Luanda Province Research Articles

Dog Blood Type DEA 1 in Two Municipalities of Luanda Province of Angola (Sub-Saharan Africa).

In dogs, the risk of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction at the first transfusion is negligible; however, mismatched transfusions may produce alloimmunization. To avoid fatal acute hemolytic reactions in subsequent blood transfusions, it is important to recognize blood groups and to blood type both the donor and the recipient. Prevalence of dog blood groups varies geographically and between breeds. Our aim was to determine DEA 1 prevalence in a canine population in Luanda (Angola) and to assess alloimmunization risk after a mismatched blood transfusion. Blood samples were typed using an immunochromatographic strip technique. Of the 112 dogs tested (59 males; 53 females), 52.68% were DEA 1 positive and 47.32% DEA 1 negative. Females tended to be DEA 1 positive, and males DEA 1 negative (p = 0.0085). In a first-time mismatched blood transfusion, the calculated probability of a dog becoming sensitized was 24.9% and the probability of an acute hemolytic reaction following a second incompatible blood transfusion was 6.21%. DEA 1 prevalence obtained was similar to that reported worldwide, but differs from other African countries. The risk of alloimmunization and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions in mismatched blood transfusions is higher than that in other African regions. Blood typing is recommended prior to transfusion.

A study on physicians' knowledge and practices of asthma managementin Angola.

Asthma is the most common chronic non-communicable disease in children and one of the most common in adults, and the majority of asthma-related deaths are attributed to middle- and low-income countries. Physicians' knowledge and practice have been recognized as fundamental elements in the approach to the asthmatic patient with an impact on the treatment and control of the disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of Angolan physicians in the management of asthma, as well as to identify the main gaps. It was a cross-sectional study carried out in Angola. The data were collected through an online questionnaire to assess the knowledge about asthma among the physicians and the Physicians Practice Assessment Questionnaire. Categorical variables were described with frequencies and percentages. All associations between good practice and possible predictors were established with logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 204 physicians throughout Angola participated; the majority of whom were female, aged -between 31 and 40, and from the Luanda province. The average percentage of correct answers for all domains was 65.8% (±SD11.1%). The lowest percentages were in the answers about the diagnosis, drugs, and the signs of an asthma attack. Out of the 204 participants, 81.9% of physicians confirmed seeing patients with asthma. The average percentage of them who reported practicing asthma management based on recommended guidelines was 59.8% (±SD27.8%). More than half of the physicians did not achieve that percentage. The lowest percentages of correct answers concerned assessment of the inhaler technique, provision of a written referral for asthma education, and use of the GINA guidelines to assess the patient's asthma control. Concerning the predictors of best practices, our results showed that being a physician of older age and with more work experience, as well as having the category of specialist were significant predictors of adherence to recommended practices for asthma management. The physicians' level of knowledge about asthma was moderate, but there are important practical gaps in asthma management regarding standard guidelines.

Risk of obstructive sleep apnea in stroke patients in tertiary-level hospitals in the province of Luanda, 2021

Risk of obstructive sleep apnea in stroke patients in tertiary-level hospitals in the province of Luanda, 2021

Influence of electronic media on food choices of schoolchildren and adolescents in Luanda, Angola

Background: Malnutrition in Angola has reached a prevalence of 17.3 %. On the other hand, the prevalence of childhood obesity is 2.4 %. There has been a food transition in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 28% of consumers obtain their products under the influence of advertising, which influences the infant and youth public. Aims: This research aims to verify the influence of electronic media on the food choices of schoolchildren and adolescents in Luanda province, Angola. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted, involving 268 students aged 8 to 17 years, in Luanda province, Angola. Results: There was a predominance of overweight (15.25 %) and obesity (7.2 %) among children, with a predominance of underweight among adolescents (9.37 %). There was a statistically significant association between BMI, the desire to consume foods previously seen on television (TV) (p = 0.03), and the habit of ingesting nutritionally inadequate foods in front of the TV (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Overweight and underweight coexist among the surveyed students. The constant consumption of food in front of media devices may drive the excessive intake of foods considered nutritionally inadequate, affecting the nutritional status of children and adolescents. Keywords: Influence of electronic media; nutritional status of children, malnutrition; underweight; overweight.

