http://41.93.38.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7 2026-10-23T06:15:21Z 2026-10-23T06:15:21Z Karuhanga, Theresia A. Sharif, Zeinabu A. Magoda, Antony Madoshi, Philbert http://41.93.38.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/158 2026-09-03T09:22:31Z 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z

Prostate cancer awareness and factors influencing screening among men at St. Francis Referral Hospital, Tanzania Karuhanga, Theresia A.; Sharif, Zeinabu A.; Magoda, Antony; Madoshi, Philbert Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the top three cancers in men, after liver and lung cancers, accounting for 15%. Its incidence varies widely by region. The age standardized incidence rates are 79.1/100,000 in Oceania, 73.7/100,000 in North America, and 62.1/100,000 in Europe. Although Africa currently has an incidence rate of 26.6/100,000, it is predicted to have the highest rate in the future. Without adequate public health education, men continue to suffer from PCa due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to assess knowledge, awareness, and factors influencing PCa screening practices among adult men. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2025 at Saint Francis Referral Hospital using a pretested, semistructured questionnaire to collect data. All participants provided signed informed consent. The study collected information on socio-demographic factors, knowledge and awareness of PCa, screening, and factors affecting screening habits. Data were analysed and processed using SPSS. Results: A total of 399 adult men participated in the study, most of whom were aged 60 to 74 years (58.9%). 24.1% of participants were aware of PCa screening, and only 30.3% knew that Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a screening method for PCa. Psychological fear and cultural beliefs were the leading factors hindering PCa screening behaviour. Conclusion: Education is needed to improve access to PCa screening services and promote early detection to reduce morbidity and mortality

2026-08-01T00:00:00Z Morro, Rahabu. Nyamhanga, Neema T. Karuhanga, Theresia A. http://41.93.38.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/141 2025-09-17T08:06:18Z 2025-06-14T00:00:00Z

Prevalence and determinants of breast self-examination practice among medical students in higher learning institutions at Ifakara Town, Tanzania. Morro, Rahabu.; Nyamhanga, Neema T.; Karuhanga, Theresia A. Background: Breast self-examination (BSE) is a medical examination technique that involves female checking her breasts for any unusual lumps, changes in shape, or swelling. This can help detect breast cancer early. Breast cancer is a serious health issue globally, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, breast cancer is the top five most common cancer, accounting for 14.4% of all new cancer cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are the answers to enhancing outcomes for breast cancer. Research shows that many women detect their own breast cancer, suggesting a positive link between BSE and early detection. This study aimed to determine the awareness and practice of Breast SelfExamination (BSE) Practice Among Medical Students in middle and higher Learning Institutions. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Ifakara Town Council (ITC), involving middle and higher learning institutions. Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit female students at different years of study. Closed ended questionnaire was adapted for data collection. Results: A total of 386 medical students participated. The prevalence of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) practice was 49.0%. While 59.6% reported awareness of Breast Self-Examination, knowledge sources varied: mass media (46.9%), health professionals (37.7%), and relatives/friends (18.4%). Determinants significantly associated with Breast Self Examination practice included marital status (p=0.008), family history of breast cancer (p=0.005), and Breast Self Examination awareness (p=0.001). Age group, religious beliefs, program of study, and residency showed no statistically significant association. The moderate level of awareness yet sub-optimal practice rate (49.0%) suggests potential gaps in translating knowledge into consistent preventive action or underlying attitudinal barriers among this age group. Conclusion: The early detection of breast cancer diseases can be significantly possible by the self-assessment through BSE. An emphasize on Self -assessment of breast health should be emphasized to all ages who are at risk. Education to create awareness through mass media may be one of the priorities through broadcasting and short text in the mobile phones.

