ISAR Publisher

International Scientific and Academic Research Publisher

Submit Manuscript

Volume 2 - Issue 7, July (2024)

All Articles
Original Article187 downloads
HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANTS: ANALYSING THE CHALLENGES OF ORGAN AND TISSUE TRANSPLANT SURGERY IN GHANA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12731374
PDFView Article
Human Organ transplants is now a fully grown discourse in the practice of medicine and health where by apart from medical doctors (physicians and surgeons), nurses and health practitioners, religious leaders be it pastors and Imams have had many opinions that bothers on ethical considerations about such an indispensable, innovative surgical life procedure that restores the human life and human existence. Organ transplant has been in existence since 1954 when, after numerous unsuccessful previous attempts, the first successful kidney transplantation by Murray et al. made human allotransplantation. Allotransplantation is the transplantation of an organ or tissue from one individual to another of the same species Organ transplantation is the modern way of prolonging life of people suffering from end stage organ diseases worldwide. The most known ones are the hepatic and renal transplants (Liver and Kidney). The main root of organ donations in Ghana are from living donors. Organ donations from the dead have far been advanced with ethical considerations and legal inputs. Is a known fact that a few number of organs come from living brain dead donors in Africa and Ghana is not an exception. Yet, despite the surgical and medical advancement, the scarcity of human organs for transplantation has become a medical task and an albatross that has taken both clinical, religious, political and academic hiatus yet to be repaired by all stakeholders involved in it. The field of human organ transplantation is complicated as it details more on ethical, religious and psychosocial issues. There are many successes, problems and controversies surrounding organ donation, harvesting and transplantation. The worse approach are human organ trafficking, the buying and selling of organs from what is known as brokers. In Ghana most of the organ donations are from living donors and the percentage of cadaveric organ donation is low. There is no explicit consent and presumed consent systems in Ghana yet. Ethically, there can be little or no harm to living organ donors. The availability of a matched donor is a high issue in Ghana coupled with religious, psychosocial influence and financial inability to embark on organ transplant procedures. some of the very well documented factors in organ transplantation are the religious, legal, ethical and surgical/medical paradigms in country wide.
Original Article133 downloads
Perceptions and Attitudes of Doctors towards Robotic-Assisted Surgery
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12731452
PDFView Article
Purpose: This study aims to explore the perceptions and attitudes of doctors towards robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), focusing on its perceived effectiveness, advantages, challenges, and factors influencing its adoption. Understanding these aspects is crucial for guiding future implementation and training programs in the medical field. Methodology:A structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 40 doctors. The survey captured demographic data and responses to various questions regarding the effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, sufficiency of training, factors influencing adoption, and future usage intentions of RAS. Data were analyzed to identify key trends and insights. Findings:The results reveal that a majority of doctors (52.5%) perceive RAS as more effective than traditional surgical methods, with increased precision (42.5%) and less invasiveness (35%) being highlighted as primary advantages. However, high cost (60%) and a steep learning curve (15%) were identified as significant challenges. While 40% of respondents found current training programs to be neutral, 32.5% deemed them insufficient. Key factors influencing adoption include better patient outcomes (42.5%) and institutional support (20%). Notably, 62.5% of doctors indicated a likelihood of continuing or starting to use RAS in the future. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of technology adoption in healthcare by highlighting the specific perceptions and attitudes of medical professionals towards RAS. Practically, it underscores the need for enhanced training programs and institutional support to mitigate the challenges associated with RAS adoption. From a policy perspective, the findings advocate for investment in RAS infrastructure and training, alongside measures to address cost-related barriers, ensuring broader and more effective integration of RAS into surgical practice.