An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Quiçama National Park, Angola

The Quiçama National Park (PNQ), located in Luanda Province, Angola, is one of the oldest protected areas in the country. Although some work has been done on the flora of the Park, up to now a comprehensive record of the vascular plant species has been lacking. The objective of the present study was to produce an inventory of the vascular plant diversity of PNQ, as well as to record the types of vegetation in which each species occurs, their habits, uses by local communities, common names, and conservation status. A total of 452 species were recorded, from 285 genera and 85 families. Two species are Pteridophytes, 99 are Monocotyledons, and 351 are Dicotyledons. The two largest families of the PNQ flora are the Fabaceae and the Poaceae. The Park hosts 14 species endemic to Angola, and one of them is restricted to this protected area. Of the 128 species with data on conservation status, 109 are considered of least concern, 13 are vulnerable, and six are endangered. Regarding useful plants, 237 species from 67 families were recorded. Of these, 196 are Dicotyledons and 41 are Monocotyledons. Most of them are used for medicinal purposes, the manufacturing of artefacts, and as sources of food.

Inequalities and Asymmetries in the Development of Angola’s Provinces: The Impact of Colonialism and Civil War

Angola, as with many countries on the African continent, has great inequalities or asymmetries between its provinces. At the economic, financial, and technological level, there is a great disparity between them, where it is observed that the province of Luanda is the largest financial business center to the detriment of others, such as Moxico, Zaire, and Cabinda. In the latter, despite the advantages of high oil production, from a regional point of view, they remain almost stagnant in time, in a social dysfunction where the population lives on extractivism and artisanal fishing. This article analyzes the most important events in contemporary regional history, the Portuguese occupation that was the Portuguese colonial rule over Angola (1890–1930) and the civil war that was a struggle between Angolans for control of the country (1975–2002), in the consolidation of the asymmetries between provinces. For this work, a theoretical-reflective study was conducted based on the reading of books, articles, and previous investigations on the phenomenon studied. Considering the interpretation and analysis of the theoretical content obtained through the bibliographic research conducted, this theoretical construction approaches the qualitative approach. We conclude that the deep inequalities between regions and within them, between the provinces studied, originated historically in the form of exploitation of the regions and from the consequences of the war. The asymmetries, observed through the variables studied show that the provinces historically explored and considered object regions present a lower growth compared to those that were considered subject regions in which the applied geopolitical strategy, as they are centers of primary production flows, was different. We also observe that, due to the conflicts of the civil war in the less developed regions, the inequalities have deepened, contributing seriously to a higher level of poverty and a lower development of the provinces where these conflicts took place.

Serological identification of past and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection through antibody screening in Luanda, Angola.

Serological identification of past and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection through antibody screening in Luanda, Angola.

Physicians' perceptions of their knowledge and the preparedness of health facilities in Angola to diagnose and manage COVID-19.

BackgroundHealthcare professionals represent a vulnerable group in terms of responding to COVID-19. Knowledge can influence healthcare professionals through adoption of the correct attitudes and practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by a questionnaire, the perceptions of physicians about their level of knowledge as well as conditions in their workplaces for dealing with COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional study of Angolan physicians took place from 11 May to 23 June 2020. A questionnaire was electronically shared across social media and via email.ResultsThe sample consisted of 637 valid questionnaires; 53% of respondents were female, 41% were aged 31–40 y and 79% were from Luanda province. About 51% of physicians perceived that they had adequate knowledge about COVID-19 and 64% used personal protective equipment. These figures were higher among specialists from the province of Luanda. About 81% stated that their health units lacked the technical capacity to diagnose COVID-19. Only 35% of health units have chest tomography equipment; 44% are prepared for the care and/or isolation of patients. Only 33% of units are running intensive care units. The main concerns of physicians were training opportunities and limited access to personal protective equipment.ConclusionThe results show that it is necessary to strengthen physicians’ knowledge about COVID-19, as well as to improve the conditions of the health units, so as to promote safe practices.

