University of Zambia

About: University of Zambia is a education organization based out in Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 2593 authors who have published 4402 publications receiving 122411 citations. The organization is also known as: UNZA.

The Asafo System in Historical Perspective

Abstract: There has been some controversy as to the origins of the Asafo, the patrilineal military bands of the coastal Akan, and especially of the Fante, in Ghana One view holds that the asafo system is indigenous to Fante society, the other that its development is in some way connected with the presence of Europeans on the coast from the end of the fifteenth century onwards After an examination of the nature of the asafo system and of its patrilinealism, historical evidence relating to the asafo, the manceroes (young men), and town wards in Fante society is set out in some detail It is concluded that the asafo system is probably indigenous in its origins, but that its development, particularly on the coast and among the Fante especially, has been much influenced by situations resulting from contact with Europeans

'Ring' your future, without changing diaper - Can preventing teenage pregnancy address child marriage in Zambia?

Abstract: Teenage pregnancy and child marriage are prevalent in Zambia and are complexly interrelated issues with common causes and effects. The aim of this study was to explore factors in the social and cultural environment shaping young people’s sexual behaviour, with specific attention to teenage pregnancy and child marriage in Eastern Zambia. The study was conducted in selected wards in Petauke, Chadiza and Katete districts, using an exploratory mixed-method design including a household survey, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The participants included 1,434 young females and males aged 15 to 24, female and male parents and caregivers; grandmothers; traditional leaders; teachers; health and social workers; representatives from youth associations, community-based and non-governmental organizations; and district level policy makers. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis and NVivo was used to manage the data, while survey data were analysed using Stata. The study revealed a high prevalence rate of teenage pregnancy (48%) and child marriage (13%) among young women. The mean age at first pregnancy or fatherhood was lower among female (17) than male respondents (20). A clear interlinkage between teenage pregnancy and child marriage was found, the two issues were mutually reinforcing. While teenage pregnancy appeared both as a cause and consequence of child marriage, marriage was mostly a common response to pregnancy. Early sexual debut, limited knowledge and use of contraception, poverty and limited future perspectives as well as sexual and gender norms were identified as the main causative factors of teenage pregnancy and therefore, child marriage. Based on the findings, a conceptual model to explain the interrelationships between young people’s sexual behaviour, teenage pregnancy and child marriage is discussed. To address teenage pregnancy and child marriage in Eastern Zambia, there is a need to look into the realities and needs of young people regarding sex and relationships.

Uptake of lead, cadmium, and other metals in the liver and kidneys of cattle near a lead-zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia.

Abstract: Concentrations of lead, cadmium, and other metals in the liver and kidneys of cattle near a lead-zinc mine in Kabwe (Zambia), which is ranked among the 10 worst polluted places on earth, were compared with other Zambian towns. Metal concentrations were measured in the liver and kidneys of 51 cattle from Kabwe and other Zambian towns. The maximum metal concentrations, expressed in mg/kg and dry weight, in the liver or kidneys were 398.4 (Cu), 252.6 (Zn), 77.81 (Cr), 19.37 (Cd), 7.57 (Ni), 1.8 (Pb), 1.04 (Co), 0.112 (Hg), and 0.05 (As). Concentrations of Pb and Cd in Kabwe cattle were higher than levels in other Zambian towns. The mean concentration of Cd exceeded benchmark values in offal destined for human consumption. Levels of Ni and Cr may also pose public health concerns. Concentrations of Pb and Cr, Pb and Cu, Cd and Zn, Cd and Hg, Zn and Cu, Cu and Co, as well as Co and Ni were positively correlated. The present study also highlighted the dangers of exposure of animals and humans to a mixture of toxic metals.

Predictors of Antenatal Care, Skilled Birth Attendance, and Postnatal Care Utilization among the Remote and Poorest Rural Communities of Zambia: A Multilevel Analysis.

Abstract: Objective: Optimal utilisation of maternal health care services is associated with reduction of mortality and morbidity for both mothers and their neonates. However, deficiencies and disparity in the use of key maternal health services within most developing countries still persist. We examined patterns and predictors associated with the utilisation of specific indicators for maternal health services among mothers living in the poorest and remote district populations of Zambia. Methods: A cross-sectional baseline household survey was conducted in May 2012. A total of 551 mothers with children between the ages 0 – 5 months were sampled from 29 catchment areas in four rural and remote districts of Zambia using the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling method. Using multilevel modelling, we accounted for individual and community level factors associated with utilisation of maternal health care services, with a focus on antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC). Results: Utilisation rates of focused ANC, SBA and PNC within 48 hours were 30%, 37%, and 28%, respectively. The mother’s ability to take an HIV test and receiving test results, and uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for malaria were positive predictors of focused ANC. Receiving ANC at least once from skilled personnel was a significant predictor of SBA and PNC within 48 hours after delivery. Women who live in centralised rural areas were more likely to use SBA than those living in remote rural areas. Conclusion: Utilisation of maternal health services by mothers living among the remote and poor marginalized populations of Zambia is much lower than the national averages. Finding that women that receive ANC once from a skilled attendant among the remote and poorest populations are more likely to have a SBA and PNC, suggests the importance of contact with a skilled health worker even if it is just once, in influencing use of services. Therefore, it appears that in order for women in these marginalised communities to benefit from SBA and PNC, it is important for them to have at least one ANC provided by a skilled personnel, rather than non skilled health care providers.

Oligosaccharide Composition of Breast Milk Influences Survival of Uninfected Children Born to HIV-Infected Mothers in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract: Background: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have multiple immunomodulatory functions that influence child health. Objective: In this study we investigated whether HMO composition influences survival to 2 y of age in HIV-infected and HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) children during and after breastfeeding. Methods: In the context of an early weaning trial in 958 HIV-infected women in Lusaka, Zambia, we conducted a nested case-cohort analysis of mortality to 2 y of age among 103 HIV-infected and 143 HEU children. Breast-milk samples collected at 1 mo postpartum were analyzed for HMO content. Samples were selected to include mothers of all HIV-infected children detected by 6 wk of age, of whom 63 died at <2 y of age; mothers of all HEU children who died at <2 y of age (n = 66); and a random sample of 77 HEU survivors. Associations before and after weaning in HIV-infected and HEU infants separately were investigated by using Cox models. Results: Among HEU children, higher maternal breast-milk concentrations of 2-linked fucosylated HMOs [2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP) I] (HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.74) as well as non–2-linked fucosylated HMOs (3-fucosyllactose and LNFP II/III; HR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.67) were significantly associated with reduced mortality during, but not after, breastfeeding after adjustment for confounders. Breastfeeding was protective against mortality only in HEU children with high concentrations of fucosylated HMOs. Among HIV-infected children, no consistent associations between HMOs and mortality were observed, but breastfeeding was protective against mortality. Conclusions: The oligosaccharide composition of breast milk may explain some of the benefits of breastfeeding in HEU children. HIV infection may modulate some of the consequences of HMOs on child survival.