Explore the vast range of titles available.

Introduction Sudan’s already under-resourced health system has been strained by war, with over 10 million people displaced and 67% of hospitals rendered non-operational. The disruption has led to limited access to essential services. Children face both physical and psychological consequences. This study explores caregivers’ use of health services, observed behavioral changes in children, reports of sexual harassment, and alignment between caregiver experiences and facility data. Method This descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among internally displaced caregivers of children in four relatively safe states—Red Sea, Northern, Nahr Elnil, and Kassala—using questionnaires for both caregivers and health facility directors. A total of 437 caregivers and 12 facilities participated. A multistage sampling method was followed by convenience sampling at the community level. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The study included 437 caregivers, 86% of whom were women, with a mean age of 35.4 years (± 9.2 SD). The average age of the children involved in the study was 4.4 ± 4.2 years. Despite 91.8% of children under five having access to basic immunizations, 10% missed essential vaccines, with measles accounting for 50% of missed doses. Pneumonia and gastroenteritis were the most frequently reported illnesses. Psychosocial impacts were prevalent, with 26.8% of children exhibiting fearfulness, anxiety, or irritability. Health facilities findings revealed that 66.7% of facilities experienced disruptions in working hours. Only 25% of facilities had pediatric intensive care units. Key emergency resources, including oxygen therapy (81.8%) and insulin (90.9%), were available in most facilities. T availability of key support staff—such as psychologists and social workers—was notably limited (16.7%). Conclusion Overall, the study’s findings are in partial agreement with other conflict-region research, notably on disease burden, psychosocial impact, and health system degradation. However, Sudan’s context reveals some unique features. Despite extreme displacement, immunization outreach and breastfeeding practices showed higher-than-expected retention. Nevertheless, the weak critical care infrastructure, referral breakdowns, and mental health service gaps highlight urgent needs that require national and international collaboration.

The ongoing war crisis in Khartoum, Sudan, has created significant challenges for medical students, impacting their education. A cross-sectional study involving 224 medical students was conducted in Khartoum state to explore the challenges faced by medical students during this crisis, using a structured Google Form questionnaire. The majority of participants were female (65.6%), fourth-year students (36.6%), and aged between 22 and 25 years (66.8%). Notably, 92% of the participants had been displaced from Khartoum. The study found that a majority of participants reported experiencing physiological distress, with study distractions (65.2%), anxiety (51.8%), and depression (49.1%). Significant gender differences were observed, with females reporting higher psychological distress compared to males ( p -value = 0.04). Additionally, 45% of participants noted that the war led to a shortage of experienced teaching staff, and 56.6% raised concerns about the potential decline in the quality standards of their university's curriculum. Nearly 48% of participants expressed a desire to collaborate with international or local universities in stable regions to continue their education. However, 20.2% believed that online learning can effectively maintain the continuity of their education. A significant correlation was found between university type and the ability to resume activities online or outside of Khartoum State ( p -value = 0.01). The study concludes that the war crisis in Khartoum State has had significant, negative consequences for medical students, impacting their mental well-being, access to necessary resources, and overall learning experiences. Immediate interventions, psychological support, and increased coordination and collaboration among international and regional academic institutions are needed.

Background Healthcare services during wartime face significant challenges. Pregnant women seeking antenatal care (ANC) during the Sudan conflict encounter numerous barriers, impacting their access and satisfaction. This study assessed ANC utilization, satisfaction, and barriers faced by pregnant women in Gadarif State during the ongoing war. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Gadarif Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology from September to November 2024, targeting women who had given birth at the hospital. A questionnaire with four sections assessed utilization, satisfaction, and barriers with ANC during wartime. Cross-tabulations and chi-square tests analyzed associations between categorical variables, with p -values < 0.05 considered significant. Results A total of 345 pregnant women participated in this study. ANC utilization was reflected in a median of 4.0 visits (IQR = 2.0), with the first visit occurring at a median of 13 weeks (IQR = 13). Overall, 90.4% of participants reported being satisfied with ANC services, although satisfaction with interpersonal communication skills was the lowest at 6.4%. Barriers to access included lack of privacy (33.3%) and irregular facility operating hours (21.4%), while the primary reasons for missing ANC visits were transport challenges and the absence of night-duty staff. Conclusion This study revealed a surprisingly high level of satisfaction with ANC services, despite key barriers such as lack of privacy and irregular health facility operating hours. While ANC attendance was relatively good, visits tended to start later than recommended. Interventions should focus on addressing these barriers by improving service accessibility and ensuring consistent care. Enhancing early engagement with ANC is also critical to improving maternal health outcomes.

