenol-induced renal and hepatic injury in Wistar rats

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:44:45 +0200

Introduction

Isoproterenol (ISP) treatment is an established model for inducing myocardial infarction (MI). In acute MI, compromised renal function may result from preexisting kidney disease, acute renal failure, or the effects of pharmaceuticals and contrast agents used during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, which are reflected by changes in biochemical indices.

Purpose

Musa cavendish (MC), commonly known as banana, is a staple food in many regions worldwide. MC has demonstrated ameliorative effects against hepato-renal damage caused by various pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Musa cavendish on isoproterenol-induced renal and hepatic injury in Wistar rats.

Methods

Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Groups 4 to 6 received MC at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, for 30 days. Groups 2 to 6 were also administered ISP (85 mg/kg) on days 29 and 30.

Results

Results showed significant reductions in sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride levels, as well as elevations in urea and creatinine, which were reversed in the MC treatment groups. Additionally, increases in potassium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, and both direct and total bilirubin observed in the control groups were also reversed following MC treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Musa cavendish ameliorates isoproterenol-induced renal and hepatic injury in Wistar rats.

Assessment of biosafety training and practices in biomedical laboratories in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:28:11 +0200

Introduction

In biomedical laboratories, biosafety is a key element for preventing infections and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and the community. In resource-limited settings like Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the status of biosafety training and practices among laboratory personnel remains unclear.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the training, practices, and satisfaction related to biosafety among laboratory personnel in biomedical laboratories in Kinshasa.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025 in 56 laboratories in Kinshasa. A convenience sample of 290 laboratory staff members was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed with IBM SPSS 24.0, and associations were explored using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and logistic regression tests.

Results

The majority of respondents were male (57.2%) and under 40 years of age (54.2%). Only 55.5% had received formal biosafety training, and among them, 34.8% had received the training over two years ago. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 30%. Overall satisfaction with biosafety management was low (27.6%). Biosafety training was significantly associated with older age (p = .032), longer work experience (p = .008), and hepatitis B vaccination (p < .001). Trained staff were more likely to be vaccinated (OR = 3.5) and to report satisfaction with biosafety measures (OR = 3.6).

Conclusion

Biosafety training and hepatitis B vaccination coverage remain insufficient among laboratory personnel in Kinshasa, with low levels of satisfaction regarding biosafety measures. Strengthening biosafety through regular training, provision of adequate equipment, and vaccination campaigns is urgently needed.

Effects of free maternity care on beneficiary satisfaction: Multicentre study conducted in the Binza Météo Health Zone, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Joel KAFUMBI, M. F. Mumvudi, M. N. Lufwa, N. S. D. Mabakutuvangilanga — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:08:36 +0200

Introduction

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks among the nations with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 846 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the effects of free maternal health care on access, service quality, and beneficiary satisfaction, while also examining the socio-economic and psychological impact of this policy on women in the field of maternal health.

Methods

The survey employed a phenomenological qualitative approach to data collection and utilised the Donabedian model in the Binza Météo health zone. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 43 women who had given birth in selected maternity units. A thematic approach was used to analyse the interview content.

Results

The results show that access to care improved with the elimination of financial barriers. Women expressed overall satisfaction with free antenatal consultations and childbirth. However, many difficulties remain, including indirect costs (e.g., transportation, drugs, and ultrasound scans), overloaded infrastructure and healthcare staff, and challenges related to hygiene and resource availability. Participants also emphasised the importance of healthcare staff's commitment, despite a few reported cases of negligence.

Conclusion

Free maternity care in the DRC has positively impacted both access and satisfaction; however, significant structural improvements are still required, particularly regarding funding, infrastructure, and medical staff working conditions.

Epidemiological-Clinical Profile and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Endometriosis in Kinshasa (2022–2023)

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:08:18 +0200

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic, often underdiagnosed gynaecological condition affecting women of reproductive age, with a growing impact on quality of life and fertility worldwide. Despite its prevalence, limited data are available in sub-Saharan African settings, including Kinshasa.

Purpose

To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and MRI features of endometriosis in women undergoing pelvic MRI in Kinshasa between 2022 and 2023.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using records from three MRI centres in Kinshasa. Data were collected from patients with a clinical or ultrasound suspicion of endometriosis and an MRI-confirmed diagnosis. Variables analysed included age, clinical presentation, MRI indications, protocols used, and forms of endometriosis identified.

