Browsing by Author "Ramathebane, Maseabata M"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    Assessing challenges and opportunities of treating breast cancer in Lesotho
    (Medical Research Archives/European Society of Medicine, 2023-11-30) Ramathebane, Maseabata M; Maja, Lineo J; Sooro, Mopa; Sello, Molungoa; Mokhethi, Motselisi; Mputsoe, Kabelo
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    Assessment of patient counselling in diabetic and hypertensive patients in terms of patient knowledge about their medication, disease state and lifestyle modifications by pharmacy personnel at LDF clinic in Maseru
    (INNOVARE Academic Sciences, 2018-02-13) Maja, Lineo J; Masia, Thabiso; Binyane, Kabelo; Ramathebane, Maseabata M
    Objective: To investigate if diabetic and hypertensive patients were being adequately counselled by pharmacy personnel about their medication, disease states and lifestyle modifications at Lesotho defence force (LDF) clinic in Maseru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic and hypertensive patients treated at LDF clinic in Maseru from March to May 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a face-to-face interview with patients. Microsoft Excel 2010 was used to analyse collected data. Results: The study population consisted of 222 participants; 22 (28.2%) of diabetic. respondents had inadequate knowledge of diabetes mellitus complications and 56 (71.8%) had no knowledge of complications. 153 (78.8%) of hypertensive respondents had inadequate knowledge of hypertension complications and 33 (17.1%) had no knowledge of complications. 56 (25.2%) had adequate knowledge of lifestyle modifications of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and 164 (73.9%) had inadequate knowledge. 182 (82.0%) had adequate knowledge of their anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic medicines names, 20 (9.0%) had inadequate knowledge and 20 (9.0%) had no knowledge. 63 (28.4%) had adequate knowledge of their medicines strengths, 17 (7.7%) had inadequate knowledge and 142 (64.0%) had no knowledge. 199 (89.6%) respondents had adequate knowledge of dosing frequency and 20 (9.0%) had inadequate knowledge. Conclusion: Hypertensive and diabetic patients’ knowledge about medication, disease states and lifestyle modifications were inadequate due to poor patient counselling on such aspects by pharmacy personnel at LDF clinic in Maseru.
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    HIV Self-testing in Southern Africa
    (IJRIMCR, 2019-12-29) Sello, Molungoa; Ramathebane, Maseabata M; Maja, L.J; Shelile, M.Z; Namole, L.D
    Pitfalls of HIV testing in health care facilities include fears over loss of privacy and confidentiality. HIV self-testing represents an innovative strategy to expand access to HIV testing services in the general population and also to reach individuals at high risk for HIV who may not otherwise submit to HIV testing, including young people and key populations. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies done in southern African countries between the 1st January 2016 to 15th March 2018 on HIVST with focus on progress made and challenges observed. Thirteen (13) observational studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. These studies were published between January 2016 and March 2018 across five southern African countries namely Zambia (3), Malawi (2), South Africa (5), Zimbabwe (1), Botswana (1). There was also a study done in both Malawi and Zimbabwe (1). HIVST is highly acceptable in southern Africa despite challenges ranging from gender differences, acquisition of test kits, lack of pre-test and post-test counseling, potential social harm and inadequate ability to following user’s instructions.