Introduction Mycetoma is a unique neglected tropical disease which is found endemic in areas known as the \"mycetoma belt\". Head and neck mycetoma is a rarity and it has many devastating impacts on patients and communities. In this study, we assessed clinical findings, investigations, and predictors for recurrence of head and neck mycetoma in Sudan. Methodology A retrospective study was conducted at Mycetoma Research Center in Khartoum between January 1999 and December 2020 for all patients with head and neck mycetoma. Data were analyzed using R software version 4.0.2. Results We included 107 patients with head and neck mycetoma. 65.4% were young adult males from mycetoma endemic areas in Sudan, and most of them were students (33.6%). Most of patients (64.4%) had actinomycetoma. Before presenting with head and neck mycetoma, majority (75.7%) had a long duration with mycetoma, and 30.8% had a history of trauma. The commonest invaded site was the parietal region (30.8%). The lesion started gradually in most of the patients (96.3%). 53.3% of the patients had large size lesions with no sweating, regional lymph nodes involvement, or distal vein involvement. CT scan was the most accurate diagnostic tool while 8.4% of patients were diagnosed by clinical examinations only. Laboratory investigations confirmed that 24/45 (44.4%) of actinomycetoma was caused by Streptomyces somaliensis while 13/28 (46.4%) of eumycetoma was caused by Madurella mycetomatis. All patients with recurrence of head and neck mycetoma underwent surgical excision of the lesion (n = 41/41 {100%}, p < 0.001). Conclusion In head and neck mycetoma, the most common type was actinomycetes in Sudan. Majority had a long course of mycetoma and the commonest causative organism was Streptomyces somaliensis. The treatment outcome was poor and characterized by a low cure rate.

Background Academic procrastination (AP) refers to the intentional delay of academic tasks despite knowing its negative impact. It is considered a prevailing phenomenon among medical students. Numerous discussions have explored the potential influence of gender on this behavior. This study aimed to assess the effect of gender differences on academic procrastination among Sudanese medical students. Methods This analytical, institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in five major public Sudanese universities. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit participants. The Academic Procrastination Scale (APS) was used to assess academic procrastination after obtaining informed consent from participants. The questionnaire was distributed online via Google Forms across various social media platforms. A histogram illustrated gender differences in APS scores, while Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test examined variations across socio-demographic groups. Hierarchical linear regression analyzed gender’s effect on AP, controlling for other socio-demographic factors. A significance level of 0.05 was applied. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. Results This study included 386 participants, with 68.9% from the University of Khartoum. The median academic procrastination score was 71.5 (22.3). Gender was not a significant predictor of academic procrastination ( p -value = 0.404), even after adjusting for other socio-demographic factors ( p -value = 0.162). Married students showed significantly higher procrastination levels compared to single or engaged students ( p -value = 0.024). Employment status and income were also significant predictors in the linear regression analysis ( p -value = 0.039 and p -value = 0.012, respectively). Conclusion This study found that gender was not a significant factor in academic procrastination among Sudanese medical students. Socio-economic factors, particularly employment status and income, had a greater influence. Interventions should focus on addressing these broader issues rather than gender-specific strategies.

