2025
Krishan Sarna Khushboo Sonigra, Thomas Mombo Amuti
Psychological status of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nairobi County, Kenya: a cross-sectional study Journal Article
In: Psychology, health & medicine, pp. 1-15, 2025.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{nokey,
title = {Psychological status of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nairobi County, Kenya: a cross-sectional study},
author = {Khushboo Sonigra, Krishan Sarna, Thomas Mombo Amuti, Samwel Rema Gesaka
},
doi = {10.1080/13548506.2025.2487227},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-04-02},
urldate = {2025-04-02},
journal = {Psychology, health & medicine},
pages = {1-15},
abstract = {Pregnancy is associated with an increased psychological burden on women. This burden may be worsened by uncertainty occasioned by pandemics such as the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The study aims to investigate the psychological status of pregnant women following the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 126 pregnant women at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. Data on the women’s sociodemographic and obstetric factors, levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were recorded on a questionnaire. SPSS version 29 was used to perform paired t-test and multivariate regression analysis to assess for statistically significant association between sociodemographic, obstetrics factors, and related factors on COVID-19-related stressors with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. High levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were noted with a mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of 14.90 ± 5.25, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score of 44.12 ± 9.73 and Women’s Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS) score of 10.07 ± 5.81 respectively. There was a strong association between depression, anxiety, and insomnia with specific factors. In conclusion, pregnant women in Kenya experienced significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.},
key = {Anxiety, COVID-19 , depression, insomnia, mental health, pregnancy, psychological impact},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Pregnancy is associated with an increased psychological burden on women. This burden may be worsened by uncertainty occasioned by pandemics such as the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The study aims to investigate the psychological status of pregnant women following the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 126 pregnant women at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. Data on the women’s sociodemographic and obstetric factors, levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were recorded on a questionnaire. SPSS version 29 was used to perform paired t-test and multivariate regression analysis to assess for statistically significant association between sociodemographic, obstetrics factors, and related factors on COVID-19-related stressors with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. High levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were noted with a mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of 14.90 ± 5.25, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score of 44.12 ± 9.73 and Women’s Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS) score of 10.07 ± 5.81 respectively. There was a strong association between depression, anxiety, and insomnia with specific factors. In conclusion, pregnant women in Kenya experienced significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2024
Khainga Stanley Ajujo Martin, Nangole Ferdinand
In: Annals of African Surgery, vol. 21, iss. 2, 2024.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{nokey,
title = {Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Autologous Fat Graft for Chronic Wound Management in Low-Resource Settings: A Single-Center Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial},
author = {Ajujo Martin, Khainga Stanley, Nangole Ferdinand, Zuriel Daniel, Amuti Thomas
},
doi = { 10.4314/aas.v21i2.2},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-04-01},
urldate = {2024-04-01},
journal = {Annals of African Surgery},
volume = {21},
issue = {2},
abstract = {Background: Autologous fat grafts (AFGs) and platelet-rich plasmas (PRPs) are useful adjuncts to healing of chronic wounds. In the resource-limited setting, PRP is the more attractive option owing to its ease of use. There is, however, a paucity of data comparing the two. Methods: In this single-center randomized controlled trial, we recruited 56 participants in the AFG (26) and PRP (30) groups. Bed preparation and standard dressings were done, then AFGs or PRPs were injected at the wound base and peri-wound area. On days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 data for epithelialization, granulation, wound contraction, pain, and infections were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Granulation and epithelialization increased from day 0 to 28 in both groups with statistical differences observed on days 0, 14, and 21 (p values = 0.033, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively, for granulation and no significant difference noted for epithelialization). Contraction was observed in both groups from day 0 to 28 with a significant difference noted on days 3 and 7 (p value = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively). Pain decreased from day 0 to 28, with the PRP group recording lower values. There were no infections among the AFG group, while in the PRP group, infections were reported on day 3. Conclusions: PRP provides a viable option over fat graft in the management of chronic wounds.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Autologous fat grafts (AFGs) and platelet-rich plasmas (PRPs) are useful adjuncts to healing of chronic wounds. In the resource-limited setting, PRP is the more attractive option owing to its ease of use. There is, however, a paucity of data comparing the two. Methods: In this single-center randomized controlled trial, we recruited 56 participants in the AFG (26) and PRP (30) groups. Bed preparation and standard dressings were done, then AFGs or PRPs were injected at the wound base and peri-wound area. On days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 data for epithelialization, granulation, wound contraction, pain, and infections were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Granulation and epithelialization increased from day 0 to 28 in both groups with statistical differences observed on days 0, 14, and 21 (p values = 0.033, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively, for granulation and no significant difference noted for epithelialization). Contraction was observed in both groups from day 0 to 28 with a significant difference noted on days 3 and 7 (p value = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively). Pain decreased from day 0 to 28, with the PRP group recording lower values. There were no infections among the AFG group, while in the PRP group, infections were reported on day 3. Conclusions: PRP provides a viable option over fat graft in the management of chronic wounds.
