Tuberculosis contact tracing, Angola.

Objective: To assess the outcomes of a contact-tracing programme to increase the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Cubal, Angola and offer preventive treatment to high-risk groups. Methods: A health centre-based contact-tracing programme was launched in Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz in March 2015 and we followed the programme until 2022. In that time, staffing and testing varied which we categorized as four periods: medical staff reinforcement, 2015-2017, with a doctor seconded from Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Spain; routine staff, 2017-2021, with no external medical support; community directly observed treatment (DOT), 2018-2019 with community worker support; and enhanced contact tracing, 2021-2022, with funding that allowed free chest radiographs, molecular and gastric aspirate testing. We assessed differences in contacts seen each month, and testing and treatment offered across the four periods. Findings: Overall, the programme evaluated 1978 contacts from 969 index cases. Participation in the programme was low, although it increased significantly during the community DOT period. Only 16.6% (329/1978) of contacts had a chest radiograph. Microbiological confirmation increased to 72.2% (26/36) after including molecular testing, and 10.1% (200/1978) of contacts received treatment for tuberculosis. Of 457 contacts younger than 5 years, 36 (7.9%) received preventive tuberculosis treatment. Half of the contacts were lost to follow-up before a final decision was taken on treatment. Conclusion: Contact tracing increased the diagnosis of tuberculosis although engagement with the programme was low and loss to follow-up was high. Participation increased during community DOT. Community-based screening should be explored to improve participation and diagnosis.

Pneumonia in childhood bacterial meningitis-Experience from three continents.

INTRODUCTION: Although concomitant pneumonia is sometimes diagnosed in childhood bacterial meningitis, its role in the illness course and prognosis is not known. We examined these associations using prospectively collected data from Finland, Latin America and Angola. METHODS: This was a secondary descriptive analysis of prospectively collected data (clinical and laboratory findings at admission, during hospitalisation and outcome) from five clinical bacterial meningitis trials. We included children aged 2 months to 15 years from sites with confirmed bacterial meningitis and potential concomitant pneumonia (diagnosed clinically with or without a chest radiograph). RESULTS: Pneumonia was not observed in the 341 children included in Finland. Pneumonia was observed in 8% (51/606) of children in Latin America and in 46% (377/819) in Angola (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analyses, predisposing factors for pneumonia in Latin America were age <1 year, seizures and severe anaemia; the corresponding factors for Angola were preadmission duration of illness >3 days and non-meningococcal meningitis. Concomitant pneumonia increased the severity of the disease and disabling sequelae. CONCLUSION: Bacterial meningitis with pneumonia is a major, previously undescribed entity of severe bacterial meningitis, especially in Angola.

Continuum of care for maternal and child health and child undernutrition in Angola.

BACKGROUND: Continuum of care (CoC) for maternal and child health provides opportunities for mothers and children to improve their nutritional status, but many children remain undernourished in Angola. This study aimed to assess the achievement level of CoC and examine the association between the CoC achievement level and child nutritional status. METHODS: We used nationally representative data from the Angola 2015-2016 Multiple Indicator and Health Survey. Completion of CoC was defined as achieving at least four antenatal care visits (4 + ANC), delivery with a skilled birth attendant (SBA), child vaccination at birth, child postnatal check within 2 months (PNC), and a series of child vaccinations at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 15 months of child age. We included under 5 years old children who were eligible for child vaccination questionnaires and their mothers. The difference in CoC achievement level among different nutritional status were presented using the Kaplan-Meier method and examined using the Log-Lank test. Additionally, the multivariable logistic regression analysis examined the associations between child nutritional status and CoC achievement levels. RESULTS: The prevalence of child stunting, underweight and wasting was 48.3%, 23.2% and 5.9% respectively. The overall CoC completion level was 1.2%. The level of achieving CoC of mother-child pairs was 62.8% for 4 + ANC, 42.2% for SBA, 23.0% for child vaccination at birth, and 6.7% for PNC, and it continued to decline over 15 months. The Log-Lank test showed that there were significant differences in the CoC achievement level between children with no stunting and those with stunting (p < 0.001), those with no underweight and those with underweight (p < 0.001), those with no wasting and those with wasting (p = 0.003), and those with malnutrition and those with a normal nutritional status (p < 0.001). Achieving 4 + ANC (CoC1), 4 + ANC and SBA (CoC 2), and 4 + ANC, SBA, and child vaccination at birth (CoC 3) were associated with reduction in child stunting and underweight. CONCLUSIONS: The completion of CoC is low in Angola and many children miss their opportunity of nutritional intervention. According to our result, improving care utilization and its continuity could improve child nutritional status.

Seizures, focal neurological signs, and pneumococcal aetiology associate with impaired consciousness in childhood bacterial meningitis.

