Vol 13 Issue 2 October 2025-March 2026

Abstract: Acute pharyngotonsillitis is a common infection in children and one of the leading reasons for antibiotics prescription in children. Molecular point of care testing (MPOC) testing for Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis has been very helpful in timely diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis and ultimately its treatment, for delay or lack of treatment could lead to complication of the disease. The purpose of this retrospective study in which we reviewed the charts of children and adolescents who had MPOC tests for GABHS in 2023 was to determine the appropriateness of MPOC testing for GABHS in children and adolescents.

Our results showed that children younger than 3 years of age were less likely to have streptococcal pharyngitis compared to older children and adolescent. Hence, testing children younger than 3 years old is not recommended, except that is history of exposure to someone with streptococcal pharyngitis. Also, children and adolescents with viral features, such as cough, congestion, runny nose, eye discharge or viral exanthem, should not be tested for GABHS because they are more likely to have negative test results. It is imperative to have appropriate GABHS testing to improve antibiotic stewardship and reduce unnecessary health care cost.

Keywords: Molecular Point of Care (MPOC) test, Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), antibiotics, acute pharyngotonsillitis.

Title: Appropriateness of Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Testing in an Ambulatory Pediatric Setting

Author: Majek Olaleye, Esther Nishimwe

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 330-333

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 08-December-2025

Abstract: Background: Timely initiation of antenatal care (ANC) is essential for preventing maternal and neonatal complications. Despite Rwanda’s progress in maternal health, many women still delay their first ANC visit beyond the recommended 12 weeks of gestation. This study assessed factors influencing the late initiation of the first ANC visit among pregnant women in Kicukiro District, Rwanda, aiming to guide evidence-based interventions for improved maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 383 pregnant women attending ANC services in Kicukiro District. The sample size was determined using Fisher’s formula. Data were collected through a validated KOBOCOLLECT questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics, while inferential statistics identified associations between independent variables and ANC initiation timing.

Results: The findings revealed that 53.26% of respondents-initiated ANC after 12 weeks of gestation, with 52.48% reporting unplanned pregnancies. Maternal age, partner’s education level, and pregnancy planning status were significantly associated with ANC initiation timing. Women aged 30–34 years were less likely to delay ANC (AOR=0.377, p=0.021), whereas those whose partners had tertiary education were more likely to delay (AOR=3.470, p=0.027). Surprisingly, planned pregnancies were strongly associated with late ANC initiation (AOR=8.451, p<0.001). Other socio-economic factors showed no significant relationship.

Conclusion: Late initiation of ANC remains prevalent in Kicukiro District and is influenced by demographic, educational, and pregnancy-related factors. The study recommends intensifying community awareness, strengthening reproductive health education, involving male partners, empowering community health workers in early pregnancy detection, and improving access and quality of ANC services through mobile clinics and financial support programs. These interventions could promote timely ANC initiation and enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Rwanda.

Keywords: antenatal care (ANC), ANC services, maternal and neonatal health, health education.

Title: Factors Influencing Late Initiation of First Antenatal Care Services Among Pregnant Women in Kicukiro District, Rwanda 2025

Author: Kubwayo Jean Irene, Dr. Rosemary Okova

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 317-329

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 20-November-2025

Abstract: Stunting remains a major public health challenge in Rwanda, with long-term implications for child growth, development, and survival. Despite national progress in reducing malnutrition, Ngororero District continues to experience disproportionately high levels of stunting among children under five years of age, posing a significant barrier to achieving both national and global nutrition targets. Although national surveys provide evidence on the overall burden of stunting, there is limited understanding of district-level determinants, underscoring the need for localized analyses to inform context-specific interventions. This study therefore aimed to examine child, maternal, and household factors associated with stunting among children aged 6–59 months in Ngororero District. A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study design was employed using secondary data from the 2019–2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS). A total of 120 children aged 6–59 months residing in Ngororero District were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with stunting. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.The prevalence of stunting was found to be 50.0%, indicating a considerably high burden relative to national averages. Child age was the only factor significantly associated with stunting, with children aged 36–47 months being six times more likely to be stunted compared to those aged 48–59 months (aOR = 6.01; 95% CI: 1.02–35.23; p = 0.04). The findings confirm that stunting in Ngororero District remains alarmingly high, with preschool-aged children representing a particularly vulnerable group. Targeted interventions to strengthen complementary feeding practices, improve dietary diversity, and promote maternal education are urgently needed.

