Browsing by Author "Sello, Molungoa"

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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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    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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    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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    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.