AIM: A low Glasgow Coma Scale Score (GCS) on admission is a known predictor of poor outcome from childhood bacterial meningitis. In turn, the factors associated with the admission GCS are less known. Our aim was to identify them, both for clinical alerts of reserved prognosis and to find potential targets for intervention. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of data collected prospectively in Angola and in Latin America between 1996 and 2007. Children with bacterial meningitis were examined on hospital admission and their GCS was assessed using the age-adjusted scale. Associations between on-admission GCS and host clinical factors were examined. RESULTS: A total of 1376 patients with confirmed bacterial meningitis were included in the analysis (609 from Latin America and 767 from Angola). The median GCS was 13 for all patients (12 in Angola and 13 in Latin America). In the multivariate analysis, in the areas combined, seizures, focal neurological signs, and pneumococcal aetiology associated with GCS <13, as did treatment delay in Latin America. CONCLUSION: Besides pneumococcal aetiology, we identified characteristics, easily registrable on admission, which are associated with a low GCS in childhood bacterial meningitis. Of these, expanding pneumococcal vaccinations and treatment delays could be modified.

HIV infection among children in Malanje province, Angola: a twelve-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) infection has been a serious health problem in pediatric age groups globally, and especially in African countries such as Angola. Our aim was to determine the prevalence rate, accumulate incidence rate, and mortality rate of HIV/AIDS infection in children under 14 years of age residing in four municipalities of Malanje (Malanje, Cacuso, Calandula, and Caculama), from 2010 to 2021. METHODOLOGY: This was a documentary research study, with data from 2010 to 2021, developed from a sample size of 10,984 children. RESULTS: The prevalence rate data showed a certain level of dispersion, and no relationship was identified in its behavior over the years (R2 = 0.0036). On the other hand, the accumulate incidence rate presented a tendency to decrease, indicating a moderate level of correlation in its behavior over the years (R2 = 0.4278). Finally, the mortality rate has been decreasing and presented a high correlation in its association with the years under analysis (R2 = 0.8142). Primary schooling and low purchasing power were frequent (60% and 82%, respectively) among the families of HIV-infected children under study. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the temporal variation of HIV in children under 14 years of age living in the different municipalities, there was a tendency of its diminishing in the later part of the period, from 2010 to 2021. Nevertheless, the key players should focus on strengthening community strategies for prevention, investigation, and diagnosis of HIV infections in this population.

Thermostability study of virulent Newcastle disease viruses isolated in Southern Angola.

Newcastle disease (ND) is endemic in Angola. Several outbreaks of ND occurred in small backyard flocks and village chickens with high mortality in the southern provinces of the country, Cunene, Namibe and Huíla, in 2016 and 2018. In those years, 15 virulent ND virus (NDV) strains were isolated and grouped within subgenotype 2 of genotype VII (subgenotype VII.2). We now present a study on the thermostability of the isolates, aiming at the selection of the most thermostable strains that, after being genetically modified to reduce their virulence, can be adapted to the production of vaccines less dependent on cold chain and more adequate to protect native chickens against ND. Heat-inactivation kinetics of haemagglutinin (Ha) activity and infectivity (I) of the isolates were determined by incubating aliquots of virus at 56 °C for different time intervals. The two isolates from Namibe province showed a decrease in infectivity of 2 log10 in ≤ 10 min, therefore belonging to the I-phenotype, but while the NB1 isolate from 2016 maintained the Ha activity up to 30 min and was classified as thermostable virus (I-Ha+), the Ha activity of the 2018 NB2 isolate decreased by 2 log2 in 30 min, being classified as a thermolabile virus (I-Ha-). Of the 13 NDV isolates from Huíla province, 10 isolates were classified as thermostable, eight with phenotype I+Ha+ and 2 with phenotype I-Ha+. The other three isolates from this province were classified as thermolabile viruses (I-Ha-).Contribution: This study will contribute to the control and/or eradication of Newcastle disease virus in Angola. The thermostable viral strains isolated from chickens in the country can be genetically manipulated by reverse genetic technology in order to reduce their virulence and use them as a vaccine in the remote areas of Angola.

Usefulness of real-time PCR for urogenital schistosomiasis diagnosis in preschool children in a high-prevalence area in Angola.

BACKGROUND: Urogenital schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium is highly endemic in the municipality of Cubal in Angola. Currently, diagnosis is based on the observation of S. haematobium eggs in urine samples by microscopy but this method has low sensitivity. Few studies have been performed using molecular techniques in high-prevalence areas for the detection of S. haematobium. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of real-time PCR as a diagnostic technique for urogenital schistosomiasis among preschool-age children and its correlation with morbidity data. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cubal, Angola, involving 97 urine samples from preschool-age children analyzed by the dipstick test, microscopic examination of filtered urine, and real-time PCR. The diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis was based on microscopy and/or real-time PCR results. Clinical and ultrasonography evaluation was performed to rule out complications of schistosomiasis. RESULTS: We detected a total of 64.95% of samples positive by real-time PCR and 37.11% by microscopy. The sensitivity of parasitological diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis by real-time PCR and microscopy was 95.45% and 54.55%, respectively, and the sensitivity of real-time PCR compared with microscopy was 91.67%. A positive real-time PCR result was significantly related to older age (mean = 3.22 years), detection of eggs by microscopy, and abnormal urine dipstick results (18.56% with proteinuria, 31.96% with leukocyturia, and 31.96% with microhematuria) (p-value<0.05). Ultrasound analysis showed that 23.94% of children had urinary tract abnormalities, and it was significantly related to the real-time PCR diagnosis (p-value<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time PCR is a more sensitive technique than microscopy for urinary schistosomiasis diagnosis in preschool-age children in Cubal. This increase in sensitivity would allow earlier diagnosis and treatment, thus reducing the morbidity associated with schistosomiasis in its early stages.

