Review
Oncology
Tonia C. Onyeka, Justus U. Onu, David A. Agom
Summary: This review explores the psychosocial aspects of adult cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), identifying research gaps and making recommendations for future research, policy, and practice. The review includes 83 studies across 15 countries, covering areas such as psychosocial needs, psychiatric disorders, coping strategies, suicidality, psychometrics, and psychosocial interventions. Despite sufficient research on psychosocial needs and psychiatric disorders, there is a significant gap in research on psychosocial interventions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin L. Rice, Akshaya Annapragada, Rachel E. Baker, Marjolein Bruijning, Winfred Dotse-Gborgbortsi, Keitly Mensah, Ian F. Miller, Nkengafac Villyen Motaze, Antso Raherinandrasana, Malavika Rajeev, Julio Rakotonirina, Tanjona Ramiadantsoa, Fidisoa Rasambainarivo, Weiyu Yu, Bryan T. Grenfell, Andrew J. Tatem, C. Jessica E. Metcalf
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown low burdens in sub-Saharan Africa compared to other regions, potentially influenced by factors such as climate and population demographics. Caution is needed when interpreting analyses that aggregate data from low- and middle-income settings. Heterogeneity in connectivity across sub-Saharan Africa may contribute to variance in the pace of viral spread.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Duncan McCloskey, Aggrey Semeere, Racheal Ayanga, Miriam Laker-Oketta, Robert Lukande, Matthew Semakadde, Micheal Kanyesigye, Megan Wenger, Philip LeBoit, Timothy McCalmont, Toby Maurer, Andrea Gardner, Juan Boza, Ethel Cesarman, Jeffrey Martin, David Erickson
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of a point-of-care device for molecular diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), achieving high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to traditional pathology. The results highlight the potential for the use of this diagnostic method to overcome barriers in limited-resource settings.
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
David Laborde, Valeria Pineiro
Summary: The Russia-Ukraine conflict had an impact on staple crop prices and stimulated interest in tropical wheat production. Regional consumption patterns and trade have a better potential to guide effective and sustainable food security policy strategies.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Danielle Whiting, Asiimwe Ian Shane, Rachel Pope, Stephen Payne, Suzie Venn
Summary: Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent among women in sub-Saharan Africa, with non-fistulous stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence being the most common types. Both obstetric and non-obstetric factors contribute to the development of urinary incontinence. The condition has significant social and emotional consequences, and there is a lack of understanding and awareness surrounding its etiology in sub-Saharan Africa. More resources and trained specialists are needed to address the needs of women with non-fistulous leakage in the region.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas P. Higginbottom, Roshan Adhikari, Ralitza Dimova, Sarah Redicker, Timothy Foster
Summary: The study reveals that only 16% of the proposed irrigated area is being delivered in 79 irrigation schemes across sub-Saharan Africa, with 25% delivering over 80% and 20% completely inactive. The findings are attributed to low economic viability, excessive optimism, and inadequate central bureaucratic systems in irrigation development.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Vijesh V. Krishna, Maximina A. Lantican, B. M. Prasanna, Kevin Pixley, Tahirou Abdoulaye, Abebe Menkir, Marianne Banziger, Olaf Erenstein
Summary: This study examines the adoption and impacts of CGIAR-related maize varieties in sub-Saharan Africa from 1995 to 2015. It finds that a significant proportion of maize varieties released during this period had CGIAR parentage, and that the cultivation of these varieties contributed to substantial economic benefits. The study also highlights the methodological challenges involved in large-scale impact assessments.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Katherine A. Collett, Stephanie A. Hirmer, Holger Dalkmann, Constance Crozier, Yacob Mulugetta, Malcolm D. McCulloch
Summary: Transport demand in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing due to population growth and economic development, leading to a rise in emissions. Despite the limited presence of electric vehicles in the region, they have the potential to offer benefits to governments, power systems, and vehicle owner-operators.
