Impact of climate change on immune responses and barrier defense.

Climate change is not just jeopardizing the health of our planet but is also increasingly affecting our immune health. There is an expanding body of evidence that climate-related exposures such as air pollution, heat, wildfires, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss significantly disrupt the functioning of the human immune system. These exposures manifest in a broad range of stimuli, including antigens, allergens, heat stress, pollutants, microbiota changes, and other toxic substances. Such exposures pose a direct and indirect threat to our body's primary line of defense, the epithelial barrier, affecting its physical integrity and functional efficacy. Furthermore, these climate-related environmental stressors can hyperstimulate the innate immune system and influence adaptive immunity-notably, in terms of developing and preserving immune tolerance. The loss or failure of immune tolerance can instigate a wide spectrum of noncommunicable diseases such as autoimmune conditions, allergy, respiratory illnesses, metabolic diseases, obesity, and others. As new evidence unfolds, there is a need for additional research in climate change and immunology that covers diverse environments in different global settings and uses modern biologic and epidemiologic tools.

Microbial profile of placentas from Tanzanian mothers with adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontitis.

AIM: To investigate microbial profiles in placentas from a population of East African mothers with and without adverse pregnancy outcomes and with regard to their periodontal status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six placentas from pregnant women from Tanzania were classified into three groups according to both pregnancy outcome and the mother's periodontal health. The microbial composition in each group was then compared using 16S rRNA metagenomics. Additionally, placenta specimens were analyzed histologically for chorioamnionitis by a single pathologist blinded to the clinical data. RESULTS: The greatest differences were observed in the group of mothers with periodontitis. The microbial load was low in all three groups of mothers. Periodontitis had a notable influence on the structure of the placental microbiota. Three phyla and 44 genera were associated with periodontitis, whereas only the Tenericutes phylum was associated with the adverse pregnancy variable. Streptococcaceae and Mycoplasmataceae families were associated with both periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Finally, although the differences for chorioamnionitis were not significant, this intra-amniotic infection was more frequent in the placentas from mothers with periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that bacteria from the oral cavity may involve the feto-placental unit, and that periodontitis may be a modulating factor of the microbial community present in this niche.

Factors associated with respectful maternity care and influence of HIV status among women giving birth in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Respectful maternity care (RMC) is a rights-based approach to childbirth that centers the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of birthing women. This study aimed to examine factors associated with RMC among women giving birth in Tanzania and to examine whether HIV status was associated with self-reported RMC. METHODS: We enrolled 229 postpartum women in six clinics in the Kilimanjaro Region; of them, 103 were living with HIV. Participants completed a survey within 48 h after birth before being discharged. RMC was measured using a 30-item scale with three subscales (dignity and respect; supportive care; communication and autonomy), each standardized from 0 to 100. Univariable and multivariable regression models examined factors associated with RMC. RESULTS: The median score of the full RMC score was 74, differing slightly by subscale: 83 for dignity and respect, 76 for supportive care, and 67 for communication and autonomy. RMC did not differ by HIV status (median 67.0 vs. 67.0, p = 0.89). In multivariable linear regression, women who would not recommend the birth facility to their friends and who did not receive breastfeeding education had significantly lower RMC scores on the full RMC scale. In the dignity and respect subscale, variables associated with significantly lower RMC scores were not being able to read and write, delivering in a public facility, and delivering vaginally. CONCLUSIONS: Although self-reported RMC was generally high, we identified areas for improvement. Practitioners need ongoing training on RMC principles and the delivery of equitable care.

Altitude-Related Disorders on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Two-Year Survey in a Local Referral Center.