Estimating Prevalence and Infection Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction and Kato-Katz in School-Age Children in Angola.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is gaining recognition in soil-transmitted helminth (STH) diagnostics, especially for Strongyloides stercoralis and differentiating hookworm species. However, sample preservation and DNA extraction may influence qPCR performance. We estimated STH prevalence and infection intensity by using qPCR in schoolchildren from Huambo, Uige, and Zaire, Angola, and compared its performance with that of the Kato-Katz technique (here termed Kato-Katz). Stool samples from 3,063 children (219 schools) were preserved in 96% ethanol and analyzed by qPCR, of which 2,974 children (215 schools) had corresponding Kato-Katz results. Cluster-adjusted prevalence and infection intensity estimates were calculated by qPCR and Kato-Katz, with cycle threshold values converted to eggs per gram for qPCR. Cohen's kappa statistic evaluated agreement between qPCR and Kato-Katz. DNA extraction and qPCR were repeated on 191 (of 278) samples that were initially qPCR negative but Kato-Katz positive, of which 112 (58.6%) became positive. Similar prevalence for Ascaris lumbricoides (37.5% versus 34.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (6.5% versus 6.1%) were found by qPCR and Kato-Katz, respectively, while qPCR detected a higher hookworm prevalence (11.9% versus 2.9%). The prevalence of moderate- or high-intensity infections was higher by Kato-Katz than by qPCR. Agreement between qPCR and Kato-Katz was very good for A. lumbricoides, moderate for T. trichiura, and fair for hookworm. Strongyloides stercoralis prevalence was 4.7% (municipality range, 0-14.3%), and no Ancylostoma ceylanicum was detected by qPCR. Despite suboptimal performance, presumably due to fixative choice, qPCR was fundamental in detecting S. stercoralis and excluding zoonotic A. ceylanicum. Further evaluations on sample fixatives and DNA extraction methods are needed to optimize and standardize the performance of qPCR.

HIV-1 diversity and pre-treatment drug resistance in the era of integrase inhibitor among newly diagnosed ART-naïve adult patients in Luanda, Angola.

The surveillance of drug resistance in the HIV-1 naïve population remains critical to optimizing the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), mainly in the era of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) regimens. Currently, there is no data regarding resistance to INSTI in Angola since Dolutegravir-DTG was included in the first-line ART regimen. Herein, we investigated the HIV-1 genetic diversity and pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) profile against nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and INSTIs, using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach with MinION, established to track and survey DRMs in Angola. This was a cross-sectional study comprising 48 newly HIV-diagnosed patients from Luanda, Angola, screened between March 2022 and May 2023. PR, RT, and IN fragments were sequenced for drug resistance and molecular transmission cluster analysis. A total of 45 out of the 48 plasma samples were successfully sequenced. Of these, 10/45 (22.2%) presented PDR to PIs/NRTIs/NNRTIs. Major mutations for NRTIs (2.2%), NNRTIs (20%), PIs (2.2%), and accessory mutations against INSTIs (13.3%) were detected. No major mutations against INSTIs were detected. M41L (2%) and I85V (2%) mutations were detected for NRTI and PI, respectively. K103N (7%), Y181C (7%), and K101E (7%) mutations were frequently observed in NNRTI. The L74M (9%) accessory mutation was frequently observed in the INSTI class. HIV-1 pure subtypes C (33%), F1 (17%), G (15%), A1 (10%), H (6%), and D (4%), CRF01_AG (4%) were observed, while about 10% were recombinant strains. About 31% of detected HIV-1C sequences were in clusters, suggesting small-scale local transmission chains. No major mutations against integrase inhibitors were detected, supporting the continued use of INSTI in the country. Further studies assessing the HIV-1 epidemiology in the era of INSTI-based ART regimens are needed in Angola.

Clinical characteristics and variables associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Luanda, Angola, in the first year of the pandemic.

Background: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa is still unclear. In comparison to Europe and North America, morbidity and death rates are lower. Several factors have been proposed, including geographical variation in virus impact, environmental factors, differences in age distribution, and the impact of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV infection and tuberculosis. Objectives: We investigated the clinical characteristics and putative determinants linked with COVID-19 in Angolan patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study undertaken at Military Hospital, Luanda, from March 2020 to March 2021. The survey collected sociodemographic and clinical information. Results: The sample included 1,683 patients aged ≥18 years, 64% men, with mean age of 46.3 years. SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 39% of the cases with RT-PCR. Patients ≥46 years with a level of education of ≥12 years had a considerably higher likelihood of testing positive. About 58% of positive patients had at least one comorbidity, of which hypertension and Diabetes were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. HIV and pulmonary TB were putative protective factors. About 14% of positive patients died. Most deaths occurred in patients ≥46 years, with less education and unemployed. Working as a healthcare practitioner was linked to a protective effect. Malignant diseases were the most common comorbidities associated with death. Conclusions: We identified putative factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. HIV and TB were protective and not associated with mortality. Further study with a broader scope should be conducted to explain the main features related to COVID-19 mortality in Angola.