ENERGY STRATEGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Wade Ross, Niall P. Hanan, Lara Prihodko, Julius Anchang, Wenjie Ji, Qiuyan Yu
Summary: This study explores the socioenvironmental conditions shaping the distribution of woody vegetation in sub-Saharan Africa and evaluates ecosystem responses to various scenarios. Climate change is projected to have a negative impact on above-ground woody biomass, exacerbated by population growth, human pressures, and changes in fire behavior. Regional perturbations show increased carbon storage potential in East Africa, while deficits are seen in West, Central, and Southern Africa.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Kenneth J. Boote, Adegbola T. Adesogan, Mulubrhan Balehegn, Alan Duncan, James P. Muir, Jose C. B. Dubeux, Esteban F. Rios
Summary: Livestock systems are crucial for the sustainability and livelihood in sub-Saharan Africa, but face challenges such as low productivity and insufficient management practices. This special issue addresses key aspects of crop and livestock systems in SSA, aiming to provide insight for future development and implementation of efficient and sustainable integrated systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Habiba Ahut Daggash, Niall Mac Dowell
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa faces challenges such as extreme poverty, economic downturn, energy poverty, and climate change. All countries in the region have committed to increasing the use of renewable energy sources to address these issues. Despite facing difficulties in implementation, transitioning the energy system can help achieve these goals and promote economic development and climate resilience.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francesca F. Norman, Marta Gonzalez-Sanz, Beatriz Gullon-Pena, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Marta Rosas, Clara Crespillo-Andujar, Begona Monge-Maillo, Belen Comeche, Maria-Dolores Corbacho-Loarte, Cristina Arcas, Ignacio Pena, Maria C. Tenorio, Rogelio Lopez-Velez, Jose A. Perez-Molina
Summary: A cohort study in recently arrived, mainly asymptomatic, young sub-Saharan Africans found a frequency of 15% for HbS or haemoglobin C trait using a simple point-of-care screening test. Screening enables early diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies in vulnerable populations, facilitating access to care, genetic counselling, and the implementation of treatment and prevention strategies.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jabulani Matsimbe, Megersa Dinka, David Olukanni, Innocent Musonda
Summary: In recent years, geopolymers have been widely used as an alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to address issues related to CO2 emissions and solid waste management. This study aims to examine the bibliometric status of geopolymer research in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and found that it remains underexplored in the region. The study provides insights into the scientific agenda and evolution status of geopolymer research in SSA to foster future collaborative research and address environmental concerns.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel Magnone, Vahid J. Niasar, Alexander F. Bouwman, Arthur H. W. Beusen, Sjoerd E. A. T. M. van der Zee, Sheida Z. Sattari
Summary: New research indicates that sustainable and fossil fuel-driven economic growth can contribute towards improving food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Phosphorus availability is a major barrier to food security, and pathways towards sustainability or fossil fuel reliance have different impacts on food security. Prioritizing sustainable economic growth and avoiding nationalist ideologies are key to enhancing food security in the region.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dominic A. Alaazi, Devidas Menon, Tania Stafinski
Summary: Research on the health and wellbeing of elderly slum dwellers in sub-Saharan Africa focuses on disease prevalence, self-assessed health, health impairment, healthcare access, and sociodemographic disparities. However, there are gaps in the literature, including regional bias, lack of non-slum control samples, and limited research on the health impacts of slum built environments. Recommendations for future research are proposed.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ubaldo M. Bahemuka, Paul Okimat, Emily L. Webb, Janet Seeley, Ali Ssetaala, Brenda Okech, Bertha Oketch, Freddie M. Kibengo, Elialilia Okello, Zachary Kwena, Monica O. Kuteesa, Matt A. Price, Pontiano Kaleebu, Heiner Grosskurth, Pat Fast
Summary: This study aimed to understand factors associated with short and long term mobility among women in fishing communities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The results showed that age, travel purpose, frequency, sexual behavior, and destination were associated with long term travel. The findings can inform future healthcare interventions in these communities.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Seyed Amirhossein Hosseini, Robert G. Cumming, Ali Bijani, Reza Ghadimi, Hajighorban Noreddini, Seyed Reza Hosseini
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between bone mineral density and visceral adipose tissue in the elderly, and finds a positive correlation between them. The study also demonstrates that visceral adipose tissue serves a protective role against osteoporosis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL DENSITOMETRY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Cecile Kremer, Anatoli Kamali, Monica Kuteesa, Janet Seeley, Niel Hens, Rebecca N. Nsubuga
Summary: A study in high-risk fishing communities in Uganda showed that a combination of HIV prevention interventions can significantly reduce HIV transmission rates, with a projected 87% reduction in HIV incidence over 15 years. The study suggests that the goal of reducing HIV infection rates can be achieved in Ugandan fishing communities through comprehensive prevention measures.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Ethics
Nkosi Busisiwe, Janet Seeley, Ann Strode, Michael Parker
Summary: This review discusses the challenges related to comprehension in the process of obtaining informed consent in sub-Saharan African countries. The study identifies factors affecting comprehension and strategies used to enhance the informed consent process. The findings highlight the need for greater flexibility and cultural sensitivity in implementing informed consent in diverse socio-cultural contexts.
BMC MEDICAL ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Blessings M. Kapumba, Deborah Nyirenda, Nicola Desmond, Janet Seeley
Summary: This study explores the perceptions and experiences of research stakeholders regarding ancillary care in biomedical research projects in Malawi. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with researchers, health officials, research ethics committee members, research participants, and grants officers from international research funding organizations. The findings show that all stakeholders recognize the potential health benefits of providing ancillary care in biomedical research but also express concerns about the lack of guidance and support.