Original Article56 downloads
Impact of Income Support Programs on Health Equity among the African American Population in Buffalo, New York
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12731476
PDFView Article
This study investigates the impact of income and poverty on access to healthcare services among the Buffalo, New York, African American population. The study is motivated by the persistent healthcare disparities experienced by this population, despite efforts to improve health equity. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to establish the context of the study and identify gaps in the existing literature. The study employed a survey design, with a sample size of 280 African American respondents in Buffalo, New York. The data collected was analyzed using Excel as it was suited to the study. The study's findings reveal that income support programs are crucial in ensuring access to healthcare for all, regardless of income or poverty status. Poverty levels were also found to significantly impact access to healthcare among African Americans in Buffalo, New York, with low-income individuals and families facing numerous financial, social, and structural barriers to accessing essential healthcare services. In addition, income levels were found to have an impact on access to prescription drugs, which could limit the ability of African Americans to manage their health conditions effectively. The study recommends that policymakers develop and implement interventions that address income inequality and reduce poverty among vulnerable populations, such as African Americans. Healthcare providers should also develop programs to improve access to healthcare services and prescription drugs for low-income individuals and families. Future research should explore the impact of other factors, such as health literacy, cultural beliefs, and healthcare system structures, on healthcare access among African Americans in Buffalo, New York.
Original Article83 downloads
New medication to treat Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13081943
PDFView Article
Background: Focal segmental sclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults and children that characterized by scar tissue formation in the glomeruli, which are responsible for blood filtration [1]. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is classified into two main categories: 1. Primary (Idiopathic) FSGS: This form of FSGS has no identifiable underlying cause. It occurs spontaneously and is thought to be related to genetic factors or immune system dysfunction. 2. Secondary FSGS: Secondary FSGS results from other conditions or factors that damage the glomeruli. These underlying causes can include obesity, infections, drug toxicity, kidney diseases (such as HIV-associated nephropathy), and certain systemic diseases [2]. In advanced stages, dialysis and kidney transplantation will be required. One of common treatments include immunosuppressive drugs, but they often do not provide a definitive cure and can have side effects due to immune system suppression [3]. Case presentation: In this article, we present a boy who was 13-year-old who sought medical attention due to kidneys pain and red-colored urine. The physician diagnosed it as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, treated with antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Unfortunately, this approach proved ineffective, leading to the progression of the disease to severe stages, necessitating a kidney transplant. However, our medical team took a different approach. We combined traditional herbal remedies to halt the disease progression. Remarkably, this holistic treatment not only eliminated protein and blood in the urine but also completely reversed the FSGS. Upon reviewing new test results and conducting clinical consultations, the previous treating physician, who had recommended the kidney transplant, concluded that neither the transplant nor their previously prescribed medications were necessary anymore. Conclusion: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which can occur due to infection and genetic factors, often has a limited response to standard treatments. This severe kidney disease, leading to renal inefficiency in many cases, may necessitate dialysis and kidney transplantation. In this particular case, at the request of patient’s parents, we prescribed a combination of herbal remedies that were used for 45 days and caused remarkable results. Now, after 7 years of treatment, the patient's kidney functions effectively without any issues , with no presence of protein or blood in the urine.
Original Article156 downloads
EXAMINING THE COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS FOR TRADITIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENING IN RWANDAN HEALTHCARE: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY WITH A FOCUS ON LIFESTEN HEALTH
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13081429
PDFView Article
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health challenge, contributing to millions of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually. This paper examines the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of government-led cardiovascular health screening approach and technology based transdermal optical imaging screening via Lifesten Health in Rwanda. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines systematic literature review and narrative synthesis with qualitative cost analysis derived from review and interview data. Drawing inspiration from a previous study by Asmah et al. (2020), questions were tailored to explore the cost-benefit ratio of traditional cardiovascular health screening approaches and Lifesten's tech enabled cardiovascular care methods. Expert opinions were sought from professionals affiliated with the NCD clinics of the Rwandan Ministry of Health and Lifesten. Thematic analysis of expert responses revealed recurring themes. Government-led screening in Rwanda typically relies on sphygmomanometers, whereas technological approaches involve wearable devices and smartphone applications. While both methods demonstrate effectiveness, technological solutions offer greater efficiency due to their minimal equipment and training requirements. However, challenges such as digital illiteracy impeding technological adoption and shortages of materials and healthcare providers for conventional screening, persist. Investing in digital literacy is paramount for the successful implementation of digital cardiovascular disease screening, given its efficiency and low training demands. Concurrently, enhancing healthcare provider training and ensuring adequate equipment for conventional screening are essential for improving its effectiveness. A dual-focused approach holds promise for significantly reducing the burden of mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular diseases in Rwanda.