Avaliação da trajetória profissional dos egressos de cursos de graduação em Odontologia de Angola / Evaluación de la trayectoria profesional de los graduados de cursos de pregrado en Odontología en Angola / Evaluation of the professional trajectory of dentistry graduates in Angola

O objetivo foi avaliar a trajetória profissional dos egressos dos cursos de graduação em Odontologia de Angola em função do tempo de formados. Estudo observacional transversal de natureza quantitativa, realizado com os egressos das seis instituições de ensino superior que já haviam formado turmas, dentre as quais a primeira se formou em 2006. Ao todo, 285 cirurgiões-dentistas foram convidados a preencher um questionário pré-testado semiestruturado para identificar o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico, profissional e acadêmico dos respondentes desde a sua formação até a vivência na pandemia de COVID-19. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise descritiva e testadas as associações com o tempo de formado. A maioria dos egressos é do sexo feminino (73,3%), na faixa etária entre 30 e 39 anos (44,5%) e trabalha no setor público (30,1%). Menos de um quarto (20,6%) refere ter cursado pelo menos uma pós-graduação. A maioria (92,5%) se formou em Luanda, cidade em que reside a maior parte dos egressos (80,1%). Para 80,1%, o rendimento mensal médio é de até 10 salários mínimos (até 321.810,00Kwanzas angolanos), considerado regular ou ruim pela maioria (77,4%). A pandemia de COVID-19 impactou bastante ou extremamente a vida profissional de 58,9% dos respondentes. Egressos formados até 2016 realizaram mais cursos de pós-graduação(p<0,05) e declararam ter maior rendimento mensal (p<0,05). Concluiu-se que os egressos de Odontologia de Angola se caracterizam por serem a maioria mulheres e graduados na capital. Quanto maioro tempo de formação profissional maior a titulação e satisfação com a renda (AU).

El objetivo fue evaluar la trayectoria profesional de los graduados de la carrera de Odontología en Angola en función del tiempo de graduación. Estudio observacional transversal, de carácter cuantitativo, realizado con egresados de seis instituciones de educación superior que ya habían formado promociones, de las cuales el primero se graduóen 2006. En total, se invitó a 285 cirujanos dentistas a completar un cuestionario semi-probado previamente. cuestionario estructurado para identificar el perfil socioeconómico y demográfico, profesional y académico de los encuestados desde su formación hasta su experiencia de la pandemia COVID-19. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo y se probaron asociaciones con el tiempo desde la graduación. La mayoría de los titulados son mujeres (73,3%), tienen edades comprendidas entre 30 y 39 años (44,5%) y trabajan en el sector público (30,1%). Menos de una cuarta parte (20,6%) declara haber completado al menos un posgrado. La mayoría (92,5%) se graduó en Luanda, ciudad donde reside la mayoría de los graduados (80,1%). Para el 80,1%, el ingreso mensual promedio es de hasta 10 salarios mínimos (hasta 321.810 kwanzas angoleños, kz; 1 kz = R$ 0,01188), considerado regular o malo por la mayoría (77,4%). La pandemia de COVID-19 afectó grande o extremadamente la vida profesional del 58,9% de los encuestados. Los egresados hasta 2016 realizaron más posgrados (p<0,05) y declararon tener mayores ingresos mensuales (p<0,05). Se concluyóque los graduados en Odontología de Angola se caracterizan por ser en su mayoría mujeres y graduados en la capital. Cuanto mayor sea el período de formación profesional, mayor será el grado y la satisfacción con los ingresos.Avaliação da trajetória profissional dos egressos de cursos de graduação em Odontologia de Angola (AU).

The aim was to evaluate the professional trajectory of former undergraduate Dentistry students in Angola in terms of time since graduation. This is a cross-sectional observational study of quantitative nature carried out with former students from 06 higher education institutions, among which the first students graduated in 2006. A total of 285 dentists were invited to complete a semi-structured questionnaire to identify the socioeconomic, demographic, professional and academic profile of respondents from their training to their experience during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data obtained were submitted to descriptive analysis and associations with time since graduation were tested. Most former students are female (73.3%), aged 30-39 years (44.5%) who work in the public sector (30.1%). Less than 25% of them (20.6%) reported having attended at least one graduate program. The majority (92.5%) graduated in Luanda, the city where most participants (80.1%) live. For 80.1%, the average monthly income is up to 10 minimum wages (up to 321,810kz; 1kz = R$ 0,01188), considered regular or insufficient (77.4%). The covid-19 pandemic greatly or extremely impacted the professional life of 58.9% of respondents. Students who graduated up to 2016 were more involved in graduate programs (p<0.05) and reported having higher monthly income (p<0.05). It could be concluded that former Angolan Dentistry students are characterized by being mostly women who graduated in Luanda. The longer the time of professional training, the greater the academic degree and the greater the income satisfaction (AU).