INTRODUCTION: A significant number of climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro are affected by altitude-related disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the main causes of morbidity and mortality in a representative cohort of climbers based on local hospital records. METHODS: We conducted a 2-y retrospective chart review of all patients presenting to the main referral hospital in the region after a climb on Mount Kilimanjaro, including all relevant records and referrals for postmortem studies. RESULTS: We identified 62 climbers who presented to the hospital: 47 inpatients and 15 outpatients. Fifty-six presented with high altitude illness, which included acute mountain sickness (n=8; 14%), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) (n=30; 54%), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) (n=7; 12%), and combined HAPE/HACE (n=11; 20%). The mean altitude of symptom onset ranged from 4600±750 m for HAPE to 5000±430 m for HAPE/HACE. The vast majority of inpatients (n=41; 87%) were improved on discharge. Twenty-one deceased climbers, most having died while climbing (n=17; 81%), underwent postmortem evaluation. Causes of death were HAPE (n=16; 76%), HAPE/HACE (n=3; 14%), trauma (1), and cardiopulmonary (1). CONCLUSIONS: HAPE was the main cause of death during climbing as well as for hospital admissions. The vast majority of climbers who presented to hospital made a full recovery.

Management of stress urinary incontinence using vaginal incontinence pessaries in rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The effect of incontinence pessaries for urine incontinence (UI) has previously been described in studies from high-income countries, where they have been documented to reduce urinary leakage significantly. However, there is a profound literature gap in these data in low- and middle-income countries. This study, therefore, aims to describe the acceptance, impact and complications of pessary treatment among Tanzanian women diagnosed with stress UI. METHODS: Women who reported stress UI underwent a stress test, and if positive they were offered an incontinence pessary. Swahili versions of the Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) and the Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ) were administered at 3- and 12-18-month follow-ups in addition to questions regarding pessary acceptance and pelvic examination for complications. RESULTS: A total of 48 women were fitted with an incontinence pessary. The frequency and amount of leakage were reduced significantly at 3- and 12-18-month follow-up. Additionally, a significant reduction in the overall UDI-6 score from 29.2 to 25.0 and overall UIQ score from 52.1 to 25.0 was observed from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Thirty-seven per cent of the women reported vaginal discharge at 12-18 months while signs of infection were found in 11.5%. In all, 32/48 (67%) wanted to continue the pessary treatment at 12-18-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting studied, pessaries for stress UI can be successfully fitted in most women with considerable acceptance and satisfaction rates and minimal complications.

Vaginal pessaries in the management of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a pre-post interventional study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of vaginal pessaries in managing symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a low-income setting. METHODS: A pre-post interventional study was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Seventy-one women with symptoms and a POP stage II or more on the POP quantification test were fitted with a vaginal pessary. Pelvic examination, POP Distress Inventory (POPDI-6) and POP Impact Questionnaire (POPIQ-7) were completed at baseline, after 3 months and after 12-18 months. Changes in the POPDI-6 and POPIQ-7 scores, complications and satisfaction associated with pessary use before and after the intervention were obtained. RESULTS: Pessary treatment was associated with a reduction in the overall POPDI score from 55.0 (50.0, 60.0) at baseline to 25.0 (25.0, 30.0) after 12-18 months' use. The overall POPIQ score was reduced from 54.2 (41.7, 66.7) at baseline to 25.0 (25.0, 29.2) after 12-18 months' use of the pessary. Vaginal discharge was reported in 72.4 and 32.4% of the women after 3 and 12-18 months' use respectively, whereas 72.4 and 25% of the women had some degree of granuloma, erosion or infection at 3 and 12-18 months respectively. Despite the reported complications, 78% of the women were satisfied with the pessary when interviewed after 12-18 months and 81% wanted to continue using it. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal pessary improves symptoms and quality of life associated with symptomatic POP. Therefore, it may be a treatment option in managing POP in low-income countries such as Tanzania.

Access to Orthopaedic Surgical Care in Northern Tanzania: A Modelling Study.