Original Article31 downloads
Hand compartment syndrome and literature review
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13139831
PDFView Article
Crush injuries to the hand are associated with a poor prognosis. The development of compartment syndrome in this context is feared but rare and preferentially affects the radial interosseous muscle compartments due to anatomical particularities. The usual clinical signs associate an edematous hand, in a discreet intrinsic position, with significant pain, resistant to pallier III analgesics. Passive extension of the digital joints increases this pain. The diagnosis evoked clinically is made by taking the muscular pressures of all compartments so as not to overlook a case. The whole point of this development lies in the difference in pressure between the muscle compartments which, if ignored, can be the cause of a surgical error. Dermo-fasciotomy is the only treatment to relieve muscle ischemia and stop the irreversible vicious circle. The functional prognosis of the hand is compromised by compartment syndrome. This dermo-fasciotomy must not suffer any delay.
Original Article478 downloads
Effect of Vegetable Juice and Probiotic Red Dragon Fruit Juice on Blood Pressure in Pre-Hypertension Patients in the Telaga Dewa Health Center Working Area, Bengkulu City, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13304358
PDFView Article
Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases that is the leading cause of death globally. This study aims to determine the effect of giving vegetable juice and probiotic red dragon fruit juice on blood pressure in prehypertensive patients. The design of this research subject group is prehypertension patients with Systolic blood pressure >120mmHg and Diastolic >80mmHg which is divided into 4 treatment groups namely PO, P1, P2, P3 groups. The doses given were PO leaflet education, P1 200ml vegetable juice and leaflet education, P2 200ml probiotic red dragon fruit juice and leaflet education, P3 200ml vegetable juice and probiotic red dragon fruit juice and leaflet education. The intervention was conducted for 7 days. Blood pressure measurements using a Sphygmomanometer, checking blood pressure before and after the intervention. Normality test was performed using Shapiro-Wilk. Statistical analysis using ANOVA test and followed by Duncan test. The results showed the average before the intervention P0 137/87mmHg, P1 137/83mmHg, P2 137/87mmHg, P3 137/85mmHg. Average Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure in the prehypertension group after the intervention P0 132/85mmHg, P1 126/82mmHg, P2 127/84, P3 121/79 mmHg with Systolic blood pressure P-value = 0.002 and Diastolic blood pressure P-value = 0.010. Of the 4 treatments, the best treatment was the P3 treatment. It can be concluded that there is an effect of giving vegetable juice and probiotic red dragon fruit juice on blood pressure in prehypertensive patients in the work area of the Telaga Dewa Health Center, Bengkulu City.
Original Article315 downloads
The Effect of Giving Chicken Liver and Red Bean Nuggets (HATKAM) with Red Guava Fruit Juice Probiotics on Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls with Anemia at Ma Hidayatul Qomariah Bengkulu City in 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13324588
PDFView Article
Anemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin concentration in it is lower than normal. The group design of this research subject is anemia patients with Systolic hemoglobin levels <12 mg/dL which are divided into 4 treatment groups, namely groups P0, P1, P2, P3. The doses given were P0 leaflet education, P1 100gr hatkam nuggets and leaflet education, P2 100ml probiotic red guava juice and leaflet education, P3 100gr hatkam nuggets and probiotic red guava juice and leaflet education. The intervention was conducted for 7 days. Hemoglobin levels were measured using easy touch, checking hemoglobin levels before and after the intervention. Normality test was conducted using Shapiro-Wilk. Statistical analysis using ANOVA test and followed by Duncan test. The results showed that the average hemoglobin levels before intervention P0 11g/dL, P1 10g/dL, P2 10g/dL, P3 9g/dL. The average hemoglobin levels in the anemia group after intervention P0 12g/dL, P1 13g/dL, P2 14g/dL, P3 17g/dL with Systolic hemoglobin levels P-value = 0.000. Of the 4 treatments, the best treatment is the P3 treatment. It can be concluded that there is an effect of giving chicken liver and red bean nuggets (hatkam) and probiotic red guava juice on hemoglobin levels in anemic adolescent girls with anemia at Ma Hidayatul Qomariah Bengkulu City.