Onfalite: uma realidade de saúde pública em angola / Onfalite: a public health reality in Angola / Onfalite: una realidad de salud pública en Angola

Introdução:O presente estudo apresenta umagravequestão de saúde pública em Luanda, Angola, relacionada com situações de internamento e morte de recém-nascidos por onfalite que o país enfrenta. Objetivos:descrever a realidade de um hospital público geral na cidade de Luanda,relativamente a este problema; identificar as principais causas de onfalites no contexto Angolano; descrever os cuidados corretos com o coto umbilical; evidenciar as implicações sociais, culturais e de saúde nos cuidados ao recém-nascido. Método:estudo descritivo, exploratório e transversal. Foram analisados os processos de internamento de um serviço de pediatria de um hospital público com situações de internamento por onfalite, entre janeiro de 2017 ejunho de 2018. Resultados:no período em estudo,foram analisados 182 processos de internamento neste hospital com registos de onfalites no recém-nascido. Destes internamentos, 26 culminaram em óbito.Dos 156 recém-nascidos internados, 153 tiveram alta para o domicílio, 2 tiveram transferência para o hospital pediátrico e houve um registo de fuga. Conclusão:os resultados obtidos demonstram que as mães e os recém-nascidos angolanos permanecem vulneráveis no que se refere aos cuidados ao coto umbilical, o que se traduz pelo elevado número de onfalites registadas. Torna-se,assim,prioritária a formação dos profissionais de saúde nesse domínio, de modo a que as intervenções sejam efetivas e de qualidade, no sentido de diminuir este flagelo de saúde pública neste país (AU).

Introduction: This study presents a serious public health issue in Luanda, Angola, related to situations of hospitalization and death of newborns due to omphalitisthat the country faces. Objectives: to describe the reality of a general public hospital in the city of Luanda, regarding this problem; identify the main causes of omphalitis in the Angolan context; describe the correct care with the umbilical stump; evidence the social, cultural and health implications of newborn care. Method: descriptive, exploratory and cross-sectional study. The hospitalization processes of a pediatric service of a public hospital with situations of hospitalization for omphalitis between January 2017 and June 2018 were analyzed. Results: during the study period, 182 hospitalization processes were analyzed in this hospital with records of omphalitis in the newborn. Of these hospitalizations, 26 culminated in death. Of the 156 newborns admitted, 153 were discharged to the home, 2 were transferred to the pediatric hospital and there was a record of a leak. Conclusion: the results obtained demonstrate that Angolan mothers and newborns remain vulnerable with regard to the care of the umbilical stump, which translates into the high number of registered omphalitis. Thus, the training of health professionals in this field becomes a priority, so that interventions are effective and of quality, in order to reduce this scourge of public health in this country (AU).

Introducción: El presente estudio presenta un grave problema de salud pública en Luanda, Angola, relacionado con situaciones de hospitalización y muerte de recién nacidos debido a la onfalitis que enfrenta el país. Objetivos: describir la realidad de un hospital públicogeneral en la ciudad de Luanda, con respecto a este problema; identificar las principales causas de onfalitis en el contexto angoleño; describa el cuidado correcto con el muñón umbilical; evidencia las implicaciones sociales, culturales y de salud del cuidado del recién nacido. Método: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio y transversal. Se analizaron los procesos hospitalarios de un servicio pediátrico de un hospital público con situaciones de hospitalización por onfalitis entre enero de 2017 y junio de 2018.Resultados: en el período en estudio, se analizaron 182 procesos de hospitalización en este hospital con registros de onfalitis en el recién nacido De estas hospitalizaciones, 26 culminaron en la muerte. De los 156 recién nacidos admitidos, 153 fueron dados de alta a la casa, 2 fueron trasladados al hospital pediátrico y hubo un registro de una fuga. Conclusión: los resultados obtenidos demuestran que las madres y los recién nacidos angoleños siguen siendo vulnerables con respecto al cuidado del muñón umbilical, lo que se traduce en un alto número de onfalitis registrada. Por lo tanto, la capacitación de profesionales de la salud en este campo se convierte en una prioridad, para que las intervenciones sean efectivas y de calidad, a fin de reducir este flagelo de la salud pública en este país (AU).

The Effect of a Basic Basket on Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in the Huambo Province, Angola / Efecto de una cesta básica alimentaria en el resultado del tratamiento de la tuberculosis en la provincia de Huambo, Angola

No disponible

Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology in Portuguese-Speaking Countries: data from the Global Burden of Disease, 1990 to 2016 / Epidemiologia das Doenças Cardiovasculares em Países de Língua Portuguesa: Dados do "Global Burden of Disease", 1990 a 2016

Abstract Background: Portuguese-speaking countries (PSC) share the influence of the Portuguese culture but have socioeconomic development patterns that differ from that of Portugal. Objective: To describe trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality in the PSC between 1990 and 2016, stratified by sex, and their association with the respective sociodemographic indexes (SDI). Methods: This study used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 data and methodology. Data collection followed international standards for death certification, through information systems on vital statistics and mortality surveillance, surveys, and hospital registries. Techniques were used to standardize causes of death by the direct method, as were corrections for underreporting of deaths and garbage codes. To determine the number of deaths due to each cause, the CODEm (Cause of Death Ensemble Model) algorithm was applied. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and SDI (income per capita, educational attainment and total fertility rate) were estimated for each country. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: There are large differences, mainly related to socioeconomic conditions, in the relative impact of CVD burden in PSC. Among CVD, ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in all PSC in 2016, except for Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe, where cerebrovascular diseases have supplanted it. The most relevant attributable risk factors for CVD among all PSC are hypertension and dietary factors. Conclusion: Collaboration among PSC may allow successful experiences in combating CVD to be shared between those countries.