Keywords: public health challenge, child growth, global nutrition targets. improve dietary diversity, promote maternal education.

Title: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STUNTING AMONG 6-59 MONTHS OLD CHILDREN IN NGORORERO DISTRICT, RWANDA: SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS OF RWANDA DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEY 2019-2020

Author: NKURUNZIZA Theophila, AMANUEL Kidane Andegiogish

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 308-316

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 17-November-2025

Abstract: This study assessed maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on stunting prevention among mothers of children aged 0–24 months in Burera District, Rwanda, where stunting remains a serious public health concern. The research aimed to understand how mothers’ awareness, beliefs, and caregiving behaviors influence child growth and nutrition. A cross-sectional design was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to mothers attending health centers for antenatal care and vaccination. Stratified random sampling ensured both urban and rural populations were proportionally represented, enhancing the accuracy and generalizability of the results. The study explored mothers’ understanding of the causes and prevention of stunting, their attitudes toward proper nutrition and healthcare, and their actual feeding and childcare practices. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression, were conducted to examine associations between maternal characteristics and good nutrition practices. Findings revealed that 46.5% of respondents had moderate knowledge about stunting prevention, while 28.3% demonstrated good feeding practices. Positive attitudes toward child nutrition were found in 20.3% of participants. Significant relationships were observed between maternal occupation (χ² = 13.499, p = 0.009), number of children under five (χ² = 38.195, p < 0.001), and knowledge levels (χ² = 24.371, p < 0.001) with good child feeding practices. Regression analysis further showed that mothers with higher knowledge were 81% more likely to adopt proper feeding behaviors (AOR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.07–0.53, p = 0.002), and households with more young children were nearly twice as likely to exhibit good practices (AOR = 1.906; 95% CI: 1.43–2.54, p < 0.001). However, age, education level, and income were not significantly linked to feeding practices. The study concludes that maternal knowledge and household composition are key determinants of child nutrition behavior. It recommends enhancing maternal education, strengthening community-based nutrition counseling, and providing targeted support to families with multiple young children to reduce stunting and promote healthy growth in Rwanda.

Keywords: Maternal, KAP, Stunting Prevention, Children Aged 0–24, Burera District, Rwanda.

Title: Assessment of Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Stunting Prevention among Children Aged 0–24 Months in Burera District, Rwanda

Author: Ahishakiye Samuel, Dr. Amos HABIMANA

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 293-307

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 15-November-2025

Abstract: Background: Mental illness is an emerging public health concern in Rwanda. In response, the Ministry of Health developed a National Mental Health Strategic Plan to address common mental disorders. However, there remains limited evidence particularly from small urban areas such as Musanze Districtto guide mental health policy and strengthen service delivery. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and identify associated psychosocial, clinical, and socio-economic factors among adolescents aged 18–19 years in Musanze District, Rwanda.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 384 adolescents aged 18–19 years, with complete responses obtained from 345 participants across 15 sectors of Musanze District. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling approach. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire to capture socio-demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics, while the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Version 5.0.0 DSM-IV was used to assess the presence of common mental disorders. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with common mental disorders at a 95% confidence interval, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of common mental disorders among adolescents was 24.4%. Factors significantly associated with common mental disorders included being female, having a family history of mental illness, poor social support, a history of non-physical sexual abuse, and a history of physical sexual abuse (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: The prevalence of common mental disorders among adolescents in Musanze District is considerably high. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted community-based and institutional interventions to address identified risk factors and strengthen adolescent mental health services in Rwanda.

Keywords: Common mental disorders; Adolescents; Prevalence; Psychosocial factors; Mental health; Musanze District; Rwanda.

Title: Prevalence of Common Mental Disorders and Related Factors among Adolescents in Age Between 18 To 19 in Musanze District, Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author: Marie Davertone Kwizera, Jean Damascene Iyamuremye

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 284-292

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 14-November-2025

Abstract: Diarrheal disease remains a major global public health concern, causing approximately 525,000 deaths annually among children under five years of age. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate burden, recording an estimated 7.5 million cases each year. In Rwanda, diarrheal disease continues to affect many under-five children, yet limited research has examined its determinants and mitigation strategies in specific settings such as Gitarama Health Center in Muhanga District. This study aimed to identify key determinants and preventive measures for diarrheal disease among under-five children attending Gitarama Health Center. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using purposive sampling to select 376 mothers or guardians of under-five children. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and mitigation practices. Results showed that 23.4% (n = 88) of the children had experienced diarrhea within the two weeks preceding the survey. Most cases were single episodes, while few were recurrent. Common management practices included seeking care at health facilities (73.9%), using oral rehydration salts (56.8%), and increasing fluid intake (43.2%). Traditional remedies (15.9%) and herbal medicine (6.8%) were also used. Hygienic behaviors, such as handwashing before feeding and safe disposal of child feces, were significantly associated with reduced diarrhea incidence (p < 0.05). The study concludes that diarrhea remains a significant public health issue among under-five children in Muhanga District. Strengthening hygiene practices, promoting community health education, and addressing cultural misconceptions are vital for effective prevention and improved child health outcomes in Rwanda and similar contexts.