BMC MEDICAL ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
M. Mwamba, D. C. Lombe, S. Msadabwe, V. Bond, M. Simwinga, A. Sentoogo Ssemata, R. Muhumuza, J. Seeley, A. D. Mwaka, A. Aggarwal
Summary: This article provides a detailed overview of the barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Health service barriers, patient preferences for alternative medicine, limited knowledge of cancer in the population, patient obligations, perceived impact on sexuality and relationships, and stigma and discrimination faced by patients were identified as the main factors contributing to delays.
Correction
Infectious Diseases
David S. Lawrence, Tshepo Leeme, Mosepele Mosepele, Thomas S. Harrison, Janet Seeley, Joseph N. Jarvis
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Keletso Makofane, Hae-Young Kim, Eric Tchetgen Tchetgen, Mary T. Bassett, Lisa Berkman, Oluwafemi Adeagbo, Nuala McGrath, Janet Seeley, Maryam Shahmanesh, H. Manisha Yapa, Kobus Herbst, Frank Tanser, Till Baernighausen
Summary: This study quantified the effects of a randomized health intervention distributed within family networks. The results showed that offering incentives to family members increased HIV testing rates, and the impact was greater within family networks. Therefore, designing health interventions based on family networks is feasible.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abenathi Mcinziba, Peter Bock, Graeme Hoddinott, Janet Seeley, Virginia Bond, Sarah Fidler, Lario Viljoen
Summary: This study explores the interactions between managing household income and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in low-income settings. The study found that the management of household income influences ART adherence, including accessing treatment and consistently taking medication as prescribed. The study suggests including strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of income fluctuation and address complex household trade-offs in ART adherence support programs.
AIDS RESEARCH AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carolina Herrera, Jennifer Serwanga, Laura Else, Lebina Limakatso, Daniel Opoka, Andrew S. Ssemata, Azure-Dee Pillay, Patricia Namubiru, Thabiso B. Seiphetlo, Geoffrey Odoch, Susan Mugaba, Portia Seatlholo, Amara Alieu, Sujan Dilly Penchala, Richard Muhumuza, Berenice Alinde, Stefan Petkov, Kyle O'Hagan, Christian Callebaut, Janet Seeley, Helen Weiss, Saye Khoo, Francesca Chiodi, Clive M. Gray, Pontiano Kaleebu, Emily L. Webb, Neil Martinson, Julie Fox, CHAPS
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of on-demand HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for males in sub-Saharan Africa and the dosing requirement for insertive sex. The results showed that a double dose of either F/TDF or F/TAF provided protection against HIV infection in foreskin tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Further clinical evaluation of pre-coital PrEP for insertive sex is needed.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Nakamanya, Neema Nakyanjo, Caitlin Kennedy, William Ddaaki, Christine Ayanga, Richard John Ssemwanga, Jade Jackson, M. Kate Grabowski, Janet Seeley
Summary: Research on seven fishing communities in Uganda reveals that the migration of HIV-positive individuals to fishing communities is driven by the desire to avoid stigma and discrimination, as well as to have access to healthy food and community-based HIV care services.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Edward Tumwesige, Allen Asiimwe, Rachel Kawuma, Sarah Bernays, Janet Seeley
Summary: Young migrants in resource-constrained settings face challenges in finding work and adapting to new environments. A study in Uganda examined the experiences of 20 young male migrants and found that precarious employment and limited access to healthcare posed risks to their health and wellbeing. The study highlights the need to recognize and support this vulnerable population.
JOURNAL OF MIGRATION AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nothando Ngwenya, Sarah Bernays, Busisiwe Nkosi, Sithembile Ngema, Xolani Ngwenya, Vuyiswa Nxumalo, Janet Seeley
Summary: This study explores the experiences of young migrants and the role of uncertainty in their unstable lives. Through individual interviews and a workshop in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the researchers use uncertainty as a theoretical framework to demonstrate the significance of young migrants' experiences and their ability to assess and plan for better opportunities despite the challenges they face. The findings reveal how young migrants strive to create valuable lives amidst uncertainty. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing the intersectional nuances of uncertainty and the structural factors influencing migration among rural youth, while also acknowledging the structural violence experienced by these young people.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zeynab B. Diop, Sarah Bernays, Edward Tumwesige, Allen Asiimwe, Rachel Kawuma, Janet Seeley
Summary: In Uganda, young rural-urban migrants have lower utilization of health services compared to non-migrants. They face barriers in identifying and accessing healthcare, including lack of resources and social isolation.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jana Jarolimova, Glory Chidumwa, Natsayi Chimbindi, Nonhlanhla Okesola, Jaco Dreyer, Theresa Smit, Janet Seeley, Guy Harling, Andrew Copas, Kathy Baisley, Maryam Shahmanesh, (Carina Isisekelo Res Grp, Carina Herbst, Nuala Mcgrath, Thembelihle Zuma, Thandeka Khoza, Ngundu Behuhuma, Ingrid V. Bassett, Lorraine Sherr
Summary: The prevalence of curable STIs is high among adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa, especially among women and those residing in urban/periurban areas. Improved access to STI testing and rapid treatment is needed.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
(2023)