Schistosoma mansoni is endemic in Rwanda, and control programs have been implemented with a special focus on school-age children (SAC), ignoring pre-school age children (pre-SAC) for which the actual prevalence of the disease is not well established. This study consisted of a cross-sectional quantitative mapping of the distribution of Schistosoma mansoni and identification of associated risk factors among pre-SAC throughout the country. The study covered all the 17 districts of Rwanda endemic for Schistosoma mansoni, with a total sample of 4,675 children enrolled from 80 purposively selected villages. The parasitological assessment of children’s urine and stool samples was conducted using CCA and Kato Katz methods, respectively, for infection detection. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data on the risk factors, and geospatial assessment was performed using tablets and GPS to record geographic coordinates for plotting locations on maps using ArcGIS software. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection across the surveyed areas was 24 and 0.8% by CCA and Kato-Katz, respectively. Infection was significantly associated with bathing children in open water bodies. Furthermore, pre-SAC looked after by siblings (sisters) were two times as much likely to be infected compared to those looked after by mothers. Schistosomiasis control interventions are needed for pre-SAC to limit their exposure to open water bodies with expectations of adapted chemotherapy to be availed. Community-based deworming campaigns may be the best way to ensure good treatment coverage of pre-SAC in Rwanda.
Background Adolescents living with HIV are vulnerable to depression with a negative effect on treatment outcomes. However, there are little data on the factors associated with depression in adolescents with HIV infection in Rwanda. Aim This article aims to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic factors related to depression among adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. Methodology A cross sectional research was conducted with 102 adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. Depression was measured by Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-DC) in its latest version adapted to the context of Rwanda. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed to determine the factors associated with depression. Results The prevalence of participants who had symptoms of depression was 31%. The risk to develop depression increased among HIV infected adolescent who did not attend school or who lived with another person who is not a parent or family member. Having both parents deceased increases the risk to develop depression by 25.07 times compared to when none of them is deceased. Conclusion The results have demonstrated that lack of social support is likely to raise the risk of development of depression symptoms among adolescent with HIV. It is clearly an urgent priority to implement programs that focus on provision and maintenance of psychosocial support to this group in order to reverse the situation. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(1):37-52
BackgroundTo continue delivering the courses despite school closure during the covid-19 pandemic, the University of Rwanda abruptly shifted its teaching from traditional physical to online teaching. This was the compulsory medium of teaching during the lockdown period. This sudden change did not allow for adequate preparation for students. ObjectivesTo assess the preparation of learners to use the e-learning platform, and to explore the factors that enabled or inhibited learners’ use of the e-learning platform. MethodThis was a cross-sectional quantitative research design study done between June and July 2020. An online questionnaire was sent to all students registered in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences for the academic year 2019-2020. ResultsA total of 446 students completed the questionnaire. Students reported not being adequately oriented and unprepared to effectively use e-learning. Students were motivated to use e-learning when the learning objectives were clear, interactive, with engaging materials. Inadequate e-learning infrastructure, limited access to internet connectivity and inadequate devices were identified as the strongest barriers of using e-learning. ConclusionThe covid-19 pandemic has brought a transformational opportunity to embrace a blended learning approach. To sustain such a transformation, proper and timely planning and strategies need to be invested. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2022;5(1):99-112
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