simon himalowa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by simon himalowa
European journal of medical and health sciences, Jan 26, 2024
Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 2... more Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 25% of the global population, with a significant impact on the 37,900,000 people living with HIV in 2017. Objective: This cross-sectional study (April-July 2020) in Lusaka District aimed to assess dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome risk in 180 randomly sampled HIV-positive individuals (aged 18 and above) from three health facilities. Methods: Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, blood pressure checks, and biochemical assessments. High prevalence rates were observed for factors like high waist-hip ratio (39%), high total cholesterol (52%), high triglycerides (46%), and high blood pressure (33%). Results: Three dietary clusters (omnivorous, vegetarian, unclassified) showed no significant association with metabolic syndrome or its components (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While metabolic syndrome prevalence among HIV-positive individuals is low, there are notable occurrences of high blood pressure and predictors of non-communicable diseases. Commonly consumed foods did not show a significant association with metabolic syndrome predictors (p > 0.05).
European journal of medical and health sciences, Jan 26, 2024
Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 2... more Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 25% of the global population, with a significant impact on the 37,900,000 people living with HIV in 2017. Objective: This cross-sectional study (April-July 2020) in Lusaka District aimed to assess dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome risk in 180 randomly sampled HIV-positive individuals (aged 18 and above) from three health facilities. Methods: Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, blood pressure checks, and biochemical assessments. High prevalence rates were observed for factors like high waist-hip ratio (39%), high total cholesterol (52%), high triglycerides (46%), and high blood pressure (33%). Results: Three dietary clusters (omnivorous, vegetarian, unclassified) showed no significant association with metabolic syndrome or its components (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While metabolic syndrome prevalence among HIV-positive individuals is low, there are notable occurrences of high blood pressure and predictors of non-communicable diseases. Commonly consumed foods did not show a significant association with metabolic syndrome predictors (p > 0.05).
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jul 31, 2022
Background: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of diabetes mellitus and associated co-morbid... more Background: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of diabetes mellitus and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide among children thereby raising a public health concern. Zambia is not exempted as evidenced by factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle amongst others. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among children in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: A 10-year retrospective cross-sectional design utilising quantitative methods involving a review of patient case files of children aged 18 years and below diagnosed with diabetes mellitus between January 2009 and December 2019 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia was done. Results: The total number of children that attended the University Teaching Children's Hospital during the study period was 150, 563 and of those, 745 were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. This gave a case prevalence rate of 4.9/1000. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) was the most prevalent (54%), followed by one which could not be specified and simply diagnosed as DM (41%) and the least was type 2 diabetes mellitus T2DM (5%). The mean age of the children at diagnosis was 11.3 (SD ± 4.03) with 94.7% of the children being ≥ 5 years old. More females in this study had DM 53 (62.1%) than their male counterparts 36 (37.9%). The mean weight of the children was 35.6 kilograms (SD ±1.98), while the mean height and BMI was 1.46 meters (SD ± 0.06) and 20.9 kg/m 2 (SD ± 1.93) respectfully. The mean for glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.48% (SD ± 1.53) while that of random blood sugar (RBS) was 19.3 mmol/L (SD ± 0.85). The most common comorbidity was vision problems (28.6%) with polyuria (25%) being the most frequent clinical feature. Children with DM were mainly managed with insulin (100%) and some coupled with diet (63.2%) and exercise (3.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of DM among children and adolescents was relatively high. Nationwide awareness campaigns and prevention programmes about diabetes in childhood should be instituted and existing ones strengthened through concerted effort from the relevant stakeholders. A multidisciplinary approach through the involvement of Physiotherapists and nutritionists among other health professionals must be encouraged to stem this looming epidemic.
Occupational health southern Africa, Sep 1, 2012
The effect of occupationally-related low back pain on functional activities among male manual wor... more The effect of occupationally-related low back pain on functional activities among male manual workers in a construction company in Cape Town, South Africa.
International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research
Background: Increase in cesarean section (CS) has been a source of public health concern globally... more Background: Increase in cesarean section (CS) has been a source of public health concern globally. There is scanty updated information about cesarean section and associated factors in developing countries like Zambia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CS and associated factors at The University Teaching Hospital women and New-born in Lusaka Zambia. Methodology: The study design was cross sectional. It involved retrospective collection of data from birth registers of women who gave birth at the University Teaching Hospital-Women and Newborn from 1st January, 2018 to 31st December 2018. The total sample size was 6,965 women (15-49 years) after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were met. Statistical analysis was conducted using Binary Logistic Regression, level of significance was 0.05 and Confidence Interval of 95%. Goodness of fit was conducted using the likelihood ratio test. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14.2. Results: The Prevalence of Cesarean se...