BACKGROUND: The global burden of musculoskeletal disease and resulting disability is enormous and is expected to increase over the next few decades. In the world's poorest regions, the paucity of information defining and quantifying the current state of access to orthopaedic surgical care is a major problem in developing effective solutions. This study estimates the number of individuals in Northern Tanzania without adequate access to orthopaedic surgical services. METHODS: A chance tree was created to model the probability of access to orthopaedic surgical services in the Northern Tanzanian regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Singida, and Manyara, with respect to four dimensions: timeliness, surgical capacity, safety, and affordability. Timeliness was estimated by the proportion of people living within a 4-h driving distance from a hospital with an orthopaedic surgeon, capacity by comparing number of surgeries performed to the number of surgeries indicated, safety by applying WHO Emergency and Essential Surgical Care infrastructure and equipment checklists, and affordability by approximating the proportion of the population protected from catastrophic out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. We accounted for uncertainty in our model with one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Data sources included the Tanzanian National Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Finance, World Bank, World Health Organization, New Zealand Ministry of Health, Google Corporation, NASA population estimator, and 2015 hospital records from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Machame Hospital, Nkoroanga Hospital, Mt. Meru Hospital, and Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. RESULTS: Under the most conservative assumptions, more than 90% of the Northern Tanzanian population does not have access to orthopaedic surgical services. CONCLUSION: There is a near absence of access to orthopaedic surgical care in Northern Tanzania. These findings utilize more precise country and region-specific data and are consistent with prior published global trends regarding surgical access in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the global health community must develop innovative solutions to address the rising burden of musculoskeletal disease and support the advancement of universal health coverage, increasing access to orthopaedic surgical services will play a central role in improving health care in the world's developing regions.

Delays contributing to the development and repair of obstetric fistula in northern Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Delays in receiving obstetric care during labor contribute to high rates of maternal morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. This exploratory study was conducted to identify important delays experienced during the development and subsequent repair of obstetric fistula in northern Tanzania. METHODS: Sixty women presenting to a tertiary hospital with obstetric fistula completed structured surveys about the birth experience that led to fistula development and their experiences seeking surgical repair. A subset of 30 provided qualitative accounts. Clinical data were collected postsurgery. Data were analyzed according to a four-delay model, with iterative analysis allowing for triangulation of all sources. RESULTS: During the index pregnancy, women labored for a median of 48 h. Most women (53/60; 88.3%) delivered in a facility but labored for a median of 12.4 h before deciding to seek care (Delay 1). Women spent a median of 1.25 h traveling to a facility (Delay 2). After presenting to care, 15/51 (29.4%) waited at least an hour to see a medical provider, and 35/53 (66.0%) required transfer to another facility (Delay 3). Women lived with fistula for a median of 10 years (Delay 4). Qualitative data provided context and a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to each delay. CONCLUSIONS: Critical delays exist both outside and within the healthcare system that contribute to the development and timely repair of obstetric fistula. Healthcare system strengthening, particularly with regard to emergency obstetric care, is critical to reduce the burden of obstetric fistula in women in Tanzania.

Impact of multi-professional, scenario-based training on postpartum hemorrhage in Tanzania: a quasi-experimental, pre- vs. post-intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Tanzania has a relatively high maternal mortality ratio of 410 per 100,000 live births. Severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal deaths, but in most cases, it is preventable. However, most pregnant women that develop PPH, have no known risk factors. Therefore, preventive measures must be offered to all pregnant women. This study investigated the effects of multi-professional, scenario-based training on the prevention and management of PPH at a Tanzanian zonal consultant hospital. We hypothesized that scenario-based training could contribute to improved competence on PPH-management, which would result in improved team efficiency and patient outcome. METHODS: This quasi-experimental, pre-vs. post-interventional study involved on-site multi-professional, scenario-based PPH training, conducted in a two-week period in October 2013 and another 2 weeks in November 2014. Training teams included nurses, midwives, doctors, and medical attendants in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. After technical skill training on the birthing simulator MamaNatalie®, the teams practiced in realistic scenarios on PPH. Each scenario was followed by debriefing and repeated scenario. Afterwards, the group swapped roles and the observers became the participants. To evaluate the effects of training, we measured patient outcomes by determining blood transfusion rates. Patient data were collected by randomly sampling Medical birth registry files from the pre-training and post-training study periods (n = 1667 and 1641 files, respectively). Data were analyzed with the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The random patient samples (n = 3308) showed that, compared to pre-training, post-training patients had a 47% drop in whole blood transfusion rates and significant increases in cesarean section rates, birth weights, and vacuum deliveries. The logistic regression analysis showed that transfusion rates were significantly associated with the time period (pre- vs. post-training), cesarean section, patients tranferred from other hospitals, maternal age, and female genital mutilation and cutting. CONCLUSIONS: We found that multi-professional, scenario-based training was associated with a significant, 47% reduction in whole blood transfusion rates. These results suggested that training that included all levels of maternity staff, repeated sessions with realistic scenarios, and debriefing may have contributed to reduced blood transfusion rates in this high-risk maternity setting.