Resumo Fundamento: Os países de língua portuguesa (PLP) partilham a influência da cultura portuguesa com desenvolvimento socioeconômico diverso de Portugal. Objetivo: Descrever as tendências de morbidade e mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) nos PLP, entre 1990 e 2016, estratificadas por sexo, e sua associação com os respectivos índices sociodemográficos (SDI). Métodos: O estudo utilizou dados e metodologia do Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016. As informações seguiram padrões internacionais de certificação de óbito, através de sistemas de informação sobre estatísticas vitais e vigilância da mortalidade, pesquisas e registros hospitalares. Empregaram-se técnicas para padronização das causas de morte pelo método direto, e correções para sub-registro dos óbitos e garbage codes. Para determinar o número de mortes por cada causa, aplicou-se o algoritmo CODEm (Modelagem Agrupada de Causas de Morte). Estimaram-se os anos saudáveis de vida perdidos (DALYs) e o SDI (renda per capita, nível de escolaridade e taxa de fertilidade total) para cada país. Resultados: Existem grandes diferenças na importância relativa da carga de DCV nos PLP relacionadas principalmente às condições socioeconômicas. Entre as DCV, a doença isquêmica do coração foi a principal causa de morte nos PLP em 2016, com exceção de Moçambique e São Tomé e Príncipe, onde as doenças cerebrovasculares a suplantaram. Os fatores de risco atribuíveis mais relevantes para as DCV entre os PLP foram a hipertensão arterial e os fatores dietéticos. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Conclusão: A colaboração entre os PLP poderá permitir que experiências exitosas no combate às DCV sejam compartilhadas entre esses países.

Conocimientos sobre factores de riesgo genético en estudiantes de medicina de la Facultad de Medicina de Malanje, Angola, 2014 / Knowledge about genetic risk factors in students of the Faculty of Medicine of Malanje, Angola, 2014

Los servicios de Genética son más eficaces si se ofrecen en el contexto de un público educado que es capaz y está dispuesto a actuar voluntariamente, por lo tanto, la información y el conocimiento son esenciales para promover la educación pública sobre los factores de riesgo genético. Con el objetivo de evaluar el nivel de conocimiento de los estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina de Malanje de la Universidad Lueji ANkonde, Angola, sobre los principales factores de riesgo genético y su prevención comunitaria; se realizó en 2013 - 2014 un estudio descriptivo para el cual se diseñó un cuestionario y una clave de calificación, basados en las experiencias de las autoras y en el criterio de expertos. La muestra quedó formada por un total de 152 estudiantes que voluntariamente accedieron a participar una vez informados. Como resultados se obtuvo que los estudiantes de Medicina de la Facultad de Medicina de Malanje presentaban un insuficiente y deficiente nivel de conocimientos en cuanto a factores de riesgo genético y las acciones de prevención primaria para los defectos congénitos y las enfermedades genéticas, de lo que se deduce que la situación se comporta de forma similar entre los actuales trabajadores de la salud y la población. Se evidenció en los estudiantes un interés creciente por la adquisición de estos conocimientos y su divulgación en la comunidad…(AU)

Prevalence and factors associated with human brucellosis in livestock professionals / Prevalência e factores associados à brucelose humana em profissionais da pecuária

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis in livestock professionals and analyze the factors associated with brucellosis focusing on sociodemographic variables and the variables of knowledge and practices related to the characteristics of the activities carried out in livestock. METHODS This is a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study with a population of 131 workers of butchers, slaughter rooms, and slaughterhouse and 192 breeders sampled randomly in Namibe province, Angola. The data were obtained from the collection of blood and use of questionnaires. The laboratory tests used were rose bengal and slow agglutination. The questionnaire allowed us to collect sociodemographic information and, specifically on brucellosis, it incorporated questions about knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of livestock professionals. In addition to the descriptive statistical approach, we used the Chi-square test of independence, Fisher’s test, and logistic regression models, using a significance level of 10%. RESULTS The general weighted prevalence of brucellosis was 15.6% (95%CI 13.61–17.50), being it 5.3% in workers and 16.7% (95%CI 11.39–21.93) in breeders. The statistical significance was observed between human seroprevalence and category (worker and breeder) (p < 0.001) and education level (p = 0.032), start of activity (p = 0079), and service location (p = 0.055). In a multivariate context, the positive factor associated with brucellosis in professionals was the professional category (OR = 3.54; 95%CI 1.57–8.30, related to breeders in relation to workers). CONCLUSIONS Human brucellosis in livestock professionals is prevalent in Namibe province (15.6%), where the professional category was the most important factor. The seroprevalence levels detected are high when compared with those found in similar studies.

