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- ItemRestrictedAssessing the extent of hypertension screening and management among people living with HIV in selected antiretroviral therapy clinics in Blantyre(2022-05-12) Black, Myson; Khuluza, Chana; Banda, Mantz Antonio; Chitsakamile, MadalitsoHypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases causing significant morbidity and mortality all over the world. The factors leading to hypertension are numerous and one of the important predisposing factors includes advanced age. Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In developing countries like Malawi where HIV/AIDS related deaths have declined due to antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of hypertension in people living with HIV has increased over the years prompting the health systems to respond by development of policies that addresses this trend. Integration of services for hypertension (HTN), the primary CVD risk factor, into HIV care programs is recommended in Malawi, though, uptake has been limited. Screening PLHIV for HTN and retention and control of those diagnosed would facilitate leverage the successes of HIV programs. This study will be an analytical cross sectional study to assess the extent of hypertension screening and management in people living with HIV in selected ART clinics in Blantyre. Objectives The study objectives are to evaluate the proportion of people living with HIV on ART screened for hypertension in ART clinics; to identify the challenges associated with screening of HTN in ART patients Methodology The study will employ quantitative methods by collecting structured data using face to face interviews and a structured questionnaire. Both the ART providers as well as the clients will be interviewed. Expected findings We expect to find the challenges affecting the hypertension screening, the extent of screening for hypertension and evaluate the reasons for inadequate or lack of screening. Dissemination The study results will be disseminated to stakeholders such as individual health facilities using the DHSS. The University will be given a copy of the results for library use and one copy will be given to the department of Public health.12-May-2022 9 These findings will inform policy makers on the progress of the implementation of the hypertension screening policy for ART clients. It will show the need to practically conduct a comprehensive study to ascertain the operationalization of the guidelines stipulated in the 2016 guidelines for management of HIV in adults and children.
- ItemRestrictedRelationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure among school going Blantyre urban adolescents(2022-04-13) Adam, Daniel; Malitowe, Natasha; Tembo, Patience; Malika, TamandaEXECUTIVE SUMMARY Type of research study This is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional study design. Problem statement Cardiovascular diseases(CVD) accounts for approximately 17 million deaths annually and high blood pressure is responsible for at least 45% of deaths due to heart diseases every year. There are a number of factors that are related to CVD and low cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF) has a well-known negative influence. Studies concerning blood pressure and CRF are mostly targeted on the adult population. However, inactivity during early years is associated with CVD in old age. Until recently there has not been any research done in Malawi evaluating the relationship between these two variables in adolescents. Objective To evaluate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure among adolescents in selected Blantyre urban secondary schools. Methodology This study will be conducted in Blantyre urban co-education public secondary schools. Participants will include Blantyre urban based school-going adolescents of age ranging from 12- 19 years old. Adolescents who are mentally unstable and those with other conditions affecting CRF for example asthma will be excluded. The calculated sample size is 132 participants with 12 students from each school. The schools include Namiwawa Community Day secondary school (CDSS), Blantyre secondary school, Limbe CDSS, Chimwankhunda CDSS, Namame CDSS, Nanjiriri CDSS, Manja CDSS, Soche hill, Bangwe CDSS, Catholic institute CDSS and Chichiri secondary. Data collection will begin on 25 April up to 23 May. Expected findings Malawi being a low income country and considering that our study will be conducted in public schools, it is expected that the adolescents are more physical active. This is because most of them walk long distances to school and are involved in cleaning activities around the school for example sweeping and mopping in classrooms as well as slashing among other activities. Therefore, we expect an inverse relationship between Cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure among our participants. Dissemination of results 13-Apr-2022