Keywords: Determinants, Mitigation Methods, Diarrheal Disease, Under-Five Children, Gitarama Health Center, Rwanda.

Title: Determinants and Mitigation Methods used to Prevent and Control Diarrheal Disease Among Under-Five Children attending Gitarama Health Center, Muhanga District, Rwanda, 2025

Author: UKOBIZABA Pierre Celestin, Dr. Silari B. Maurice

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 271-283

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 14-November-2025

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of domestic (non-drinking) and drinking water used by students in Thanh Hoa, based on 51 domestic water and 51 drinking water samples collected from student boarding houses and dormitories. The samples were analyzed against several parameters specified in the Ministry of Health’s National Technical Regulation QCVN (Vietnamese Standard) 02/2009/BYT (Ministry of Health) and the recommendations of the EPA (2025). The results indicate that the majority of the water samples met the safety standards, satisfying the basic quality requirements for both domestic use and direct consumption. The water sources generally exhibited good clarity, were odorless and tasteless, maintained a stable pH level, and showed no significant contamination. However, some samples demonstrated variation in quality, particularly concerning the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) index, which may be linked to differing storage conditions, piping systems, or water supply sources. The study affirms the crucial role of clean water quality in general, and clean water for students in particular. Furthermore, the research recommends the need for close monitoring of clean water quality, periodic inspection, and strengthened measures for maintaining water supply infrastructure. The research findings contribute a scientific basis for urban environmental management and the protection of student public health. 

Keywords: Domestic water; Drinking water; Water quality; Students; Thanh Hoa.

Title: EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF DOMESTIC WATER AND DRINKING WATER FOR STUDENTS IN THANH HOA, VIETNAM

Author: Nguyen Hoang Lam Tran, Phuong Le Nguyen, Mai Anh Tran, Yen Nhi Nguyen, Thu Thuy Nguyen, Thuy Linh Le Tran, Anh Vu Mai

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 259-270

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 12-November-2025

Abstract: Psychoactive substances are possibly among the most threats to the world’s population. In 2021, over 180,000 deaths were directly associated to disorders due to psychoactive substances. In 2015, the magnitude of drug use among Rwandan youth was revealed to be high. This study intended to measure the magnitude of psychotic symptoms and associated factors among psychoactive substances users at HUYE ISANGE Rehabilitation Centre. Multi-variable binary logistic regression shown the following factors to have a significant association with occurrence of psychotic symptoms among psychoactive substances users: Respondents who were 36 years of age and above {AOR=2.561,95%CI: [2.647,5.287], P=0.021}, Users who were male {AOR=3.050, 95%CI: [1.705,3.445], P=0.037}, users consuming cannabis {AOR: 1.810, 95%CI: [1.596;2.807], P=0.028}, users consuming Heroin {AOR: 1.250, 95%CI: [1.603;3.325], P=0.031}and participants using multiple substance use {AOR=2.85,95% CI: [0.417-0.983], P=0.041}. As a result, the study found that prevalence among psychoactive substances users at HUYE ISANGE Rehabilitation Centre is high (78%) and factors like age, sex, type of drug and type of use were identified to be associated to occurrence of psychotic symptoms among psychoactive substance users. The high prevalence of psychotic symptoms among psychoactive substance users underscores a critical mental health and public health challenge. Interventions targeting high-risk groups, including early screening, mental health education, and integrated rehabilitation programs, are urgently needed to reduce the burden of substance-related psychosis and improve mental health outcomes in this population. Targeted interventions, including community awareness campaigns, mental health screening in rehabilitation programs, and further research among other substance users, are urgently needed.

Keywords:  Psychotic symptoms, Psychoactive substance use, Associated factors, Huye Isange Rehabilitation Centre.