International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2021
Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life,... more Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life, productivity and participation in social and economic lives of patients with stroke. Objective: To determine the effects of strength training on functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy Methods: Eleven databases (PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, PEDRO, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, Google Scholar and ERIC) were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomised controlled trials published between 2010 and 2020 were included and reviewed by two independent reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for RCTs was used to assess and appraise the studies. Main Results: This review analysed 16 studies involving 946 patients with stroke that reported on aerobic exercises, task-oriented circuit training, treadmill gait training, high and medium intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, progressive resistanc...
Construction manual workers are at a high risk of suffering from occupational related low back pa... more Construction manual workers are at a high risk of suffering from occupational related low back pain because of high-risk activities involved and the nomadic nature of the workforce. Low back pain and its associated disability continue to plague the construction industry. The prevalence of occupational related low back pain among manual workers in construction companies is believed to be due to high exposure to awkward postures for long hours, heavy manual work and exposure to whole-body vibration in the work environment. As a result of these risky exposures, low back pain has consistently been the leading cause of both occupational disability and absenteeism in the construction industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities of the manual workers in a construction company in Cape Town. The prevalence and the predisposing factors of low back pain among construction manual workers were established as we...
GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS
Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, becaus... more Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, because it leads to quality and coordinated health care delivery, increased patient trust and condence. To explore the challenges that patients and Physiotherapy practitioners face regarding continuity of care at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative design, using in-depth interviews with eight physiotherapy practitioners and six patients with varying medical conditions, aged 18 years and above. This study used a purposive sampling technique based on the researcher’s judgment of the subjects. This is a form of non-probability sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to be included in the sample were taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of criteria, including specialist knowledge of the research issue, or capacity and willingness to participate in the research. All patients reported having multiple Physioth...
Journal of Community and Health Sciences, 2010
Introduction: Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition and one of the most c... more Introduction: Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition and one of the most common causes of disability in the world. The disability resulting from low back pain continues to plague the construction industry leading to absenteeism and early retirement among construction manual workers. Purpose: The aim of the review was to explore global literature concerning the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities among manual workers in construction companies. Method: A retrospective search of articles published from January 2000 to April 2010. The following electronic data bases, Google Scholar, Academic search premier, CINAHL, ERIC, Health source-consumer Edition, Health source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Master FILE Premier, MEDLINE, MLA Directory of Periodicals, Science direct, MLA International Bibliography, Pre-CiNAHL and PubMed were individually searched using specifically developed search strategies. Methodological quality was evalua...
GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS
Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, becaus... more Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, because it leads to quality and coordinated health care delivery, increased patient trust and condence. To explore the challenges that patients and Physiotherapy practitioners face regarding continuity of care at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative design, using in-depth interviews with eight physiotherapy practitioners and six patients with varying medical conditions, aged 18 years and above. This study used a purposive sampling technique based on the researcher’s judgment of the subjects. This is a form of non-probability sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to be included in the sample were taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of criteria, including specialist knowledge of the research issue, or capacity and willingness to participate in the research. All patients reported having multiple Physioth...
https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR\_Vol.11\_Issue.7\_July2021/IJHSR-Abstract.021.html, 2021
Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life,... more Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life, productivity and participation in social and economic lives of patients with stroke. Objective: To determine the effects of strength training on functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy Methods: Eleven databases (PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, PEDRO, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, Google Scholar and ERIC) were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomised controlled trials published between 2010 and 2020 were included and reviewed by two independent reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for RCTs was used to assess and appraise the studies. Main Results: This review analysed 16 studies involving 946 patients with stroke that reported on aerobic exercises, task-oriented circuit training, treadmill gait training, high and medium intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, progressive resistanc...
Research in Health Science
Introduction: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and asso... more Introduction: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide among school children thereby raising a public health concern.Aim: The aim of the review was to explore global literature concerning the various strategies utilised in prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus among school children and their efficacy.Methodology: A retrospective search of articles published from 2009 to 2019 was done. The following electronic databases; Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PEDRO, PubMed and Science Direct were individually searched using specifically developed search strategies. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool and by two independent reviewers.Results: Eleven studies of sound quality were included. The studies show that primary prevention of type 2 diabetes among school children is cardinal as children will grow up knowing about the disease a...
