Ethnic Pattern of Origin of Children with Spina Bifida Managed at the University Teaching Hospital and Beit Cure Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia 2001-2010

Abstract

The incidence of spina bifida (SB) is known to differ among regions. Very little has been reported about the relationship between the incidence of SB and ethnic patterns of origin in Zambia except for the general impression that it is prevalent. The aim of the study was to establish the ethnic pattern of origin of children with SB in Zambia. It was a retrospective cross sectional study. Using a checklist, data was collected from clinical files of children with SB from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and Beit Cure Hospital (BCH) from 2001-2010. Descriptive statistical analysis was done in SPSS version 17. A total of 253 children with SB were identified of whom 88 (35%) of them originally came from the Southern Province of the country while the lowest province was the NorthWestern Province with 7 (3%). Further, a total of 77 (30%) children were referred from the Southern Province of the country and the lowest province that was represented was the NorthWestern Province with 5 (2%). Observed is the evidence that SB is very prevalent in the Southern Province of the country. With the presence of Uranium in the Southern Province of Zambia, a serious study ought to be done to investigate the possible link of the pollutant with the prevalence of SB in the region. It is essential that the government looks seriously at Uranium Mines being operated in the Province.

The development and evaluation of content validity of the Zambia Spina Bifida Functional Measure: Preliminary studies

“…Spina Bifida (SB) is one of the congenital malformations of the central nervous system that is a major and unrecognised expensive public health problem in much of Africa (Adeleye, Magbagbeola & Olowookere 2010 ; Blenchowe et al 2010 ; Mweshi et al 2015 ). It is the commonest of the neural tube defects, and hydrocephalus commonly occurs in association (Fabiano, Doyle & Grand 2010 ; Qureshi 2010 ; Sacko et al 2010 ).…”

“…Studies performed on the management of children with SB in some African countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia have reported challenges encountered in the management of SB (Adeleye et al 2010 ; Blenchowe et al 2010 ; Mweshi et al 2015 ). No outcomes have been reported on the management of children with SB in sub-Saharan Africa; hence, knowledge on instrument measures that could be used has been unavailable.…”