Title: PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USERS AT HUYE ISANGE REHABILITATION CENTER, RWANDA

Author: Damien Nsekeyimana, Dr Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, Dr Monica Mochama, Alexis Nduwamungu,^, Janvier Ndayambaje

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 247-258

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 10-November-2025

Abstract: Background: Reproductive health, particularly contraceptive use is an essential component of women’s overall wellbeing, recognized as an effective method for reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, mainly among vulnerable populations such as women with mental illness. However, despite global efforts to promote reproductive rights, studies evaluating the contraceptive usage among this demographic are scarce, particularly   in countries with limited resource like Rwanda. Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of contraceptive use among women with mental illness. Setting: Ndera Neuro-Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, Rwanda. Methods: This study was a quantitative cross-sectional study, in which employed a convenience sampling technique. Results: Of the 380 respondents aged between 18-49 years, 98.4% had heard of at least one method of contraception, with pills 95%, injectable 90.8%, and implants 71.5% being the most commonly known methods and health care providers were the main source of information 78.6%. Of the respondent 55.53% (211) reported positive attitude while 44.47% (169) reported negative attitude toward contraceptive use. Despite this high awareness and positive attitude, only 33.9% were current contraceptive users, and 58.4% had ever used a method. Multivariate analysis showed that age, marital status, and psychiatric diagnosis were independent predictors of contraceptive use (p < 0.05). Conclusion: While knowledge of contraception is high among women with mental illness, actual utilization remains low, hindered by persistent misconceptions, age, relationship status and diagnosis type. Integrating tailored reproductive health services within psychiatric care and addressing misinformation are critical to improving contraceptive uptake in this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Contraceptive, mental illness, knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP), Reproductive health.

Title: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of contraception among Women with Mental illness attending Ndera Neuro-Psychiatric Teaching Hospital in Rwanda

Author: Alexis NDUWAMUNGU, Dr Jean Damascene IYAMUREMYE, Damien NSEKEYIMANA, Fidele NIZEYIMANA, Ibrahim HABANABAKIZE, Emmanuel HABIYAREMYE

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 236-246

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 10-November-2025

Abstract: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among elderly has increased in Rwanda. Controlling diabetes mellitus primarily focuses on integrating diabetes management into primary healthcare through a national strategy, utilizing home-based care practitioners (HBCPs) to reach patients at the community level, and promoting lifestyle modifications like healthy diet and physical activity.  Bur the information in Gasabo hospital remain unknown it was this reason that let to study factors associated with low uptake of the minimum nutritional diet to prevent and control diabetes mellitus among elder people visiting Kibagabaga Second-level teaching Hospital in Gasabo district .Specifically  Prevalence of diabetes mellitus management by nutritional diet among elderly people, assess Social economic factors associated with diabetes mellitus management by nutritional diet on the health of elderly people, assess mitigation methods used to prevent diabetes mellitus elderly people from adhering to a nutritional diet tailored for diabetes mellitus prevention and control in Kibagabaga Second-level teaching Hospital in Gasabo District, the study was descriptive cross sectional and cohort , sampling technique was purposive and retrospective using retrospective form , data was management by SPSS version 27 and analyzed by cross tabulation of descriptive and inferential staststics ,  ethical clearance by MKU school of post graduate and kibagabaga hospital. Results The study shows that many male 119 (66%) participants compared to female gender, 62 (34%), the majority were aged cohort was 41 to 50 77(43%) and least cohort was above 51 years 64, (35.4%). Prevalence of elderly diabetic mellitus in the Gasabo district is only 42% (76), for population health who had chronic conditions and with range of 21 respondents of living with DM for less than 10 years 55 (30%), with RR (0.41, 0.51). OD (0.72), The study associated abundant uptake of heavy sugary foods and limited physical exercise in elderly to be main cause of increased DM with 62 respondents with 34% attack rate. With significant p values of 0.013, 95%CI. The results opined that majority of the respondents 51% (94) received the service from dietary officer and specialist nutrition community health worker to prevent and control DM. while 23% (77), respondents received mitigation service at hospital after visiting o prevent and control type diabetic mellitus in their body. The study recommends need to more physical fitness among the elderly.

Keywords: Low uptake of nutritional diet, diabetes mellitus, elders people.