Background Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is defined as any procedure that involves damage to the female external genitalia. This practice is majorly prevalent in Sudan, as it is estimated that over 12 million Sudanese women are circumcised. This study uncovers rural females’ knowledge and insights about FGM domestically. Methods A qualitative, deductive study with thematic analysis was conducted. A total of 42 female high school students were recruited and divided into five focus groups, each of which included girls from four different high school classes in the main school of the study area. A topic guide was prepared and used to lead the focus groups. Thematic analysis was used, and the study data had been categorized into four themes: knowledge, procedure and performance, experience, and practice. The condensed meaning units of each theme were identified, then classified to formulate sub-themes. Results All the participants indicated that FGM is a traditional practice in the village. The vast majority have heard about it from family members, mainly mothers and grandmothers. Regarding the procedure, all the participants agreed that midwives perform FGM, but most of them don’t know what exactly is being removed. According to all participants, mothers and grandmothers are the decision-makers for FGM. The majority of the participants stated that they do not discriminate between the circumcised and uncircumcised women and most of them agreed that circumcision has negative side effects. They have mentioned pain, difficult urination, and walking as early side effects, while psychological impacts and labor obstruction as late ones. Generally, the majority of the participants agreed that circumcision is not beneficial and should stop. Conclusion Knowledge regarding the dangers of FGM among high school girls is better than expected given the high prevalence of the practice. Generally, the process is well understood, the performers are known, the experience is universal, and the side effects are acknowledged. Nevertheless, a majority still showed an intent to circumcise their daughters in the future.

Background Access to essential medicines is a critical component of universal health coverage. However, the availability of essential medicines in Sudan isn’t well studied. As well, most Sudanese people lack health insurance, making out-of-pocket spending the primary source of drug financing. Therefore, the affordability of medicines in Sudan is questionable, with only 30% of the total population being covered by a public health service or public health insurance. We undertook this study to assess the availability and prices of essential medicines in public-sector health facilities in Khartoum state. Moreover, this study aims at assessing patients’ perceived affordability of essential medicines, and accommodation and acceptability of the public facility. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at 30 primary healthcare facilities’ drug dispensaries across three districts in Khartoum state. Within each Centre’s dispensary unit, a standardized checklist evaluated the availability and affordability of 21 essential medicines selected from Sudan’s national essential medicines list and assessed their storage conditions. Furthermore, 630 patients were selected from all dispensary units for an exit interview that assessed their perceived accessibility, acceptability, accommodation, and affordability of essential medicines. Data were collected through the Kobo toolbox and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results Participants’ ratings of accessibility, affordability, accommodation, and acceptability were 3.7/5, 1.5/4, 5/6, and 5.4/6, respectively, with a 26.7% full access and weak correlation between some of the indices. The overall availability of adults and pediatric medicines was 36.8% 6.7%, respectively. Cost of a single course of treatment for 10 and 16 drugs out of the 19 drugs consumed exceeds the daily wage of insured and uninsured patients, with a median price ratio of 16.4 and 62.8, respectively. Moreover, the dispensary area conditions were found to be of good quality, yet the storerooms were not functioning in 40% of the outlets. Conclusion Patients had limited access to their needed drugs due to high prices and physical unavailability, and primary healthcare capacities are not meeting the demands of citizens. The outcomes for the patients’ access variables (accessibility, accommodation, acceptance, and affordability) are comparable to those in countries with low incomes. Ensuring access to free medicines is likely to improve patients’ satisfaction with healthcare services and reduce private expenditure on medicines, which is a long-term, sustainable way towards universal health coverage in Sudan.