Proposta dos parâmetros de transformação de coordenadas rectangulares da província de Luanda do elipsoide de Clark 1880 para o WGS 84

A atividade geodésica experimenta uma transformação significativa com o surgimento dos sistemas de posicionamento por observações de Satélites Artificiais Terrestres (SAT). A sua capacidade atual permite a determinação com alta precisão, da posição de qualquer objeto sobre a superfície da terra, aliada à rapidez e comodidade, superando os métodos clássicos em muitos aspetos. Com a adoção do sistema WGS 84 (World Geodetic System), os documentos cartográficos, em uso atualmente e produzidos com base no sistema Clark 1880 que é um sistema topocêntrico, terão de ser transformados ou adequados ao novo referencial geocêntrico. No presente artigo fez-se ênfase na determinação dos parâmetros de transformação na Província de Luanda. Os procedimentos metodológicos seguidos fundamentam-se na pesquisa descritiva, onde se destaca o método dedutivo, com base nos resultados obtidos através dos dados coletados. Neste contexto foram utilizados 8 pontos da Rede Geodésica de Angola (RGA), com coordenadas retangulares, referenciados no elipsoide Clark 1880 e WGS 84. Solucionado o sistema de equações normais, foram estimados os quatro parâmetros de transformação de Luanda (ΔX= -195.9722 metros; ΔY= + 53.8010 metros; γ = 1.5708 arcseg; m = 0.9999), pelo método dos mínimos quadrados. A avaliação dos resultados foi feita pela comparação das diferenças entre as coordenadas estimadas pelo ajustamento e os valores de referência, isto é, os valores conhecidos. Os resultados demonstraram que o modelo se apresenta apropriado para a transformação de bases cartográficas, sobretudo às de escalas iguais ou menores que 1:5000.

Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in 6–7-year-old schoolchildren from Luanda, Angola

BackgroundEpidemiological data have shown that the prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children is still increasing, namely in Africa. However, there are no epidemiological studies on asthma or allergic diseases in Angolan children. ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Angolan children. MethodsDescriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, using the ISAAC study methodology, in the province of Luanda, Angola in 6–7-year-old children. Forty-six (8.3%) public schools were randomly selected. Data were analysed using the SPSS Statistics version 24.0 software. ResultsA total of 3080 children were studied. Results showed that the prevalence of asthma (wheezing in the previous 12 months) was 15.8%, that of rhinitis (sneezing, runny or blocked nose in the previous 12 months) was 19%, and that of eczema (itchy skin lesions in the previous 12 months) was 22%, without differences between sexes. Rhinitis was associated with a higher number of episodes of wheezing episodes, disturbed sleep and night cough, in children with asthma. Rhinitis, eczema, Split-type air conditioning system, antibiotic intake in the child's first year of life, frequent intake (more than once per month) of paracetamol and active maternal smoking were associated with a higher risk of having asthma, whereas electrical cooking was associated with a protective effect. ConclusionAsthma and allergic diseases are highly prevalent in children from Luanda. A strategy for preventive and control measures should be implemented.

Evaluation of the meningitis surveillance system in Luanda Province, Angola, March 2017

Evaluation of the meningitis surveillance system in Luanda Province, Angola, March 2017

Risk factors associated with yellow fever epidemic, Luanda, 2016

Introduction : on 22 January 2016, the Minister of Health of Angola declared an outbreak of yellow fever in Luanda province; after 30 years without any confirmed cases. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the yellow fever infection in patients residing in Luanda province. Methods : we conducted a 1:1 case-control study, with 120 cases and 120 controls. A case was defined as a person with positive laboratory confirmation for yellow fever. A control was a neighbor of case with negative laboratory test for yellow fever. A structured questionnaire was applied to those who gave informed consent to participate. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors with yellow fever infection. Significance level was set at p Results : 63.3% of the cases and controls were male, 48.3% of the cases belonged to the 11-20 age group, whereas only 47.5% of controls belonged to that age-group, and 34.2% lived in viana district. In 6.9% of cases co-infection with Malaria was detected. Factors associated with yellow fever infection were: not being vaccinated against yellow fever [OR = 24.9 (95% CI 9.8-62.8)]; presence of water containers without cover at home [OR = 13.7 (95% CI 4.6-40.8)]; existence of gutters in the house [OR = 3.5 (95% CI 1.1-12.1)]; and having bottles around the house [OR = 2.7 (95% CI 1.1-7.2)]. Conclusion : these results show the need for increasing public awareness about vector control communitarian strategies and personal protection from mosquito bites, as well as, the need to improve yellow fever vaccination coverage throughout the province of Luanda, mainly in the district of Viana, which was the most affected.