RESUMO OBJECTIVO Estimar a seroprevalência da brucelose humana em profissionais da pecuária e analisar os factores associados à brucelose com foco em variáveis sociodemográficas, de conhecimento e práticas relativas às características das actividades desenvolvidas na pecuária. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal seroepidemiológico em população de 131 trabalhadores de talhos, salas de abate e matadouro e 192 criadores amostrados aleatoriamente na província do Namibe, Angola. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de colheita de sangue e aplicação de questionário. Os testes laboratoriais utilizados foram o Rosa de Bengala e a aglutinação lenta em tubos. O questionário permitiu recolher informação sociodemográfica e, especificamente sobre a brucelose, incorporou questões sobre conhecimento, atitudes e comportamentos dos profissionais da pecuária. Além da abordagem estatística descritiva, foram utilizados os testes de Independência do Qui-quadrado, Fisher e modelos de regressão logística, utilizando um nível de significância de 10%. RESULTADOS A prevalência geral ponderada da brucelose foi de 15.6% (IC95% 13.61–17.50), sendo 5.3% em trabalhadores e 16.7% (IC95% 11.39–21.93) em criadores. A significância estatística foi observada entre a seroprevalência humana e a categoria (trabalhador e criador) (p < 0.001) e o nível de instrução (p = 0.032), início de actividade (p = 0.079) e local de serviço (p = 0.055). Em um contexto multivariado, o factor positivamente associado à brucelose em profissionais foi a categoria profissional (OR = 3.54; IC95% 1.57–8.30, relativo aos criadores em relação a trabalhadores). CONCLUSÕES A brucelose humana em profissionais da pecuária é prevalente na província do Namibe (15.6%), onde a categoria profissional foi o factor mais relevante. Os níveis de seroprevalência detectados são elevados se comparados com outros encontrados em estudos semelhantes.

Versão angolana do INECO Frontal Screening: indicadores psicométricos e capacidade discriminativa na perturbação de stress pós-traumático / Angolan Version of INECO Frontal Screening: Psychometric indicators and discriminative capacity in post-traumatic stress disorder

O INECO Frontal Screening (IFS) é um teste de rastreio das funções do lobo frontal, utilizado no contexto das demências e de diversas patologias psiquiátricas. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo determinar as características psicométricas da versão angolana do IFS: aceitabilidade, validade de constructo e capacidade discriminativa no contexto da perturbação de stress pós-traumático (PTSD). Métodos: O IFS foi aplicado a dois grupos: grupo controlo (n=51), constituído por participantes sem historial de perturbação neuropsiquiátrica, e um grupo de pacientes com PTSD (n=35), composto por utentes da consulta externa do Hospital Central do Huambo. Resultados Os efeitos de piso e de teto no total do IFS e em suas diferentes subprovas foram inferiores a 80%. O alfa de Cronbach obtido foi 0,791. As correlações entre as subprovas e entre estas e o total do IFS foram significativas. O grupo PTSD obteve resultados significativamente inferiores no total do IFS e nas subprovas de instruções conflituosas e memória de trabalho espacial. Para um ponto de corte de 13 pontos, o IFS apresenta uma sensibilidade de 100% e uma especificidade de 87% na identificação de participantes com PTSD. O IFS correlaciona-se de forma negativa com o total da IES-R. Conclusão: O IFS revela excelentes níveis de aceitabilidade. O valor de consistência interna obtido é muito próximo ao da versão original e da versão portuguesa da prova. IFS é sensível (100%) e especifico (87%) na identificação dos participantes com PTSD, posicionando-se como um instrumento válido para uso clínico. Tanto quanto é do nosso conhecimento, este será o primeiro instrumento de avaliação frontal a ser adaptado e validado para uso em Angola...

The INECO Frontal Screening (IFS) is a screening test of frontal lobe functions used in the context of dementia and psychiatric pathologies. The present work aims to determine the psychometric characteristics of the Angolan version of the IFS: acceptability, construct validity, and discriminative capacity in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: The IFS was administered to two groups: a control group (n=51), composed of participants with no history of neuropsychiatric disorder, and a group of PTSD patients (n=35), made up of patients from the day clinic of Hospital Central do Huambo. Results: Ceiling and floor effects of the IFS and its subtasks were lower than 80%. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.791. The correlations between the subtasks themselves and between them and total IFS scores were significant. The PTSD group obtained significantly lower results for total IFS scores and conflicting instructions and spatial working memory subtasks. For a cut-off value of 13 points, IFS has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 87% in the detection of PTSD participants. IFS scores were negatively correlated to total IES-R scores. Conclusion: IFS has excellent levels of acceptability. The internal consistency coefficient is very similar to those of the original and Portuguese versions. IFS is sensitive (100%) and specific (87%) in the identification of PTSD participants, establishing itself as a valid instrument for clinical use. As far as we know, this is the first instrument for the assessment of frontal functioning to be adapted and validated for use in Angola...