African Journal of Health Professions Education, Jun 17, 2011
African Journal of Health Professions Education, Jun 17, 2011
African Journal of Health Professions Education, Jun 17, 2011
European journal of medical and health sciences, Jan 26, 2024
Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 2... more Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 25% of the global population, with a significant impact on the 37,900,000 people living with HIV in 2017. Objective: This cross-sectional study (April-July 2020) in Lusaka District aimed to assess dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome risk in 180 randomly sampled HIV-positive individuals (aged 18 and above) from three health facilities. Methods: Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, blood pressure checks, and biochemical assessments. High prevalence rates were observed for factors like high waist-hip ratio (39%), high total cholesterol (52%), high triglycerides (46%), and high blood pressure (33%). Results: Three dietary clusters (omnivorous, vegetarian, unclassified) showed no significant association with metabolic syndrome or its components (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While metabolic syndrome prevalence among HIV-positive individuals is low, there are notable occurrences of high blood pressure and predictors of non-communicable diseases. Commonly consumed foods did not show a significant association with metabolic syndrome predictors (p > 0.05).
European journal of medical and health sciences, Jan 26, 2024
Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 2... more Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affects approximately 25% of the global population, with a significant impact on the 37,900,000 people living with HIV in 2017. Objective: This cross-sectional study (April-July 2020) in Lusaka District aimed to assess dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome risk in 180 randomly sampled HIV-positive individuals (aged 18 and above) from three health facilities. Methods: Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, blood pressure checks, and biochemical assessments. High prevalence rates were observed for factors like high waist-hip ratio (39%), high total cholesterol (52%), high triglycerides (46%), and high blood pressure (33%). Results: Three dietary clusters (omnivorous, vegetarian, unclassified) showed no significant association with metabolic syndrome or its components (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While metabolic syndrome prevalence among HIV-positive individuals is low, there are notable occurrences of high blood pressure and predictors of non-communicable diseases. Commonly consumed foods did not show a significant association with metabolic syndrome predictors (p > 0.05).
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jul 31, 2022
Background: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of diabetes mellitus and associated co-morbid... more Background: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of diabetes mellitus and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide among children thereby raising a public health concern. Zambia is not exempted as evidenced by factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle amongst others. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among children in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: A 10-year retrospective cross-sectional design utilising quantitative methods involving a review of patient case files of children aged 18 years and below diagnosed with diabetes mellitus between January 2009 and December 2019 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia was done. Results: The total number of children that attended the University Teaching Children's Hospital during the study period was 150, 563 and of those, 745 were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. This gave a case prevalence rate of 4.9/1000. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) was the most prevalent (54%), followed by one which could not be specified and simply diagnosed as DM (41%) and the least was type 2 diabetes mellitus T2DM (5%). The mean age of the children at diagnosis was 11.3 (SD ± 4.03) with 94.7% of the children being ≥ 5 years old. More females in this study had DM 53 (62.1%) than their male counterparts 36 (37.9%). The mean weight of the children was 35.6 kilograms (SD ±1.98), while the mean height and BMI was 1.46 meters (SD ± 0.06) and 20.9 kg/m 2 (SD ± 1.93) respectfully. The mean for glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.48% (SD ± 1.53) while that of random blood sugar (RBS) was 19.3 mmol/L (SD ± 0.85). The most common comorbidity was vision problems (28.6%) with polyuria (25%) being the most frequent clinical feature. Children with DM were mainly managed with insulin (100%) and some coupled with diet (63.2%) and exercise (3.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of DM among children and adolescents was relatively high. Nationwide awareness campaigns and prevention programmes about diabetes in childhood should be instituted and existing ones strengthened through concerted effort from the relevant stakeholders. A multidisciplinary approach through the involvement of Physiotherapists and nutritionists among other health professionals must be encouraged to stem this looming epidemic.
Occupational health southern Africa, Sep 1, 2012
The effect of occupationally-related low back pain on functional activities among male manual wor... more The effect of occupationally-related low back pain on functional activities among male manual workers in a construction company in Cape Town, South Africa.
International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research
Background: Increase in cesarean section (CS) has been a source of public health concern globally... more Background: Increase in cesarean section (CS) has been a source of public health concern globally. There is scanty updated information about cesarean section and associated factors in developing countries like Zambia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CS and associated factors at The University Teaching Hospital women and New-born in Lusaka Zambia. Methodology: The study design was cross sectional. It involved retrospective collection of data from birth registers of women who gave birth at the University Teaching Hospital-Women and Newborn from 1st January, 2018 to 31st December 2018. The total sample size was 6,965 women (15-49 years) after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were met. Statistical analysis was conducted using Binary Logistic Regression, level of significance was 0.05 and Confidence Interval of 95%. Goodness of fit was conducted using the likelihood ratio test. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14.2. Results: The Prevalence of Cesarean se...