2023
Thomas Mombo Amuti Swafiya Busaidy, Fawzia Butt
Anatomical Landmarks and Branching Patterns of the Greater Auricular Nerve Journal Article
In: Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction, vol. 17, iss. 1, 2023.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{nokey,
title = {Anatomical Landmarks and Branching Patterns of the Greater Auricular Nerve},
author = {Swafiya Busaidy, Thomas Mombo Amuti, Fawzia Butt
},
doi = {10.1177/19433875231183032},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-06-12},
urldate = {2023-06-12},
journal = {Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction},
volume = {17},
issue = {1},
abstract = {Study Design Descriptive cross-sectional study. Background: The greater auricular nerve (GAN) courses over the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) to supply the area of skin over the parotid gland (PG), the lower auricle and over the mastoid. It is vulnerable to injury during rhytidectomies and parotidectomies, resulting in sensory losses and pain. Although previous studies have identified suitable landmarks, injury to the GAN in the Kenyan setting still occurs. This study therefore aimed at identifying specific landmarks for the GAN and describing its branching pattern. Objective: To determine the anatomical landmarks of the GAN and its branching patterns. Methods: Forty six nerves were studied. The skin and fascia of the neck was carefully dissected to reveal the platysma muscle, which was reflected to expose the GAN. The distance of the emergence of the GAN on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle as measured from the mastoid process (MP) was measured. Its perpendicular distance from the tragus to the point of branching was also measured. Its distance to the external jugular vein (EJV) was taken using a ruler and a pair of dividers. Finally, the nerve was described according to McKinney’s point. The pattern of branching was described as either type 1 (no branching), type 2 (2 branches) or type 3 (3 branches). The position of branching was classified as either anterior, posterior or middle. Collected data was coded into SPSS software (Version 21.0, Chicago, Illinois), and means ± standard deviation were calculated. Representative photos were taken. Results: The mean distance of the point of emergence of the nerve was 9.13 cm +/− 1.66 cm from the MP, while its distance from the tragus was 6.93 cm +/− 1.55. It was also located at a distance of 1.67 cm from the EJV. It mainly bifurcated into two branches (55.6%) and trifurcated in 4.4% of the cases. It remained undivided in 40% of the cases. In our study, the nerve mainly bifurcates in the anterior third of the SCM (22.2%). Conclusions: The GAN in our population mainly bifurcates, and it is more likely to divide closer to the parotid gland. The data presented in the study may be helpful in avoiding its iatrogenic injury.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Study Design Descriptive cross-sectional study. Background: The greater auricular nerve (GAN) courses over the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) to supply the area of skin over the parotid gland (PG), the lower auricle and over the mastoid. It is vulnerable to injury during rhytidectomies and parotidectomies, resulting in sensory losses and pain. Although previous studies have identified suitable landmarks, injury to the GAN in the Kenyan setting still occurs. This study therefore aimed at identifying specific landmarks for the GAN and describing its branching pattern. Objective: To determine the anatomical landmarks of the GAN and its branching patterns. Methods: Forty six nerves were studied. The skin and fascia of the neck was carefully dissected to reveal the platysma muscle, which was reflected to expose the GAN. The distance of the emergence of the GAN on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle as measured from the mastoid process (MP) was measured. Its perpendicular distance from the tragus to the point of branching was also measured. Its distance to the external jugular vein (EJV) was taken using a ruler and a pair of dividers. Finally, the nerve was described according to McKinney’s point. The pattern of branching was described as either type 1 (no branching), type 2 (2 branches) or type 3 (3 branches). The position of branching was classified as either anterior, posterior or middle. Collected data was coded into SPSS software (Version 21.0, Chicago, Illinois), and means ± standard deviation were calculated. Representative photos were taken. Results: The mean distance of the point of emergence of the nerve was 9.13 cm +/− 1.66 cm from the MP, while its distance from the tragus was 6.93 cm +/− 1.55. It was also located at a distance of 1.67 cm from the EJV. It mainly bifurcated into two branches (55.6%) and trifurcated in 4.4% of the cases. It remained undivided in 40% of the cases. In our study, the nerve mainly bifurcates in the anterior third of the SCM (22.2%). Conclusions: The GAN in our population mainly bifurcates, and it is more likely to divide closer to the parotid gland. The data presented in the study may be helpful in avoiding its iatrogenic injury.