Psychological Symptoms and Social Functioning Following Repair of Obstetric Fistula in a Low-Income Setting.

Objectives Obstetric fistula is a maternal injury that causes uncontrollable leaking of urine or stool, and most women who develop it live in poverty in low-income countries. Obstetric fistula is associated with high rates of stigma and psychological morbidity, but there is uncertainty about the impact of surgical treatment on psychological outcomes. The objective of this exploratory study was to examine changes in psychological symptoms following surgical fistula repair, discharge and reintegration home. Methods Women admitted for surgical repair of obstetric fistula were recruited from a Tanzanian hospital serving a rural catchment area. Psychological symptoms and social functioning were assessed prior to surgery. Approximately 3 months after discharge, a data collector visited the patients' homes to repeat psychosocial measures and assess self-reported incontinence. Baseline to follow-up differences were measured with paired t tests controlling for multiple comparisons. Associations between psychological outcomes and leaking were assessed with t tests and Pearson correlations. Results Participants (N = 28) had been living with fistula for an average of 11 years. Baseline psychological distress was high, and decreased significantly at follow-up. Participants who self-reported continued incontinence at follow-up endorsed significantly higher PTSD and depression symptoms than those who reported being cured, and severity of leaking was associated with psychological distress. Conclusions Fistula patients experience improvements in mental health at 3 months after discharge, but these improvements are curtailed when women experience residual leaking. Given the rate of stress incontinence following surgery, it is important to prepare fistula patients for the possibility of incomplete cure and help them develop appropriate coping strategies.

Frequency, risk factors and feto-maternal outcomes of abruptio placentae in Northern Tanzania: a registry-based retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Abruptio placentae remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Little is known about the burden of abruptio placentae in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine frequency, risk factors for abruptio placentae and subsequent feto-maternal outcomes in women with abruptio placentae. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort study using maternally-linked data from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) medical birth registry. Data on all women who delivered live infants and stillbirths at 28 or more weeks of gestation at KCMC hospital from July 2000 to December 2010 (n = 39,993) were analysed. Multivariate logistic models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors, and feto-maternal outcomes associated with abruptio placentae. RESULTS: The frequency of abruptio placentae was 0.3% (112/39,993). Risk factors for abruptio placentae were chronic hypertension (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.3-12.8), preeclampsia/eclampsia (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1-4.1), previous caesarean delivery (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.2), previous abruptio placentae (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.8-3.4), fewer antenatal care visits (OR 1.3; 95% 1.1-2.4) and high parity (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2-8.6). Maternal complications associated with abruptio placentae were antepartum haemorrhage (OR 11.5; 95% CI 6.3-21.2), postpartum haemorrhage (OR 17.9; 95% 8.8-36.4),), caesarean delivery (OR 5.6; 95% CI 3.6-8.8), need for blood transfusions (OR 9.6; 95% CI 6.5-14.1), altered liver function (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3-21.6) and maternal death (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.5-1.8). In addition, women with abruptio placentae had prolonged duration of hospital stay (more than 4 days) and were more likely to have been referred during labour. Adverse fetal outcomes associated with abruptio placentae include low birth weight (OR 5.9; 95% CI 3.9-8.7), perinatal death (OR 17.6; 95% CI 11.3-27.3) and low Apgar score (below 7) at 1 and 5 min. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of abruptio placentae is comparable with local and international studies. Chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, prior caesarean section delivery, prior abruptio placentae, poor attendance to antenatal care and high parity were independently associated with abruptio placentae. Abruptio placentae was associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. Clinicians should identify risk factors for abruptio placentae during prenatal care when managing pregnant women to prevent adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.