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    HIV Self-Testing in Southern Africa: Progress and Challenges
    (International Journal of Recent Innovations in Medicine and Clinical Research, 2019-12-29) Sello, M; Ramathebane, Maseabata M; Maja, L.J; Shelile, M.Z; Namole, L.D
    Pitfalls of HIV testing in health care facilities include fears over loss of privacy and confidentiality. HIV self-testing represents an innovative strategy to expand access to HIV testing services in the general population and also to reach individuals at high risk for HIV who may not otherwise submit to HIV testing, including young people and key populations. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies done in southern African countries between the 1st January 2016 to 15th March 2018 on HIVST with focus on progress made and challenges observed. Thirteen (13) observational studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. These studies were published between January 2016 and March 2018 across five southern African countries namely Zambia (3), Malawi (2), South Africa (5), Zimbabwe (1), Botswana (1). There was also a study done in both Malawi and Zimbabwe (1). HIVST is highly acceptable in southern Africa despite challenges ranging from gender differences, acquisition of test kits, lack of pre-test and post-test counseling, potential social harm and inadequate ability to following user’s instructions
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    Knowledge attitudes and practice about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment among elderly patients with HIV/AIDS in rural Lesotho
    (IJRIMCR, 2021-01-26) Ramathebane, Maseabata M; Maja, Lineo J; Moletsane, Lipalesa; Sello, Molungoa; Sayed, Rauf A
    Lesotho is one of the world’s countries hardest hit by HIV, with the second highest HIV prevalence after Swaziland. Elderly persons face many prevention challenges such as lack of knowledge in HIV/AIDS, discrimination and stigmatization that can lead to late testing, diagnosis and reluctance in seeking medical services. This is the first study conducted in Lesotho to assess knowledge regarding HIV transmission, prevention and treatment among elderly patients in rural Lesotho. Methods: The study population composed of elderly HIV/AIDS patients aged ≥ 50 years, receiving clinical services within the catchment of four rural clinics of Maseru districts. A random sample of medical records of patients living with HIV/AIDS was selected from each of the four clinics. After intervention interview were carried out using the same tool that was used at baseline. Results: Before intervention, a total of 269 patients were interviewed. Majority of the patients were females (65.8%) and had achieved only a primary level of education (71.4%). A composite score was derived from all the questions relating to knowledge about HIV transmission and treatment. A patient who achieved a composite score ≥ 75% was defined as having ‘adequate knowledge’. The results showed that only 34.2% of the patients had adequate knowledge of transmission and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Adequate knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment was significantly associated with gender, females being more knowledgeable than males (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5; P=0.022). Patients with secondary or higher level of education being more knowledgeable than those with less education (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-7.8; P=0.021). After controlling for age, gender and educational level, the results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed similar associations to the unadjusted ORs. Over one-third of the patients (36.8%) had unprotected sex. After intervention, a total of 183 patients were interviewed. Patients with no formal education gained more knowledge (OR=6.5 95% CI: 1.5-59.3; P=0.005). Males also gained more knowledge after intervention (OR=4.4, 95% CI: 1.6-14.9; P=0.001). Age group of + 65 also gained more knowledge (OR=6.5 95% CI: 1.5-59.3; P=0.005). Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge about transmission and prevention among elderly patients living with HIV/AIDS in rural Lesotho. It is imperative that a targeted strategy be developed for this vulnerable group, taking into cognisance their inherent lower level of education and to improve access to services. After intervention there was a significant amount of knowledge gained particularly by the groups of patients that had less knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention.
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    Knowledge of disease condition and medications among hypertension patients in Lesotho
    (CrossMark, 2015-10-23) Mugomeri, Eltony; Ramathebane, Maseabata M; Maja, Lineo J; Chatanga, Peter; Moletsane, Lipalesa
    This study evaluated the levels of knowledge of hypertension and the associated medications among hypertension patients in Lesotho and assessed the significance of these indicators on hypertension treatment outcomes. About 81% (n ¼ 212) of the patients had hypertension monocondition while the remaining had multiple chronic conditions. Seventy-six percent of the patients had uncontrolled hypertension. Nearly 36% had inadequate knowledge about hypertension while 44% had inade- quate knowledge about their medicines. In total, 52.4% of the patients defaulted appointment dates while 64.6% failed to take their medications as prescribed at least once. Inadequate knowledge of antihypertensive medicines was significantly associated (P ¼ .028) with having uncontrolled hypertension. Inadequate knowledge of antihypertensive medicines is an important determinant of uncontrolled hypertension. Improving the knowledge of hypertension and the associated medica- tions is an important intervention required in this population.
