Background Hypertension (HTN), characterized by an elevation of blood pressure, is a serious public health chronic condition that significantly raises the risks of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. In South Africa, the prevalence of HTN (measured objectively) was reported at 46.0% in females, nonetheless little is known regarding the prevalence and risks factors of self-reported HTN among the same population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine determinants of self-reported HTN among women in South Africa. Methods The study used data obtained from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey. In total, 6,027 women aged ≥ 20 years were analyzed in this study. Self-reported HTN was defined as a case in which an individual has not been clinically diagnosed with this chronic condition by a medical doctor, nurse, or health worker. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to examine the independent factors of self-reported HTN while considering the complex survey design. Results Overall, self-reported HTN was reported in 23.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.1–24.1) of South African women. Being younger (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.04; 95% CI, 0.03–0.06), never married (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56–0.85), and not covered by health insurance (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58–0.95) reduced the odds of self-reported HTN. On the other hand, being black/African (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.17–2.54), perception of being overweight (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.40–2.11), and perception of having poor health status (aOR, 3.53; 95% CI, 2.53–5.21) and the presence of other comorbidities (aOR, 7.92; 95% CI, 3.63–17.29) increased the odds of self-reported HTN. Conclusions Self-reported HTN was largely associated with multiple sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors and the presence of other chronic conditions. Health promotion and services aiming at reducing the burden of HTN in South Africa should consider the associated factors reported in this study to ensure healthy aging and quality of life among women.

Aims: To determine the toxicity of astemizole-methylene blue combination therapy as effective candidates for therapeutic repurposing against malaria. Study Design: Randomized block study design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, between July and December, 2019. Methodology: The Lorke’s technique was used to evaluate the toxicity of the drug combinations in Balb/c mice (N=25). The mice were monitored for clinical signs at 2-hour intervals. After 48 hours, the mice were euthanized, and their tissues collected, weighed and grossly examined. Biochemistry and hematological tests were performed after blood samples were collected. Analysis of Variance and the t-test were used for statistical analysis; differences were considered significant if P values were less than 0.05 (p˂ 0.05). Results: The findings revealed that mice treated with methylene blue alone experienced a decrease of appetite, while mice treated with astemizole alone experienced slight tremors, which were not observed in the medication combined groups. When compared to the negative controls, the astemizole-methylene blue 3:1 combination group exhibited reduced heart (p=0.007) and liver (p=0.0001) mean weights. Platelet levels in the astemizole-methylene blue 3:1 group were lower in comparison to the other groups (p=0.005), according to the hematological data collected. Conclusion: When delivered in ratios with less astamizole, astemizole-methylene blue combination therapy showed better results in terms of safety than monotherapy with either drug alone.