Results

A total of 83 women were included, with a mean age of 37 ± 9 years. Most patients (58%) were aged between 20 and 40 years. The predominant clinical presentations were chronic pelvic pain and infertility (53%), followed by dysmenorrhoea and menstrual disorders (22%). MRI was most frequently requested for suspected endometriosis (65%). Adenomyosis was the most common form observed (40%), particularly in women over 40, while ovarian endometriosis accounted for 20% of cases. Deep pelvic endometriosis was more frequent in women under 25. Vaginal and rectal opacification with contrast was used in 43% of cases, mostly when performed by general radiologists.

Conclusion

Endometriosis is prevalent among women of reproductive age in Kinshasa, with chronic pelvic pain and infertility as key presenting complaints. MRI remains a valuable diagnostic tool, especially for detecting adenomyosis and ovarian endometriosis. These findings emphasise the importance of improved diagnostic strategies and awareness in low-resource settings.

Investigating the moderating role of resilience on perceived stress and psychological well-being of retail employees during the COVID-19 pandemic

Rebecca Tiffany Naidoo, Muhammad Hoque — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:46:05 +0200

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered traditional work arrangements, accelerating the adoption of remote work across various sectors. This transition posed new psychological challenges for employees, particularly in terms of perceived stress and well-being. Resilience may play a moderating role in buffering the negative effects of stress in such contexts.

Purpose

This study examined the moderating role of resilience in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among retail employees working under remote conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among head office associates of a South African retail organisation (Company X). Out of 1,500 surveys distributed electronically, 158 were completed. Standardised instruments—the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and a modified Survey of Perceived Organisational Support (SPOS)—were used to collect data. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Version 27, including the PROCESS macro to test for moderation effects.

Results

Findings revealed a significant negative relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being (β = -1.13, p = .01). Resilience significantly moderated this relationship (interaction β = -0.04, p = .02), indicating that individuals with higher resilience experienced better psychological well-being despite high levels of perceived stress.

Conclusion

Resilience plays a crucial role in mitigating the adverse psychological effects of perceived stress in remote work environments. Organisations should prioritise resilience-building interventions and supportive structures to enhance employee well-being and adaptability during and beyond crisis situations.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of MSM Towards ED-PrEP across five districts in South Africa

Pheyiye Mapungwana, P. Mapungwana, Martha Chadyiwa — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:17:32 +0200

Introduction

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at higher risk of contracting HIV. Consensual anal sex (CAS) is the highest-risk sexual act for HIV transmission. All conceivable HIV prevention options ought to be made available, coupled with demand creation strategies intended to enhance the adoption and use of these interventions, to reduce HIV transmission among MSM. A unique and scientifically supported approach to overcoming obstacles to MSM adoption of current HIV prevention strategies (daily PrEP, male circumcision, condom use) is event-driven PrEP (ED-PrEP).

Purpose

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of MSM towards event-driven PrEP (ED-PrEP) and explores relationships between socio-demographic characteristics, sexual risk profiles, and willingness to use ED-PrEP across five districts in South Africa.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 295 MSM participants recruited from drop-in clinics across five districts in South Africa between April and June 2023. A structured online questionnaire assessed demographic information, HIV risk behaviours, and KAP regarding ED-PrEP. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of knowledge and attitudes towards ED-PrEP. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The study found that 71.9% of participants had good knowledge of ED-PrEP, while 58% expressed a positive attitude towards its use. Logistic regression analysis revealed that sexual orientation (OR = 2.5, p = 0.03), perceived risk of acquiring HIV (OR = 3.8, p < 0.001), and education level (OR = 2.2, p = 0.002) were significant predictors of willingness to recommend ED-PrEP.

Conclusion

The findings highlight a high level of awareness and willingness to use ED-PrEP among MSM, particularly in urban districts. Targeted public health campaigns are recommended to enhance understanding and acceptance of ED-PrEP by addressing misconceptions and providing tailored information to improve uptake and adherence, ultimately contributing to HIV epidemic control.

Evaluation of beneficiary satisfaction with biomedical laboratory services in Kinshasa: A case study of prescribers of biological analyses in several general referral hospitals

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:09:45 +0200

Introduction

Biomedical laboratories (BMLs) in Kinshasa, as elsewhere, are obligated to satisfy the beneficiaries of their services through the provision of quality services. To achieve this, they must comply with international quality standards, particularly those outlined in ISO 15189 and ISO 9001. A study of provider satisfaction was previously conducted at the Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa (CUK) in 2022 and at the Hôpital Général de Kinshasa in 2024. However, no evaluations have been conducted in other hospitals.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of prescribers of biomedical tests in selected general referral hospitals in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted from December 2024 to June 2025 in five public hospitals in Kinshasa. A total of 350 prescribers were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The association between satisfaction indicators and overall prescriber satisfaction was analysed using chi-square tests.