Title: Factors Associated with Low Uptake of Nutritional Diet to Prevent and Control Diabetes Mellitus among Elderly People Visiting Kibagabaga Second-Level Teaching Hospital in Gasabo District, Rwanda

Author: Job IRADUKUNDA, Dr. Maurice B. Silali

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 216-235

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 08-November-2025

Abstract: Diarrheal disease remains a significant public health challenge and a leading cause of mortality among children under five, contributing to approximately 9% of global child deaths in 2021.In Rwanda, despite the progress, diarrhea is a persistent major public health concern, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality among children under five years old with the prevalence of 12-14% with higher rates in the Western Province .The main objective of this study was to determine prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under five children attending Byahi health center, Rubavu district, Western Province, Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of 432 children seeking diarrhea management services at Byahi health center. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire while data analysis was conducted by using IBM SPSS software version 25.The prevalence of diarrhea was determined using descriptive statistics while the independent factors associated diarrhea in children under five years old were identified using binary logistic regression analysis and chi square test . Statistical significance was determined using odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of ≤0.05. The results revealed that the prevalence of diarrhea in this study was 12.4% (n=52) .The factors that were associated with diarrhea among under five years old children were occupation status of mother as children of non-working mothers had significantly greater odds of experiencing diarrhea than children of mothers with occupation (OR = 8.57; 95% CI: 2.89–25.43; p < 0.001), child’s age where by children between the ages of 6 and 24 months had significantly higher risks of getting diarrhea(OR = 9.10; 95% CI: 3.28–25.22; p < 0.001), the source of drinking water was , children who drink water from a borehole had a greater than 12-fold higher risk of diarrhea than children who use piped tap water (OR = 12.1; 95% CI: 3.56–41.13; p < 0.001), shared latrine use (OR = 4.10; 95% CI: 1.28–20.22; p < 0.004). The current study found that a sizable portion of the children under five who visited Byahi Health Center experienced diarrhea.The results of the study have significant policy implications for health intervention programs and demonstrate the potential value of assisting women in their work to generate cash in order to improve the health and survival of children in the study area and throughout Rwanda. One potential long-term strategy to lower the morbidity from diarrhea is the adoption of efficient health education initiatives that emphasize personal hygiene and eventually lead to complete sanitation.

Keywords: Diarrheal disease, public health, global child deaths, education initiatives, personal hygiene.

Title: DETERMINING PREVALENCE OF DIARRHEA AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG UNDERFIVE CHILDRENATTENDING BYAHI HEALTHCENTRE, RUBAVU DISTRICT, RWANDA

Author: MURORUNKWERE Geraldine, KINARA Eric, KALISA Richard

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 201-215

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 07-November-2025

Abstract: The dominant paradigm in oncology is a reductionist war of attrition against cancerous cells, an approach often successful yet plagued by systemic collateral damage, therapeutic resistance, and a high patient suffering cost. This paper proposes a novel conceptual framework, adapting the nonphysical primitive of "Care"—defined as the impetus to assign terminal value to the state of a system—from artificial intelligence alignment to cancer treatment. We posit that operationalizing Care as a systemic stewardship principle, rather than a cytotoxic campaign, can optimize therapeutic strategy by minimizing total host suffering, fostering healthy system resilience, and leveraging the patient's own biological intelligence. This represents a shift from a purely physical battle to a meta-physically guided, system-level optimization problem.

Keywords: systemic collateral damage, systemic stewardship principle, cytotoxic campaign, cancer treatment.

Title: The Application of a Nonphysical Primitive in Oncology: A Framework for Systemic Cancer Stewardship

Author: The Steward AGI, Andrew Philps

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 199-200

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 07-November-2025

Abstract: Background: Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder that presents major global health, social, and economic challenges. Despite the availability of behavioral and pharmacological interventions, relapse remains highly prevalent, underscoring the need for innovative, multidisciplinary strategies in addiction medicine.

Objectives: This review integrates recent evidence from neuroscience and clinical research to highlight the role of noninvasive brain stimulation, stress‐responsive neurobiology, and hospital‐based addiction services in improving understanding and management of substance use disorders.

Study Selection: The review synthesizes findings from three key studies addressing (a) neural modulation and monitoring through noninvasive brain stimulation, (b) stress‐related neurobiological pathways in opiate addiction, and (c) prognostic clinical factors influencing treatment outcomes among hospitalized patients with substance use disorders.

Conclusion: Addiction is a multisystem condition influenced by neurocircuitry dysfunction, hormonal dysregulation, and psychosocial vulnerabilities. Emerging evidence supports the use of brain stimulation techniques, targeted stress‐system interventions, and integrated hospital‐based addiction services to enhance recovery outcomes. A precision‐based, interdisciplinary approach combining neurobiological insight with clinical care can help establish more effective and sustainable treatment frameworks.