Psychological Symptoms Among Obstetric Fistula Patients Compared to Gynecology Outpatients in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa that causes uncontrollable leaking of urine and/or feces. Research has documented the social and psychological sequelae of obstetric fistula, including mental health dysfunction and social isolation. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study sought to quantify the psychological symptoms and social support in obstetric fistula patients, compared with a patient population of women without obstetric fistula. METHOD: Participants were gynecology patients (N = 144) at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania, recruited from the Fistula Ward (n = 54) as well as gynecology outpatient clinics (n = 90). Measures included previously validated psychometric questionnaires, administered orally by Tanzanian nurses. Outcome variables were compared between obstetric fistula patients and gynecology outpatients, controlling for background demographic variables and multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Compared to gynecology outpatients, obstetric fistula patients reported significantly higher symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, somatic complaints, and maladaptive coping. They also reported significantly lower social support. CONCLUSION: Obstetric fistula patients present for repair surgery with more severe psychological distress than gynecology outpatients. In order to address these mental health concerns, clinicians should engage obstetric fistula patients with targeted mental health interventions.

Skilled birth attendants in Tanzania: a descriptive study of cadres and emergency obstetric care signal functions performed.

Although most developing countries monitor the proportion of births attended by skilled birth attendants (SBA), they lack information on the availability and performance of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) signal functions by different cadres of health care providers (HCPs). The World Health Organisation signal functions are set of key interventions that targets direct obstetric causes of maternal deaths. Seven signal functions are required for health facilities providing basic EmOC and nine for facilities providing comprehensive EmOC. Our objectives were to describe cadres of HCPs who are considered SBAs in Tanzania, the EmOC signal functions they perform and challenges associated with performance of EmOC signal functions. We conducted a cross-sectional study of HCPs offering maternity care services at eight health facilities in Moshi Urban District in northern Tanzania. A questionnaire and health facility assessment forms were used to collect information from participants and health facilities. A total of 199 HCPs working at eight health facilities in Moshi Urban District met the inclusion criteria. Out of 199, 158 participated, giving a response rate of 79.4 %. Ten cadres of HCPs were identified as conducting deliveries regardless of the level of health facilities. Most of the participants (81 %) considered themselves SBAs, although some were not considered SBAs by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW). Only two out of the eight facilities provided all of the required EmOC signal functions. While Assistant Medical Officers are expected to perform all the signal functions, only 38 % and 13 % had performed vacuum extraction or caesarean sections respectively. Very few registered and enrolled nurse-midwives had performed removal of retained products (22 %) or assisted vaginal delivery (24 and 11 %). Inadequate equipment and supplies, and lack of knowledge and skills in performing EmOC were two main challenges identified by health care providers in all the level of care. In the district, gaps existed between performance of EmOC signal functions by SBAs as expected by the MOHSW and the actual performance at health facilities. All basic EmOC facilities were not fully functional. Few health care providers performed all the basic EmOC signal functions. Competency-based in-service training of providers in EmOC and provision of enabling environment could improve performance of EmOC signal functions in the district.

Recurrence of preterm birth and perinatal mortality in northern Tanzania: registry-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the recurrence risk of preterm delivery and estimate the perinatal mortality in repeated preterm deliveries. METHODS: Prospective study in Tanzania of 18 176 women who delivered a singleton between 2000 and 2008 at KCMC hospital. The women were followed up to 2010 for consecutive births. A total of 3359 women were identified with a total of 3867 subsequent deliveries in the follow-up period. Recurrence risk of preterm birth and perinatal mortality was estimated using log-binomial regression and adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: For women with a previous preterm birth, the risk of preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy was 17%. This recurrence risk was estimated to be 2.7-fold (95% CI: 2.1-3.4) of the risk of women with a previous term birth. The perinatal mortality of babies in a second preterm birth of the same woman was 15%. Babies born at term who had an older sibling that was born preterm had a perinatal mortality of 10%. Babies born at term who had an older sibling who was also born at term had a perinatal mortality of 1.7%. CONCLUSION: Previous delivery of a preterm infant is a strong predictor of future preterm births in Tanzania. Previous or repeated preterm births increase the risk of perinatal death substantially in the subsequent pregnancy.