It is essential to have proper treatment and management for asthma in order to minimise symptoms, lessen the burden, and lower the chance of exacerbations. To better control asthma, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and enhance paediatric registrars' understanding and application of asthma treatment. The Sudan Medical Specialisation Board (SMSB) paediatric registrars provided data for this quasi-interventional study between April and September of 2021. Twice, both before to and following the intervention education sessions, the questionnaire was delivered. SPSS version 28 was used to analyse the data after it had been cleaned up in an Excel document. 203 (or 77.8%) of the 261 were women. A substantial rise from 8.1 ± 4.12 SD to 18 ± 5.03 SD in the mean overall knowledge score of registrars between the pre-and post-intervention periods. A significant difference (p=0.001) was observed in the post-intervention phase, with first-year registrars (R1) demonstrating higher scores than their senior colleagues. The registrars' total knowledge scores did not differ significantly from one another during the pre-intervention period. The Global Initiative of Asthma (GINA) guidelines of management were implemented to a certain extent, according to the study. Of the registrars, 148 (56.7%) and 203 (77.8%) evaluated step one management in children ages 5 and under; 66 (25.3%) and 213 (81.6%) evaluated step one management in children ages 6 to 11; and 66 (25.3%) and 213 (81.6%) evaluated step one management in children ages 6 to 11 in pre- and post-intervention, respectively. Given that the intervention in this study greatly increased registrars' knowledge, doctors should obtain training on the GINA 2019 recommendations through conferences, workshops, and academic programmes. To find out why R1 outperforms their older counterparts, more investigation has to be done.

Background and Aims: It is essential to have proper treatment and management for asthma in order to minimise symptoms, lessen the burden, and lower the chance of exacerbations. To better control asthma, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and enhance paediatric registrars' understanding and application of asthma treatment. Methods: The Sudan Medical Specialisation Board (SMSB) paediatric registrars provided data for this quasi-interventional study between April and September of 2021. Twice, both before to and following the intervention education sessions, the questionnaire was delivered. SPSS version 28 was used to analyse the data after it had been cleaned up in an Excel document. Results: 203 (or 77.8%) of the 261 were women. A substantial rise from 8.1 [+ or -] 4.12 SD to 18 [+ or -] 5.03 SD in the mean overall knowledge score of registrars between the pre-and post-intervention periods. A significant difference (p=0.001) was observed in the post-intervention phase, with first-year registrars (R1) demonstrating higher scores than their senior colleagues. The registrars' total knowledge scores did not differ significantly from one another during the pre-intervention period. The Global Initiative of Asthma (GINA) guidelines of management were implemented to a certain extent, according to the study. Of the registrars, 148 (56.7%) and 203 (77.8%) evaluated step one management in children ages 5 and under; 66 (25.3%) and 213 (81.6%) evaluated step one management in children ages 6 to 11; and 66 (25.3%) and 213 (81.6%) evaluated step one management in children ages 6 to 11 in pre- and post-intervention, respectively. Conclusion: Given that the intervention in this study greatly increased registrars' knowledge, doctors should obtain training on the GINA 2019 recommendations through conferences, workshops, and academic programmes. To find out why R1 outperforms their older counterparts, more investigation has to be done. Keywords: asthma, GINA, management of asthma, Sudan

Hemorrhage is the major hindrance over the wound healing, which triggers microbial infections and might provoke traumatic death. Herein, new hemostatic and antibacterial PVA/Kaolin composite sponges were crosslinked using a freeze-thawing approach and boosted by penicillin–streptomycin (Pen-Strep). Physicochemical characteristics of developed membranes were analyzed adopting Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, the impacts of kaolin concentrations on porosity, swelling behavior, gel fraction, and degradation of the membranes were investigated. SEM analyses revealed a spongy-like structure of hydrogels associated with high dispersion of kaolin inside PVA matrix. The thermal characteristics of PVA/Kaolin were significantly ameliorated compared to the prime PVA. Moreover, the results exhibited significant variations of swelling performance, surface roughness and pore capacity due to the alterations of kaolin contents. Besides, the adhesive strength ability was manifestly enhanced for PVA-K0.1 sponge. Biomedical evaluations including antibacterial activity, blood clotting index and thrombogenicity of the membranes were studied. The contact of PVA/Kaolin to blood revealed notable augmentation in blood clotting. Furthermore, the incorporation of kaolin into PVA presented mild diminution in antibacterial activities. Moreover, PVA/Kaolin composites illustrated no cellular toxicity towards fibroblast cells. These remarkable features substantiate that the PVA-K0.1 sponge could be applied as a multifunctional wound dressing.