International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2021
Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life,... more Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life, productivity and participation in social and economic lives of patients with stroke. Objective: To determine the effects of strength training on functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy Methods: Eleven databases (PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, PEDRO, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, Google Scholar and ERIC) were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomised controlled trials published between 2010 and 2020 were included and reviewed by two independent reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for RCTs was used to assess and appraise the studies. Main Results: This review analysed 16 studies involving 946 patients with stroke that reported on aerobic exercises, task-oriented circuit training, treadmill gait training, high and medium intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, progressive resistanc...
Construction manual workers are at a high risk of suffering from occupational related low back pa... more Construction manual workers are at a high risk of suffering from occupational related low back pain because of high-risk activities involved and the nomadic nature of the workforce. Low back pain and its associated disability continue to plague the construction industry. The prevalence of occupational related low back pain among manual workers in construction companies is believed to be due to high exposure to awkward postures for long hours, heavy manual work and exposure to whole-body vibration in the work environment. As a result of these risky exposures, low back pain has consistently been the leading cause of both occupational disability and absenteeism in the construction industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities of the manual workers in a construction company in Cape Town. The prevalence and the predisposing factors of low back pain among construction manual workers were established as we...
GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS
Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, becaus... more Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, because it leads to quality and coordinated health care delivery, increased patient trust and condence. To explore the challenges that patients and Physiotherapy practitioners face regarding continuity of care at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative design, using in-depth interviews with eight physiotherapy practitioners and six patients with varying medical conditions, aged 18 years and above. This study used a purposive sampling technique based on the researcher’s judgment of the subjects. This is a form of non-probability sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to be included in the sample were taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of criteria, including specialist knowledge of the research issue, or capacity and willingness to participate in the research. All patients reported having multiple Physioth...
Journal of Community and Health Sciences, 2010
Introduction: Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition and one of the most c... more Introduction: Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition and one of the most common causes of disability in the world. The disability resulting from low back pain continues to plague the construction industry leading to absenteeism and early retirement among construction manual workers. Purpose: The aim of the review was to explore global literature concerning the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities among manual workers in construction companies. Method: A retrospective search of articles published from January 2000 to April 2010. The following electronic data bases, Google Scholar, Academic search premier, CINAHL, ERIC, Health source-consumer Edition, Health source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Master FILE Premier, MEDLINE, MLA Directory of Periodicals, Science direct, MLA International Bibliography, Pre-CiNAHL and PubMed were individually searched using specifically developed search strategies. Methodological quality was evalua...
GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS
Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, becaus... more Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, because it leads to quality and coordinated health care delivery, increased patient trust and condence. To explore the challenges that patients and Physiotherapy practitioners face regarding continuity of care at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative design, using in-depth interviews with eight physiotherapy practitioners and six patients with varying medical conditions, aged 18 years and above. This study used a purposive sampling technique based on the researcher’s judgment of the subjects. This is a form of non-probability sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to be included in the sample were taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of criteria, including specialist knowledge of the research issue, or capacity and willingness to participate in the research. All patients reported having multiple Physioth...
https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR\_Vol.11\_Issue.7\_July2021/IJHSR-Abstract.021.html, 2021
Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life,... more Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life, productivity and participation in social and economic lives of patients with stroke. Objective: To determine the effects of strength training on functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy Methods: Eleven databases (PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, PEDRO, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, Google Scholar and ERIC) were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomised controlled trials published between 2010 and 2020 were included and reviewed by two independent reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for RCTs was used to assess and appraise the studies. Main Results: This review analysed 16 studies involving 946 patients with stroke that reported on aerobic exercises, task-oriented circuit training, treadmill gait training, high and medium intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, progressive resistanc...
Research in Health Science
Introduction: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and asso... more Introduction: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide among school children thereby raising a public health concern.Aim: The aim of the review was to explore global literature concerning the various strategies utilised in prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus among school children and their efficacy.Methodology: A retrospective search of articles published from 2009 to 2019 was done. The following electronic databases; Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PEDRO, PubMed and Science Direct were individually searched using specifically developed search strategies. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool and by two independent reviewers.Results: Eleven studies of sound quality were included. The studies show that primary prevention of type 2 diabetes among school children is cardinal as children will grow up knowing about the disease a...
African Journal of Health Professions Education, Jun 17, 2011
African Journal of Health Professions Education, Jun 17, 2011
African Journal of Health Professions Education, Jun 17, 2011