Recurrence of perinatal death in Northern Tanzania: a registry based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal mortality is known to be high in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some women may carry a particularly high risk which would be reflected in a high recurrence risk. We aim to estimate the recurrence risk of perinatal death using data from a hospital in Northern Tanzania. METHODS: We constructed a cohort study using data from the hospital based KCMC Medical Birth Registry. Women who delivered a singleton for the first time at the hospital between 2000 and 2008 were followed in the registry for subsequent deliveries up to 2010 and 3,909 women were identified with at least one more delivery within the follow-up period. Recurrence risk of perinatal death was estimated in multivariate models analysis while adjusting for confounders and accounting for correlation between births from the same mother. RESULTS: The recurrence risk of perinatal death for women who had lost a previous baby was 9.1%. This amounted to a relative risk of 3.2 (95% CI: 2.2 - 4.7) compared to the much lower risk of 2.8% for women who had had a surviving baby. Recurrence contributed 21.2% (31/146) of perinatal deaths in subsequent pregnancies. Preeclampsia, placental abruption, placenta previa, induced labor, preterm delivery and low birth weight in a previous delivery with a surviving baby were also associated with increased perinatal mortality in the next pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Some women in Tanzanian who suffer a perinatal loss in one pregnancy are at a particularly high risk of also losing the baby of a subsequent pregnancy. Strategies of perinatal death prevention that target pregnant women who are particularly vulnerable or already have experienced a perinatal loss should be considered in future research.

The burden of orthopaedic disease presenting to a tertiary referral center in Moshi, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: as road traffic crashes (RTCs) continue to rise in the developing world, the current growth rate and true burden of orthopaedic injuries are unknown. In 2015, we characterized the orthopaedic burden at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Tanzania. In this study, we re-evaluated the burden and growth-rate over three years in the absence of any system level changes. Additionally, we calculated the percentage of orthopaedic patients that received definitive fixation for their orthopaedic injury when surgery was indicated. Methods: we prospectively collected data for 190 patients admitted to the orthopaedic ward at KCMC during June/July 2018. We also retrospectively reviewed available records for patients presenting to the KCMC Emergency Department, Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic and Orthopaedic Ward. Results: prospective data: 231 patients were admitted to the orthopaedic ward. Forty-one (17.7%) isolated spine patients were excluded, leaving 190 patients in the final study cohort. RTC (89, 46.8%) represented the most common mechanism of injury requiring orthopaedic ward admission, followed by falls (60, 31.6%) and infections (14, 7.4%). Femur fractures were the most common injury (62, 31.0%), followed by tibia fractures (27, 13.5%), isolated fibula fractures (23, 11.5%), and foot fractures (23, 11.5%). Almost 96% of admitted patients were indicated for surgical fixation, but only 44.5% received definitive fracture treatment. Retrospective data: KCMC treated an average of 15,117 orthopaedic patients per year, representing a 35.3% growth in the orthopaedic burden compared to 2015. Conclusion: the burden of orthopaedic surgical disease at KCMC is increasing. Without innovative strategies to address this situation, the discrepancy between the need for orthopaedic care and surgical care capacity at KCMC and in similar settings will continue to grow.

"I just wear it and I become normal": a qualitative study of Tanzanian women's experiences with long-term vaginal pessary use for stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has shown that vaginal pessaries are a cost-effective treatment for women worldwide suffering from stress urinary incontinence. However, little is known about African women's experiences with vaginal pessary use. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of vaginal pessary use among Tanzanian women who had received long-term pessary treatment for stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: 15 semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted over a 2-month period in 2019 with Tanzanian women living in the Kilimanjaro Region who suffered from stress urinary incontinence and who had been using a pessary for at least 18 months. The interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The primary motivation for seeking treatment were discomfort from symptoms, social consequences and low quality of life. Perceived benefits from pessary use included improved quality of life with reacquired abilities to perform daily activities, participate in social gatherings, feeling symptom relief and improved sexual relations. Further, some women saw pessary treatment as superior to other locally available treatment options. Perceived barriers for pessary use included shame, husband's disapproval, limited access to treatment and lack of knowledge among the women as well as healthcare personnel. CONCLUSION: Vaginal pessaries are well-perceived as a long-term treatment method among Tanzanian women suffering from stress urinary incontinence. This method may have potential to be implemented large scale in Tanzania if combined with basic health education.

