BackgroundGlobally, postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) is among the top causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery. ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of SSI among adult patients that underwent surgery at a hospital in the Southern Province, Rwanda. MethodThe study design was cross-sectional and used structured questionnaires, interviews and reviewed patients’ file records. Data were collected on 122 participants selected using the convenient sampling strategy. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 2020 was used to analyze the data. ResultsMost (86.1%) of the participants were females, the majority (48.4%) were aged 28-37 years. The prevalence of SSI was 8.2%, and most (90%) of the infected patients had undergone Caesarean section. Being HIV positive increased the risk for developing SSI. (X2: 9.604, df:1, CI: 1.7053; 19.8652; p value=0.014).ConclusionThe prevalence of SSI was 8.2%. Therefore, there is a need for enhancing preventive measures, early detection and treatment that will reduce the comorbidities of infected patients. HIV patients would need further attention. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2022;5(1):34-45

BackgroundVasectomy is the only permanent method of male contraception. It is safer, cheaper, and easier to provide than female sterilisation. Men typically take a vocal role as decision-makers in Africa, yet it is women who take family planning (FP) action. Objective To assess the knowledge and attitude of men toward vasectomy as a method of FP in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional design, and systematic sampling of every other household was used in a selected area. The sample size was 390 men and a valid questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. ResultsSociodemographic characteristics affecting vasectomy included education (p < 0.001), religion (p < 0.001), and the number of sexual partners (p = 0.018). Knowledge scores ranged from 58.4% to 82.6%. Many participants agreed that men should take part in FP (78.7%), and use vasectomy as an FP method (77.2%). ConclusionMen scored over 50% on vasectomy knowledge items, though many erroneously believed misconceptions. Misinformation is a barrier to vasectomy uptake, and greater awareness of vasectomy knowledge is needed to change attitudes and increase acceptance. Rwandan families and communities could greatly benefit from men's active role in family planning.

Background: Clinical experiences allow nursing students to apply theoretical knowledge into practice hence socialize with their future professional roles and responsibilities. This is a report of observations made by thirteen perioperative nursing students in the first cohort of Master of sciences in nursing training program during their practicum in selected Rwandan Referral Hospitals aimed at improving students' learning outcomes in future. Methods: Teams of four to five students were allocated to the operating theatres in three selected referral and teaching hospitals in Rwanda for thirteen weeks. At the end of their clinical placement, they wrote clinical reports that highlighted their observations informed by theoretical knowledge of perioperative nursing care using a structure, process and outcome format. These reports focused on the strengths and challenges observed. Results: Students were able to translate theoretical knowledge gained in class to clinical practice. Although the hospitals provided good learning opportunities in relation to the number of patients attended to and the various surgical treatments provided, the existing infrastructures, and care delivery systems, still need improvement. Conclusions: Hospital structure and processes helped the students to achieve their clinical learning objectives. Fostering strong collaboration of Universities, Hospitals and Ministry of Health will promote specialization in the emerging field of perioperative nursing in Rwanda.

Improving confidence increases creativity and self-accountability. The core of leadership is developing the skills to assess, guide, and mentor others to develop confidence in their profession. Improving leadership requires specific education. This project was developed after a Needs Assessment of the Kibungo District Hospital and Kibungo School of Nursing and Midwifery. Purpose To design and implement a leadership educational project that would to provide insight and inspiration for personal growth and self-accountability. Objectives To learn and use the concepts of responsibility, authority, and accountability; to build relationships/capacity, and achieving interdependence. These concepts are used for the development of personal values, vision, mission that support their work place's strategic plan. Description A needs assessment (HRH and Kibungo School of Nursing) revealed a need for specific education on leadership. Two faculty members assisted with development and implementation of the project. A framework based on the Creative Health Care Management's Leading an Empowered Organization (LEO) (permission received) was accepted. LEO is a specific leadership based upon developing accountability through improved communication that leads people from beginner to expert in all tasks. A manual was developed for Rwanda with attention to language and ease to understand complex topics. The pilot course was September 25-27, 2014. Fourteen participants from the Kibungo District Hospital from the emergency room, pediatrics, neonatology, maternity, surgery, internal medicine, mental health, biomedicine, pharmacy, laboratory, and admissions. The course was eighteen presentations plus interactive group discussions. At the course end, participants had a foundation of a personal vision, and value statements that coincided within the hospitals' strategic plan. The LEO framework appears to be understandable to this population. Both the training manual and using group participation format were reported as beneficial. Leadership training can be implemented to both formal and informal leaders.

Background A community needs assessment by 3 rd year student nurses at KSNM identified an area of particular need. Students and staff prepared a programme of health improvement. Objectives included: Enhancing student's understanding of health needs; Promoting health through social mobilisation; developing a collaborative approach to health improvement, and augmenting student's communication and organisational skills Description A key activity for student nurses is assessing the needs of local communities and creating effective responses. During their community placement 3 rd year student nurses from KSNM carried out a health needs assessment in a rural community in Eastern Rwanda. Students learnt to prioritise needs and to act on one particular issue. Students decided to help build the capacity of a local vulnerable family by collaborating on a project to build a house and provide furnishings and materials. Funding was provided by the student nurses, staff from KSNM and HRH personnel. The schedule for completion coincided with the Genocide Memorial day. The project was completed within the time frame and the house and materials were officially inaugurated. KSNM was presented with a Certificate of Merit by the Mayor of the district in appreciation for the collaborative approach to community cohesion. This initiative was directly related to the Rwandan government's task of poverty reduction and health promotion. Lessons Learnt Students learnt how to prioritise health needs. They recognised the wider implications of advocacy and poverty alleviation. Planning and implementing the project augmented their communication and time management skills. Conclusions Active participation in a community initiative enabled students to become more reflective and responsive in their own practice. It also created a learning environment which empowered them to act collaboratively in order to improve the broader determinants of health.