2025-06-14T00:00:00Z Karuhanga, Theresia A. Swai, Joseph. Tekie, Fassill. Gingo, Wilfred. Sitta, Prosper. Morro, Rahabu Ramadhani, Ashura. Sakuran, Bartazari. Magori, Casian. http://41.93.38.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/140 2025-09-17T07:54:14Z 2025-04-14T00:00:00Z

The Assessment of Five Years Results for Congenital Talipes Equinovarus Treatment at Saint Francis Rural Referral Hospital in Kilombero, Mororgoro Tanzania Karuhanga, Theresia A.; Swai, Joseph.; Tekie, Fassill.; Gingo, Wilfred.; Sitta, Prosper.; Morro, Rahabu; Ramadhani, Ashura.; Sakuran, Bartazari.; Magori, Casian. Background: Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) may be defined as a fixation of the foot in adduction. It is one of the common developmental malformations of the musculoskeletal system. To date, there is no global appropriate medical care. On addition to poverty, ignorance and inadequate health system are the major risk factors to the CTEV burden to developing countries. The Pirani scoring system is an instrumental tool for assessing both the severity of the deformity, and the progress of treatment. Objectives: To assess the CTEV treatment outcome within five years based on Ponsent method in rural referral private hospital in Kilombero, Morogoro Tanzania. Methodology: The prospective study, hospital based was carried out in a tertiary hospital. Ethical clearance was obtained from the hospital Ethics Committee. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were purposively recruited. The Pirani score of all feet were determine attending the child at the first time before initial manipulation was commenced, and was also done at each follow up visit until correction was achieved. Results: A total of 167 children were recruited of which 5 were excluded hence, 162 were included. The male to female ration was M: F 1.8:1. The Pirani score at presentation was ranging between 6 to 0.5. All candidates with clubfoot were treated primarily with padded cast as treatment phase. The stabilization phase involving tenotomy followed by foot abduction boot (FAB). The clubfoot correction achievement rate was 90.76%.The recurrent rate was 5.6%, failure rate was 3.7% noncompliance to clinic follow up and presence of other congenital malformations were two variables related to statistical management poor outcome (P-value 0.000 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: The Ponseti method remains the gold standard in club foot treatment, it simple, accessible and inexpensive. Since the approach requires a long-term follow-up of the child’s foot, therefore, there is a need of improving local clinic such that people in most remote area can be reached towards SDG #3 achievements.

2025-04-14T00:00:00Z Karuhanga, Theresia A. James, Bukwimba. S. Madoshi, Philbert. Masanya, Titus Senga, Pemba. K http://41.93.38.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/139 2025-09-17T07:31:35Z 2025-08-14T00:00:00Z

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Foot Care in Patient Living with Diabetic Mellitus at Saint Francis Referral Hospital: a CrosSectional Study 2024 Karuhanga, Theresia A.; James, Bukwimba. S.; Madoshi, Philbert.; Masanya, Titus; Senga, Pemba. K Introduction: Globally, about 425 million individuals are suffering from diabetes mellitus. In African countries about 24 million adults have diabetes mellitus which is equal to 4.5%. In Tanzania, the prevalence increases with age. This study was done at Saint Francis Referral aiming to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of diabetic foot care in outpatient. Methodology: The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted for 3moths at Saint Francis Referral Hospital aiming to assess Diabetic foot care (DFC) in patients living with DM in limited resourced areas in Tanzania. Results: total 111 diabetic patients were recruited to participate in this study. There was 54.95% female ad 45.05% male making F:M 1.2:1. The 40-49 age range was the most predominancy 33.3%. Very few of the participants had positive attitude 8.11% and only 7.21% strongly positive attitude on the effectiveness of DFC. Only 36.94% of the participants had moderate DFC practice. Conclusion: The study shows that there is poor attitude and practice of DFC among the people living with DM, hence, the need for social intervention towards negative attitude on the specific matter among the community. There is also a need of specialized Diabetic foot physician for DFC practice follow up in every clinic in order to reduce DFU prevalence in people living with DM particularly in limited resources including Tanzania.

2025-08-14T00:00:00Z