2022
Nyaanga Fiona Munguti Jeremiah, Neema Bridget
The incidence and morphology of the Gantzer’s muscle in a Kenyan population Journal Article
In: Anatomy Journal of Africa , vol. 11, iss. 1, pp. 2102-2108, 2022.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{nokey,
title = {The incidence and morphology of the Gantzer’s muscle in a Kenyan population},
author = {Munguti Jeremiah, Nyaanga Fiona, Neema Bridget, Omondi Dennis, Kipkorir Vincent, Darbar Shane, Sibuor William, Amuti Thomas
},
doi = {10.4314/aja.v11i1.10},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-08-27},
urldate = {2022-08-27},
journal = {Anatomy Journal of Africa },
volume = {11},
issue = {1},
pages = {2102-2108},
abstract = {Gantzer's muscle is an accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL). Its incidence, attachments as well as relations to nervous structures have been shown to exhibit population variations, which have important clinical bearings. Data from our setting however remains partly elucidated. To study the muscle, the skin of the anterior forearm and fascia were removed to expose the flexor compartment of the forearm. The flexor muscles were also identified and reflected. The Ganzter's muscle was identified as that muscle belly originating from the flexor digitorum superficialis, the radius, the medial humeral epicondyle or the ulna coronoid process and inserted on the flexor pollicis longus or the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. Its prevalence, laterality, origin, insertion, shape and relation to the anterior interosseous nerve were determined. The data obtained was entered into SPSS and percentages calculated for the different variables. The muscle was found in 19/43 (44%) cadavers on the right and on 20/43 (46%) on the left. In 5 out the 43 cadavers (11%), the muscle was present bilaterally while in the rest, it existed solely as either on the right or left (predominantly on the left, 46%). The Gantzer's muscle was also noted to predominantly originate from the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle (72% on the left, 76% on the right) and insert on the Flexor pollicis longus (100%). As regards its shape, it was predominantly triangular, on both right side (65%) as well as the left side (54%). In majority of the cases, the muscle also lay posterior to the anterior interosseous structures (100% on the left and 89% on the right). In conclusion, the Gantzer's muscle is relatively common in our population, exhibits marked population variations and as such should be taken into account especially during surgical approach to the anterior elbow to avoid its inadvertent injury.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Gantzer's muscle is an accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL). Its incidence, attachments as well as relations to nervous structures have been shown to exhibit population variations, which have important clinical bearings. Data from our setting however remains partly elucidated. To study the muscle, the skin of the anterior forearm and fascia were removed to expose the flexor compartment of the forearm. The flexor muscles were also identified and reflected. The Ganzter's muscle was identified as that muscle belly originating from the flexor digitorum superficialis, the radius, the medial humeral epicondyle or the ulna coronoid process and inserted on the flexor pollicis longus or the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. Its prevalence, laterality, origin, insertion, shape and relation to the anterior interosseous nerve were determined. The data obtained was entered into SPSS and percentages calculated for the different variables. The muscle was found in 19/43 (44%) cadavers on the right and on 20/43 (46%) on the left. In 5 out the 43 cadavers (11%), the muscle was present bilaterally while in the rest, it existed solely as either on the right or left (predominantly on the left, 46%). The Gantzer's muscle was also noted to predominantly originate from the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle (72% on the left, 76% on the right) and insert on the Flexor pollicis longus (100%). As regards its shape, it was predominantly triangular, on both right side (65%) as well as the left side (54%). In majority of the cases, the muscle also lay posterior to the anterior interosseous structures (100% on the left and 89% on the right). In conclusion, the Gantzer's muscle is relatively common in our population, exhibits marked population variations and as such should be taken into account especially during surgical approach to the anterior elbow to avoid its inadvertent injury.