Factors associated with malaria mortality in the Province of Luanda, 2017

Introduction : malaria is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age globally and in Angola. From December 2015 to May 2016, all health units in Luanda reported an alarming increase in the number of cases of severe Malaria and related deaths in all age groups, especially in the 0-4 age group. This study sought to evaluate risk factors associated with high Malaria mortality rate among children Methods : a 1:1 age matched hospital based case control study was carried out in 142 malaria hospitalized children. A case was any child under the age of 5 years with a diagnosis of microscopically confirmed Malaria and whose outcome of hospitalization was death. A control was any child with the same diagnosis and hospitalized at the same hospital as the case, who were discharged after successful treatment. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data using a face to face interview with the care giver of the selected child and secondary data was obtained through desk review of the clinical files. Logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with Malaria death in under five children admitted in the health units of Luanda province. All analysis were evaluated at 5% level of significance.

Prevalence of asthma and allergies in 13-14-year-old adolescents from Luanda, Angola.

The few epidemiological studies on asthma and allergic diseases performed in Africa have shown that the prevalence of these diseases is high or increasing. No such studies have been performed in Angola. To determine the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Angolan adolescents. This was a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study in the province of Luanda, Angola, using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood study methodology in adolescents aged 13 and 14 years. Twenty-three (12%) public schools were randomly selected. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 software. A total of 3128 adolescents were included. The prevalence of asthma (wheezing in the previous 12 months) was 13.4%. The prevalence of rhinitis (sneezing, runny or blocked nose in the previous 12 months) was 27% and that of eczema (itchy skin lesions in the previous 12 months) was 20%; both were more prevalent in girls. Rhinitis was associated with a greater number of episodes of night cough in adolescents with asthma. Rhinitis and eczema, a split-type air conditioning system, and frequent intake (more than once per month) of paracetamol were associated with a higher risk of having asthma. Asthma and related allergic diseases are a public health problem in adolescents from Luanda. Preventive and control measures should be implemented.

Yellow fever vaccination coverage heterogeneities in Luanda province, Angola

Yellow fever vaccination coverage heterogeneities in Luanda province, Angola

Varying family planning strategies across age categories: differences in factors associated with current modern contraceptive use among youth and adult women in Luanda, Angola.

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to identify factors associated with current modern contraceptive use among Angolan women. By differentiating according to age groups (15–24 and 25–49 years), this study aimed to help family planning program planners better tailor interventions to improve utilization of modern contraception.MethodsA household survey was used to collect data from 1,545 women of reproductive age living in Luanda Province, Angola. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive behavior and intentions, contraceptive knowledge and use, and attitudes and beliefs regarding contraception and abortion were collected. The analyses were stratified based on age: 15–24 years (youth) and 25–49 years (adult). Multivariate logistic regression models were built for each age group, adding different subsets of variables in groups to see how relationships changed across the models.ResultsCommon factors associated with modern contraceptive use among all ages include education level, perceived contraceptive accessibility, contraceptive knowledge, communication with partner about family planning in last year, and self-efficacy. Exposure to family planning information in the media in the last few months, perceived partner approval of family planning, and marital status were all positively associated with current modern contraceptive use among women aged 15–24 years. Meanwhile, receiving information about family planning from a pharmacy in the last year was uniquely associated with current modern contraceptive use among women aged 25–49 years.ConclusionYoung women in Luanda, Angola seem to have a unique set of factors affecting their contraceptive use. These findings highlight the need for family planning programs to cater services and messages toward specific age groups.

The epidemiology of cancer in Angola-results from the cancer registry of the national oncology centre of Luanda, Angola.

Knowledge of the epidemiological profile of cancer is a key step in planning national cancer policy. The main objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological profile of cancer in Angola based on cases of cancer registered at the National Oncology Centre (NOC) of Luanda, the only Angolan hospital to specialize in cancer treatment and diagnosis. The study consisted of a cross-sectional historical review of cases treated at the NOC between 2007 and 2011. The following variables were analysed: tumour location, diagnostic basis, and source of referral, as well as patient age, sex, place of residence, and the stage of the disease. The NOC registered a total of 4,791 patients throughout the study period, at an annual average of 958 cases. The most commonly diagnosed cancers were breast (20.5%), cervical (16.5%), and head and neck cancer (10.6%), followed by lymphoma (7.2%), Kaposi sarcoma (6.1%), and prostate cancer (4%). A total of 76% of patients were under 60 years old, and 10% were less than 15 years old. Of the total number of patients with cancer treated at the NOC, 77.3% lived in the Luanda province. Staging data were only available for patients with breast or cervical cancer, and an analysis of this variable showed that most of these individuals were in advanced stages of the disease. In the absence of a population-based cancer registry, this study constitutes a reasonable assessment of the epidemiological profile of cancer in Angola.

