University of Zimbabwe

About: University of Zimbabwe is a education organization based out in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The organization has 4378 authors who have published 6800 publications receiving 160720 citations. The organization is also known as: UZ & University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

The trend of ocular surface squamous neoplasia among ocular surface tumour biopsies submitted for histology from Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit, Harare between 1996 and 2000.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the trend in the prevalence of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) among ocular surface tumour biopsies submitted for histology from Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit (SKEU), Harare between January 1996 and August 2000 Design: The study was a retrospective records review of patients who had biopsies of ocular surface tumours done during the study period Setting: National Referral Centre for eye patients (Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit), Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe Subjects: A total of 1 587 records of patients who had ocular surface tumour biopsies performed were reviewed Main Outcome Measure: Period prevalence of OSSN among ocular surface tumour biopsy specimens submitted for histology during the period under review Results: The median age of patients with OSSN was significantly different from the median age of patients with other conjunctival tumours: 35 years (interquartile range [IQR] 25 to 47 years) versus 51 years (IQR 25 to 60 years), p<00005 respectively Four hundred and thirty out of 615 (70%) patients with OSSN were females The overall period prevalence of OSSN was 615 of the total of 1 587 (388%) The annual prevalence of OSSN among ocular surface tumour biopsy specimens was found to be on the increase and ranged from 33% (115) in 1996 and 579% (165) during the year 2000 The Chi-squared test for trend analysis showed a significant upward linear trend (x 2 =274, p<0004) Fifty three percent of the tumours were OSSN, 42% were pterygium and 5% were pyogenic granulomas of the conjunctiva Conclusion: OSSN is the commonest tumour of the ocular surface whose primary site is the conjunctiva Its prevalence in Zimbabwe is on the increase and it has a predilection for females over males Further studies on the natural history, treatment and patient profile would pave a way to better quality of patient care and establish its association with HIV/AIDS

Ethnoveterinary plants and practices used for ecto-parasite control in semi-arid smallholder farming areas of Zimbabwe

Abstract: The inclusion of traditional plant-based ecto-parasite control methods in primary health care of livestock is increasingly becoming an important intervention for improving livestock productivity in resource-challenged smallholder farming areas. In this study, commonly used plants used for the control of cattle ticks and other pests were identified through a survey in four semi–arid districts of Zimbabwe. A standard structured questionnaire with details of demographics, socioeconomic status of households, livestock parasites, control practices and list of ethnoveterinary plants used was used to interview 233 knowledgeable smallholder farmers in four districts. Focus group discussions with community members further provided insights on how the plants were being used and other issues surrounding ecto-parasite control and indigenous knowledge systems in the study areas. The older generation (>40 years) of the respondents were knowledgeable about ethnoveterinary plants and practices. Overall, 51 plant species were reportedly effective against cattle ticks and other livestock parasites. The most frequently mentioned plants were in descending order, Cissus quadrangularis (30.1%), Lippia javanica (19.6%), Psydrax livida (14.9%) and Aloe sp (14.9%). Most of the plant materials were prepared by crushing and soaking in water and spraying the extract on animals. Despite the knowledge of these useful pesticidal plants, the preferred animal health care for cattle and other highly ranked livestock species is still the use of commercial acaricides. Cattle dipping services were reported sporadic by 48% of the respondents. Traditional knowledge and plants are considered only as an alternative in the absence of conventional synthetic products. Livestock farming communities know of plant species used for livestock ecto-parasite control. The plant species are mostly used to complement commercial products. More work, is required to confirm the acaricidal properties claimed by the farmers in order to optimize and promote sustainable use of these plants.

Birthweight and blood pressure among children in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract: AIM—To determine whether poor uterine growth may be associated with increased blood pressure and subsequent hypertension in adulthood. METHODS—A retrospective cohort study of 756 schoolchildren (mean age 6.5 years) was carried out in six low income areas in Harare city, Zimbabwe. Indices of intrauterine growth and blood pressure were assessed. RESULTS—Adjusted for current weight, the children's systolic blood pressure was inversely related to their birthweight; for each decreasing kg of birthweight, systolic blood pressure rose by 1.73 mm Hg (95% CI; 0.181 to 3.28). After adjustment for current weight, systolic blood pressure was also inversely associated with occipito-frontal circumference, but not with birth length or gestational age. Diastolic blood pressure was not associated with any of the intrauterine indices. CONCLUSION—Fetal size may be inversely related to systolic blood pressure in childhood in an African population.

Determinants and prevalence of occupational stress among Zimbabwean school administrators

Abstract: A survey of the literature will undoubtedly show that the last two decades have witnessed a proliferation of research studies on occupational stress among educational personnel, and that interest in this area has not abated. Unfortunately, little is known about occupational stress in many developing societies because a preponderance of these studies have been carried out in industrialized and developed societies where conditions may be dissimilar to those obtaining in developing societies. Therefore, the current study sought to contribute to a better understanding of occupational stress in teaching by investigating the sources, incidence and intensity of administrative stress among headteachers in Zimbabwe. The results of a survey of a sample of 95 headteachers showed that the sample experienced relatively high levels of administrative stress compared with previous findings. In addition, the study revealed several demographic characteristics and school variables which influenced the respondents’ perceptions of situations which cause stress. Finally, implications of the study were discussed in terms of policy, preparation of school administrators, school management and future research.