Results

Among the 350 prescribers surveyed, the overall satisfaction level was 45.43%, with only 2.57% of prescribers reporting a high level of satisfaction. Four key indicators were significantly associated with satisfaction: reception at the laboratory (p < .001), turnaround time for results (p < .001), relevance and clarity of laboratory reports (p < .001), and the range of tests offered (p < .001).

Conclusion

Prescriber satisfaction with BML services in Kinshasa is low. Regular assessments of beneficiary satisfaction and service delivery improvements—particularly in customer reception, speed of results delivery, availability of tests, and the relevance and clarity of laboratory reports—are essential. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that such evaluations be conducted at least once every two years (World Health Organization, 2020).

Mpox: Epidemiological profile and factors associated with complications in the Isangi Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:30:19 +0200

Introduction

The Mpox outbreak in non-endemic regions has recently attracted global attention. The Isangi Territory has experienced Mpox epidemic outbreaks in recent years, during which several deaths were reported.

Purpose

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of Mpox and to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of complications.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in three health zones of the Isangi Territory, covering the period from January 2023 to January 2024. It included 230 patients with PCR-confirmed Mpox infection. Factors associated with the occurrence of complications were analysed using Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

Results

The annual incidence of Mpox was 0.043%, with a case fatality rate of 4.7%. The median age of patients was 20 years (IQR: 5–25), and females were slightly more affected (54.8%). Most cases (99%) had no history of smallpox vaccination. Significant risk factors for complications included: age under 17 years (OR = 61.7, 95% CI: 24.8–160.1, p < 0.001), history of malnutrition and/or measles (OR = 34.9, 95% CI: 11.7–134.5, p < 0.001), seeking initial care from prayer sites or traditional healers (OR = 34.4, 95% CI: 15.0–82.7, p < 0.001), low socioeconomic status (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.3–25.8, p = 0.009), and a higher education level was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Complications related to Mpox infection are associated with sociodemographic, economic, and healthcare-related factors. Targeted interventions are needed to address each of these risk elements.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome on cognitive impairment in patients monitored at the University Clinics of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:16:49 +0200

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), particularly in severe cases, but it often remains underdiagnosed. OSAHS is a respiratory disorder characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The resulting intermittent hypoxia can impair brain function and lead to cognitive deficits, including issues with attention, memory, and executive functioning.

Purpose

This study aimed to describe the cognitive profile of patients with OSAHS treated at the University Clinics of Kinshasa.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted over a 10-month period among patients aged 18 years and older. Variables studied included sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical data, as well as results from the MoCA scale and polysomnography. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for qualitative variables, and Student’s t-test for quantitative variables (p < 0.05).

Results

Of the 121 patients included (mean age = 50 ± 11 years), 66% (n = 80) were male. Severe OSAHS was the most prevalent (38%, n = 46), and 42% of patients were severely obese. Mild cognitive impairment was identified in 45.4% (n = 55) of participants. A significant association was observed between the severity of OSAHS and the presence of cognitive impairment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with OSAHS, especially in its severe forms. These findings emphasise the need for cognitive screening in the clinical management of OSAHS patients.

Evaluation of nutritional status and factors contributing to malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in the Luiza Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 18:23:28 +0200

Introduction

This study assesses the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months in the Luiza Health Zone of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Purpose

The main objective was to evaluate the nutritional situation of children aged 6 to 59 months. Specific objectives included determining the rate of acute malnutrition, identifying different forms of malnutrition, and analysing which age groups and sexes are most affected.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 15 to 18, 2025, using systematic random sampling. Data were collected from 915 children aged 6 to 59 months, measuring between 65 cm and 110 cm, in randomly selected households in the Luiza Health Zone. Data collection tools included a data collection form, pen, scale, height board, and MUAC tape. Data entry was performed using Excel 2019, and analysis was conducted with Epi Info.

Results

The study found a concerning nutritional status among children in the Luiza Health Zone. Gender distribution included 516 females (56%) and 399 males (44%). Age groups comprised 391 children (42.73%) aged 6–23 months and 524 children (57.27%) aged 24–59 months. Regarding nutritional status, 660 children (72.13%) were in good nutritional condition, 163 (17.81%) suffered from moderate acute malnutrition, and 92 (10.05%) had severe acute malnutrition. Edematous severe acute malnutrition accounted for 1.42%. The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 26.45%.

Conclusion

The prevalence of malnutrition in all its forms remains alarmingly high among children aged 6 to 59 months in the Luiza Health Zone.