Factors associated with patient and health care system delay in diagnosis for tuberculosis in the province of Luanda, Angola

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is still a great challenge to public health in sub-Saharan Africa. Most transmissions occur between the onset of coughing and initiation of treatment. Delay in diagnosis is significant to disease prognosis, thus early diagnosis and prompt effective therapy represent the key elements in controlling the disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the patient delay and the health system delay in TB diagnosis in Angola.MethodsOn a cross-sectional study, 385 TB patients who visited 21 DOTS clinics in Luanda were included consecutively. The time from the onset of symptoms to the first consultation of health providers (patients’ delay) and the time from the first consultation to the date of diagnosis (health system’s delay) were analysed. Bivariate and logistics regression were applied to analyse the risk factors of delays.ResultsThe median total time elapsed from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 45 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 21–97 days). The median patient delay was 30 days (IQR: 14–60 days), and the median health care system delay was 7 days (IQR: 5–15 days). Primary education (AOR = 1.75; CI [95%] 1.06–2.88; p <0.029) and the health centre of the first contact differing from the DOTS centre (AOR = 1.66; CI [95%] 1.01–2.75; p <0.046) were independent risk factors for patient delay >4 weeks. Living in a suburban area (AOR = 2,32; CI [95%] 1.21–4.46; p = 0.011), having a waiting time in the centre >1 hour (AOR = 4.37; CI [95%] 1.72–11.14; p = 0.002) and the health centre of the first contact differening from the DOTS centre (AOR = 5.68; CI [95%] 2.72–11,83; p < 0,00001) were factors influencing the system delay.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the delay is principally due to the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and the first consultation. More efforts should be placed in ensuring the availability of essential resources and skills in all healthcare facilities other than the DOTS centres, especially those located in suburban areas.

Healthcare context and nursing workforce in a main city of Angola

Angola is one of the largest African countries with continuing levels of insecurity, considerable weakness in terms of respect for human rights, destroyed infrastructure and low transparency and social accountability levels. The health system displays gaps and nursing represents the main contingent among human resources in health. This research aims to understand the healthcare context in Angola from the perspective of Brazilian nurses who were involved in helping their Angolan colleagues. This general view of health services is followed by a description of nursing workforce particularities at a tertiary health service in the province of Luanda. Data were extracted from the database of the Global Network of World Health Organization Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Development, constructed based on technical visits to Angola in 2009. Information related to health service characteristics was used, focusing on nursing human resource activities at two tertiary, one secondary and one primary health institutions located in the province of Luanda. The study data were analysed through descriptive statistics. Among the problems the nursing workforce faces, the lack of human, material and financial resources stands out, as well as insufficient professional qualification, excessive work journeys, low remunerations, non-valuation of professionals, leading to unsatisfactory work environments and discouraged human resources. Nursing in Angola is conquering its professional space. Therefore, regulatory policies are fundamental, defining the rights and obligations of all categories involved, with a view to determining nurses' function in the health team, including respect for and acknowledgement of their role in the community.

Prevalence and risk factors of Plasmodium falciparum infections in pregnant women of Luanda, Angola

Pregnant women are at increased risk of malaria, but in Angola, epidemiologic data from this group is almost inexistent. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Plasmodium falciparum infections in 567 pregnant Angolan women living in Luanda province. One in five women had P. falciparum at delivery, diagnosed by PCR assay. Age, residence and history of malaria during pregnancy were significantly associated with P. falciparum infection, but gravidity and use of anti-malarial drugs were not. Placental infections were significantly more common in women ≤18 years old and in primigravidae, but we could not correlate placental infections with poor pregnancy outcomes. These findings are relevant to malaria control policies in Luanda, Angola.