Sensitisation to aeroallergens in relation to asthma and other allergic diseases in Angolan children: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In Africa, few studies of sensitisation profiles have been performed in children or adolescents and, in Angola, there are none. The objectives of the present study were to assess the sensitisation profile of Angolan schoolchildren and to determine the relationship between that pattern, sociodemographic factors, asthma and other allergic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study in 5-14-year-old children, performed between September and November 2017, in the Province of Bengo, Angola. Five schools (15%) were randomly selected in the geographical area of the study: three from an urban area, and two from a rural area. Data were collected using the Portuguese versions of the ISAAC questionnaires for children and adolescents, regarding asthma, rhinitis and eczema. Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed with a battery of 12 aeroallergens. Stools were assessed for the presence of helminths. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as univariate calculation of odds ratios. RESULTS: Sensitisation to aeroallergens was low (8%) and most sensitised children were asymptomatic. Most frequent sensitisations involved house dust mites, cockroach or fungi, and a high proportion of children (78.1%) were monosensitised. No relationship was detected between sensitisations and asthma, rhinitis or eczema. Place of residence, gender, age or helminthic infection did not affect the probability of having positive SPTs. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent sensitisations in children from Bengo Province in Angola involve house dust mites, followed by cockroach and fungi. No relationship was found between atopic sensitisation and asthma or other allergic diseases

No disponible

Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in 6-7-year-old schoolchildren from Luanda, Angola

Background: Epidemiological data have shown that the prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children is still increasing, namely in Africa. However, there are no epidemiological studies on asthma or allergic diseases in Angolan children. Objective: To study the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Angolan children. Methods: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, using the ISAAC study methodology, in the province of Luanda, Angola in 6-7-year-old children. Forty-six (8.3%) public schools were randomly selected. Data were analysed using the SPSS Statistics version 24.0 software. Results: A total of 3080 children were studied. Results showed that the prevalence of asthma (wheezing in the previous 12 months) was 15.8%, that of rhinitis (sneezing, runny or blocked nose in the previous 12 months) was 19%, and that of eczema (itchy skin lesions in the previous 12 months) was 22%, without differences between sexes. Rhinitis was associated with a higher number of episodes of wheezing episodes, disturbed sleep and night cough, in children with asthma. Rhinitis, eczema, Split-type air conditioning system, antibiotic intake in the child's first year of life, frequent intake (more than once per month) of paracetamol and active maternal smoking were associated with a higher risk of having asthma, whereas electrical cooking was associated with a protective effect. Conclusion: Asthma and allergic diseases are highly prevalent in children from Luanda. A strategy for preventive and control measures should be implemented

No disponible

Infant mortality in Cabinda, Angola: challenge to health public policies / Mortes infantis em Cabinda, Angola: desafio para as politicas publicas de saude

OBJECTIVE: To critically discuss, describe and analyze the data on infant mortality provided by public health services of Cabinda, Angola. METHOD: The deaths of children aged less than one year old in 2007 and 2008 were analyzed in the Cabinda province. Provincial hospital records and those of the WHO office were used due to the limited quality and availability of official information. RESULTS: In 2007, 11,734 children were born, and 366 of them died in their first year of life: 113 on the first day, 87 by the 28th day and 166 in the remaining 337 days. In 2008, 13,441 children were born and 275 died; 109 died on the first day and 69 by the 28th day. Malaria was the main cause of death (one out of three). Pneumonia was the second cause in 2007 and the third in 2008, presenting consistent reduction, from 65 to 40 deaths. Cases of diarrhea from 2007 (9.83%) decreased to 3.27% in 2008. Tetanus accounted for about 5% of all deaths. Perinatal causes increased in proportion, particularly neonatal asphyxia (17.75% in 2007 and 26.90% in 2008) and prematurity (13.38% in 2007 and 17.45% in 2008). CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in the quality of prenatal care, attendance during delivery and to new born risk, would reduce infant mortality. The lack of sanitation, inadequate water supply and poor access to health services played an important role as determinants of infant mortality observed in Cabinda. This study highlights the need to reorganize the civil registration system. .

OBJETIVO: Discutir criticamente, descrever e analisar os dados e óbitos infantis disponibilizados pelos serviços públicos da província de Cabinda, Angola. MÉTODO: Foram estudados óbitos de menores de um ano de idade, em 2007 e 2008, da província de Cabinda. Utilizaram-se os registros do hospital provincial e do escritório provincial da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) de Cabinda, considerando as dificuldades e limitantes da qualidade e disponibilidade das informações locais. RESULTADOS: Em 2007, nasceram 11.734 crianças; destas, 366 morreram no primeiro ano de vida: 113 no primeiro dia e 87 até o 28º e 166 nos 337 dias restantes Em 2008, nasceram 13.441 e morreram 275 crianças; destas, 109 crianças no primeiro dia de vida e 69 até o 28º dia de vida. A malária destaca-se como principal causa de morte (uma a cada três). A pneumonia, segunda causa em 2007 e terceira em 2008, com expressiva redução de 65 para 40 óbitos, respectivamente. As diarreias de 2007 (9,83%) diminuíram em 2008 (3,27%). O tétano responde por cerca de 5% das mortes. As causas perinatais aumentaram de proporção, particularmente a asfixia neonatal (17,75% em 2007 e 26,90% em 2008) e a prematuridade (13,38% em 2007 e 17,45% em 2008). CONCLUSÕES: Melhorias na qualidade de assistência pré-natal, ao parto e ao recém-nascido de risco poderiam reduzir a mortalidade infantil. A falta de saneamento básico, condições inadequadas de abastecimento de água e acesso aos serviços de saúde revelaram ter papel importante como condicionantes da elevada mortalidade infantil observada em Cabinda. Evidencia-se a necessidade de reorganizar o sistema de registro civil. .