Estreed Merna Sarna Krishan, Sonigra Khushboo
Anatomical Patterns of the Nasopalatine Canal and Incisive Foramen in an African Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study Journal Article
In: Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction, vol. 16, iss. 5, pp. 1-12, 2022.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{nokey,
title = {Anatomical Patterns of the Nasopalatine Canal and Incisive Foramen in an African Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study},
author = {Sarna Krishan, Estreed Merna, Sonigra Khushboo, Amuti Thomas, Opondo Florence, Kamau Martin, Ngeow Wei Cheong},
doi = {10.1177/19433875221100943},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-05-27},
urldate = {2022-05-27},
journal = {Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction},
volume = {16},
issue = {5},
pages = {1-12},
abstract = {Study Design Descriptive cross-sectional. Objective To determine the morphology and morphometry of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) and incisive foramen (IF) in an African population. Materials and Methods Measurements of the NPC and the IF were carried out on 150 Cone-Beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The maxillary bone thickness anterior to the NPC was measured at 3 levels. Independent t-test and Chi-square test were performed to determine the presence of sexual dimorphism. Results The presence of one Stenson’s foramen was most prevalent. The mean length of NPC was 13.21 ± 3.25 mm with significantly longer canals in males. The most prevalent shape of NPC was cylindrical in sagittal view and a single canal in coronal view. The mean angulation of NPC was 118.42° to the horizontal plane. The average dimensions of the IF were 3.53 mm and 3.07 mm in the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter, respectively, while the most common shape was round. The anterior maxillary bone was thicker in males and generally reduced in thickness from the anterior nasal spine superiorly towards the alveolar crest inferiorly. Conclusion This study highlights the anatomical characteristics of the NPC and IF, with significant sexual dimorphism observed regarding the number of Stenson’s foramina, length of NPC, shapes of the NPC and IF, as well as alveolar bone thickness anterior to NPC.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Study Design Descriptive cross-sectional. Objective To determine the morphology and morphometry of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) and incisive foramen (IF) in an African population. Materials and Methods Measurements of the NPC and the IF were carried out on 150 Cone-Beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The maxillary bone thickness anterior to the NPC was measured at 3 levels. Independent t-test and Chi-square test were performed to determine the presence of sexual dimorphism. Results The presence of one Stenson’s foramen was most prevalent. The mean length of NPC was 13.21 ± 3.25 mm with significantly longer canals in males. The most prevalent shape of NPC was cylindrical in sagittal view and a single canal in coronal view. The mean angulation of NPC was 118.42° to the horizontal plane. The average dimensions of the IF were 3.53 mm and 3.07 mm in the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter, respectively, while the most common shape was round. The anterior maxillary bone was thicker in males and generally reduced in thickness from the anterior nasal spine superiorly towards the alveolar crest inferiorly. Conclusion This study highlights the anatomical characteristics of the NPC and IF, with significant sexual dimorphism observed regarding the number of Stenson’s foramina, length of NPC, shapes of the NPC and IF, as well as alveolar bone thickness anterior to NPC.