Trend in female genital mutilation and its associated adverse birth outcomes: A 10-year retrospective birth registry study in Northern Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 200 million women and girls were reported to have undergone female genital mutilation worldwide in 2015.UNICEF's data based on household survey estimates 15% of women from 15-49 years have undergone FGM from year 2004-2015. Despite this, reliable data on trend of prevalence of female genital mutilation and its associated birth outcomes have not been documented in Tanzania. This study aimed at determining the trends of female genital mutilation and associated maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes in northern Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using maternally-linked data from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical birth registry involving 30,286 women who gave birth to singletons from 2004-2014. The prevalence of female genital mutilation was computed as proportion of women with female genital mutilation yearly over 10 years. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for adverse birth outcomes associated with female genital mutilation were estimated using multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Over the 10-year period, the prevalence of female genital mutilation averaged 15.4%. Female genital mutilation decreased from 23.6% in 2005 to 10.6% in 2014. Female genital mutilation was associated with increased odds for caesarean section (aOR1.26; 95% CI: 1.18-1.34), post-partum haemorrhage (aOR 1.31; 95% CI: 1.10-1.57) and long hospital stay (aOR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.14-1.29). Female genital mutilation also increased women's likelihood of delivering an infant with low Apgar score at 5th minute (aOR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.37-1.89).FGM type III and IV had increased odds of caesarean section, episiotomy and prolonged duration of hospital stay as compared to FGM type I and II, although the association was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Female genital mutilation prevalence has declined over the study period. Our study has demonstrated that postpartum haemorrhage, delivery by caesarean section, long maternal hospital stays and low APGAR score are associated with FGM. Initiatives to mitigate FGM practice should be strengthened further to reduce/eliminate this practice. Moreover, surgical interventions to improve severe form FGM are welcomed to improve the aforementioned aspects of obstetric outcome in this locality.

Urinary incontinence and its relation to delivery circumstances: A population-based study from rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI), the different UI subtypes and the association between UI and delivery circumstances. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study conducted in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: 1048 women aged 18-90 women living in rural Kilimanjaro. Simple random sampling was done to select villages, households and participants. Community health workers helped in identifying eligible women and trained nurses/midwives conducted face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rate of UI was 42%. When focusing on the different types of UI, 17% of the women had stress UI, 9% had urge UI and 16% had mixed UI. Only one woman (0.1%) with vesico-vaginal fistula was identified. UI was found to be significantly associated with increasing parity (OR = 2.41 (1.55-3.74). In addition, women who in relation to their first delivery had delivered at home or had been in labour for more than 24 hours, had increased adjusted ORs of 1.70(1.08-2.68) and 2.10(1.08-4.10), respectively, for having UI. CONCLUSION: UI is common in rural Tanzania and of the subtypes of UI, Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is the commonest followed by Mixed Urinary Incontinence (MUI). Home delivery, prolonged labour and increasing parity especially having 5 or more deliveries are associated with increased risk for developing UI.

Prevalence and risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A population based study in Tanzanian rural community.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and risk-factors of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in Tanzania are unknown. To help elucidate the problem, we assessed POP and associated risk-factors among Tanzanian women by deploying the POP-Q classification system. METHOD: A cross sectional community based study conducted in Hai, Rombo and Same Districts, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Women aged 18-90 were recruited through multi-stage random sampling from January to May 2015. Home-based questionnaire interviews were performed and the women were subsequently invited to the nearest health clinic for pelvic examination. Trained physicians used the POP-Q classification system to assess the POP stage. RESULTS: A total of 1195 women were interviewed and invited for pelvic examination; 1063(89%) women presented at the clinic of whom 1047(88%) accepted a clinical examination. Of 1047 examined women, 64.6% had an anatomical POP stage II-IV and 6.7% had a severe POP that descended 1 cm or more below the hymen. POP stage II-IV was associated with being aged 35+ years, being a farmer, doing petty trading and having delivered 3 times or more. Severe POP was associated with carrying heavy objects for ≥ 5 hours (OR 4.70;1.67-13.2), having delivered 5 times or more (OR 10.2;2.22-48.6) and having delivered at home (OR 2.40;1.36-4.22). CONCLUSION: POP is a common condition among rural Tanzanian women where 64.6% are having POP grade II-IV and 6.7% are having a severe POP descending 1 cm or more below the hymen. Risk-factors are increasing age, heavy lifting, high parity and home-delivery.