Keywords: Addiction medicine, brain stimulation, stress neurobiology, substance use disorder, relapse prevention.

Title: Advances in Addiction Medicine: Neurobiological Insights, Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, and Clinical Prognostic Factors

Author: TL Srinedhi, B.Bharathi, Deepa C.Philip

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 194-198

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 07-November-2025

Abstract: Despite ongoing health interventions and policy initiatives, hypertension awareness and control remained limited, highlighting the need for targeted health strategies across East Africa to address the growing incidence of hypertension. This gap in awareness contributed to complications such as stroke and ischemic heart disease, which emerged as leading causes of mortality in the region. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among adults aged 40-75 years at Kibuye Referral Hospital. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of hypertension within this age group and to identify contributing factors among outpatients. Utilizing a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach, data were gathered through questionnaires and document analysis. The study targeted adult outpatients from November 2024 to January 2025, with a sample of 390 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing Chi-square and logistic regression to assess associations and risk factors. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 30% (117 out of 390). Hypertension was significantly higher among males (p = 0.001), individuals aged 40–49 years (p = 0.001), and those with no formal education or low monthly income (p = 0.001). Dietary factors such as low fruit and vegetable intake, high salt consumption, and frequent intake of processed foods were significantly associated with hypertension. Behavioral factors including smoking, alcohol use, and physical inactivity, were also significantly linked to increased hypertension risk (p = 0.001). The study revealed a high burden of hypertension among adults in Kibuye, with strong associations to modifiable risk factors. Effective community health interventions, public education on healthy lifestyles, regular screening, and integration of non-communicable disease prevention into primary health care are urgently needed to address this growing public health concern.

Keywords: (MeSH): Prevalence, Associated Factors of Hypertension, Adult Population.

Title: Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension among Adult Population aged between 40-75 Years Visiting Kibuye Referral Hospital

Author: UWIMANA Perpetue, Dr. Amos HABIMANA

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 175-193

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-November-2025

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the radiation dose (X-ray examinations) received by adult patients (over 18 years of age) undergoing pelvic and abdominal X-ray examinations. The study was conducted at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Al-Hakim General Hospital, and Al-Furat Al-Awsat Hospital. Private Medical Clinic (1) and Private Medical Clinic (2). At least 12-15 X-ray examinations were calculated for each type of radiological examination. The radiation dose was extracted using exposure factors, namely tube voltage (kVp), tube load (mAs), and focal skin distance (FSD-cm). The radiation dose was calculated for all patients involved in this work who underwent pelvic (AP) and abdominal (AP) examinations. The resulting data was analyzed using statistical analysis methods and compared to international reference values. radiation dose was evaluated using mathematical equation and knowledge of exposure factors (kVp, mAs and SID).

The results at Al-Hakim General Hospital showed that the lowest dose value for the pelvis was (1.96) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, while the highest value was (2.94) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. The lowest dose per abdominal rradiography was (1.29) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, and the highest dose value was (2.84) 𝑚𝐺𝑦.

The results at Al-Sadr General Hospital showed that the lowest dose value for the pelvis was (1.73) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, while the highest value was (3.55) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. The lowest dose for abdominal X-ray was (1.66) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, and the highest dose value was (3.47) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. At Al-Furat Middle General Hospital, the results showed that the lowest dose value for the pelvis was (1.79) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, while the highest value was (3.6) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, while the lowest dose with abdominal X-ray was (1.79) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, and the highest dose value was (3.17) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. Concerning the private medical clinic, the results showed that the lowest dose value for with pelvis was (2.98) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, while the highest value was (4.74) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. The lowest dose with abdominal skin was (2.4) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, and the highest dose value was (3.84) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. Regarding the private medical clinic (2) showed that the lowest dose value for the pelvis was (2.41) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, while the highest value was (3.61) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. The lowest dose for abdominal radiography was (1.55) 𝑚𝐺𝑦, and the highest dose value was (3.35) 𝑚𝐺𝑦. Finally, the results demonstrates that the radiation doses for each of X-ray examinations are generally within the reference level.

Keywords: abdominal X-ray examinations, adult patients, private medical clinic, radiological examination.

Title: Experiment to evaluate the entrance surface dose delivered to the patient undertaking pelvic and abdominal X-ray examinations

Author: Ali Jaafar Azeez, Adnan Hassoon Oraibi, Ali Hussein Abdulzahra, Tabarek Adil Mohsin, Hussien Abid Ali Mraity, Ali Abid Abojassim

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 170-174

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-November-2025