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    Pharmacists'perspective on HIV testing services in community pharmacies in Maseru, Lesotho
    (IJCRLS, 2018-03-30) Maja, Lineo J; Polile, Rasemoko; Khoarai, Neo; Ramathebane, Maseabata M
    Objective: To assess pharmacists’ perspectives on offering HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing services in community pharmacies in Maseru, Lesotho. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among pharmacists working in community pharmacies around Maseru urban area in Lesotho. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a face-to-face interview with pharmacists. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS®) version 16.0 was used to analyze collected data. Results: Out of 40 respondents, 32 (80.0%) do not offer HIV testing and counseling services and 35 (87.5%) thought rapid HIV testing should be offered in community pharmacies. 27 (67.5%) respondents said it was possible to offer HIV testing services in community pharmacies and 22 (55.0%) respondents said community pharmacies were not ready to offer HIV testing services. Of the 40 respondents, 11 (27.5%) were trained in HIV testing and counseling and most respondents (31, 77.5%) felt comfortable to offer HIV testing services. Conclusion: Pharmacists in community pharmacies were willing to offer HIV testing and counseling although majority of pharmacists did not offer these services as they thought community pharmacies were not ready and also due to lack of pharmacists education on HIV testing and counseling
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    Quantitative exploration of barriers to access cancer patients in Lesotho
    (AOSIS, 2024-07-08) Ramathebane, Maseabata M; Sooro, Mopa A; Maja, Lineo J; Mputsoe, Kabelo; Sello, Molungoa; Mokhethi, Motselisi C
    Background: Cancer mortality has been estimated to increase in sub-Saharan Africa to more than a million deaths in 2023. There is a need for an increase in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment infrastructure to curb this rise in cancer mortality. Many people with cancer face significant barriers to accessing treatment. Aim: The study aimed to explore barriers to accessing cancer care services experienced by cancer patients in Lesotho. Setting: This study was conducted at the Senkatana oncology clinic in Maseru, Lesotho. Methods: The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design. Cancer patient interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 115 patients responded to the questionnaire, and 79.1% were female. Over half of the participants (53.9%) found it difficult to access cancer services because they had to get services from multiple healthcare facilities in different areas. All of them had to join long queues. Distance from the healthcare facilities was also a challenge for a significant number (64.3%), and a substantial number (66.1%) had difficulties arranging transport to such facilities. Finally, financial issues, such as paying for transport, healthcare and diagnostic tests, were determined to be major constraints. Conclusion: The study concludes that most cancer patients face financial and practical barriers. This affects access to cancer services, particularly for patients not residing in Maseru. Contribution: The study shares information regarded as barriers to cancer services in a low- and middle-income country.
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    Reviewing the availability and integration of community health information system for HIV/AIDS in Lesotho
    (AOSIS, 2024-05-09) Ramathebane, Maseabata M; Maja, Lineo J; Letsolo, Mosala; Montsi, Sello
    Background: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals, with community-based services playing a crucial role. Various stakeholders contribute to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interventions, which must be documented and shared with others for informed decision-making. Aim: This study aims to review the availability of a community health information system (CHIS) in Lesotho and its integration between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National AIDS Commission (NAC). Setting: The study is based on the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Commission in Maseru, Lesotho. Method: A scoping review used peer-reviewed articles, documents from MOH and NAC, and other relevant reports from non-governmental organisations. The community information systems were examined for inclusion of clinical and non-clinical information. Possible linkages of information between MOH and NAC were reviewed. Results: Clinical information from CSOs is recorded in DHIS2 at the MOH facilities, while non-clinical information is reported in LOMSHA. However, clinical information from VHWs is currently not included in DHIS2 and formal reporting tools are being developed. There are no links between MOH and NAC, which limits information sharing. Conclusion: Although a CHIS exists, it lacks the necessary linkages. Community-based information from VHWs is not reported through DHIS2. Therefore, the country does not benefit fully from community-based health information. Contribution: Community health information systems review has never been conducted in Lesotho before. Therefore, this review will raise awareness about its importance and use in decision-making