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Recent Submissions
Satisfaction and compliance to recommended management practices among type 2 diabetes patients in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Bofu, Hasna R.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been increasing
primarily due to the rising of risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles and
unhealthy eating habits, resulting to overweight and obesity. Diabetes-
related complications are the major causes of morbidity and mortality
among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Changes in lifestyles and
dietary patterns are essential for the management of type 2 diabetes
mellitus, including regular physical exercises, smoking cessation,
weight management, and diet control, which help to mitigate the long-
term effects of diabetes. Patient counseling has been identified as an
important means to enhance patients' knowledge about risk factors,
lifestyle modifications, and diabetes-related complications, which can
influence adherence to recommended management practices. Little is
known on counselling practices, satisfaction of diabetes related health
care services received and adherence to recommended prevention and
management practices among type 2 diabetes patients. Thus, the
present study aimed to evaluate counseling practices, challenges and
satisfaction with the services provided among type 2 diabetes patients.
It also assessed compliance to recommended management practices
for prevention and management of the disease related complications in
selected health facilities in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A hospital-
based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023
among 140 patients, including those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for
at least 3 months and receiving healthcare services in selected diabetes
clinics. Two health facilities with diabetes clinics which are Sabasaba
Health Centre and Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, were
purposively selected to represent public health facilities with diabetes
clinics. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a
structured questionnaire that included patients' characteristics.
Additionally, a previously validated Summary of Diabetes Self-care
Activities questionnaire was used to assess patients' compliance with
recommended prevention and management practices, and a Diabetes
Clinic Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to assess services
satisfaction. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Service
Solutions, version 25. Descriptive statistics and appropriate significance
tests such as mean, frequencies, percent and standard deviations (SD) were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed
to identify factors influencing services satisfaction and those that are
associated with compliance with recommended prevention and
management practices. The study commenced after receiving ethical
approval from National Health Research Committee of the National
Institute for Medical Research. Permission to conduct this study was
also sought from the President's Office Regional Authority and Local
Government, as well as the respective regional, district, and health
facility authorities. The mean age of the respondents was 59±12 years,
with 65% (n=91) being females, and 62% (n=87) having completed
primary-level education. Almost all respondents 96% (n=135)
acknowledged receiving advice on medication and healthy diet. Advice
on adopting a healthy lifestyle was not mandatory, with approximately
one in four respondents never having received counseling on either
alcohol intake or tobacco use. Nearly half of the respondents (49%,
n=68) expressed satisfaction with the services offered. There was a
significant association between patient satisfaction and the duration of
living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4), marital
status (AOR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-4.8), and waiting time to receive services
in the healthy facility (AOR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9). Diabetes services
were mostly limited to large patient-load and shortage of trained
healthcare providers, private space and time, as well as lack of
guidelines and protocol for counseling. Findings also revealed that
among the 140 patients, 91.4% (n=128) exhibited poor or unsatisfactory
self-care practices, with an overall mean of 3.81±2.08 days per week for
diabetes management. Self-care practices with good or satisfactory
performance included non-smoking, not drinking alcohol, and using
prescribed medication, while unsatisfactory performance was observed
on the practices of self-monitoring of blood glucose and physical
activity. Multiple regression analysis indicated that having co-morbidities
(AOR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.14-18.02) and being employed (AOR 4.4, 95% CI:
1.25-15.44) were independently predictive of adherence to self-care
practices. Generally, this study shows moderate satisfaction with
counseling practices and services, as well as poor compliance to
recommended prevention for complications and management practices.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose, physical exercise, and dietary
practices were the least practiced aspects, which could potentially increase the risk of complications among patients with type 2 diabetes.
The government through the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders
should ensure the formulation of clear protocol and guidelines for
counseling and diabetes prevention and management. It is further
suggested that recommended practices should be integrated into
existing healthcare systems to ensure that they become a routine part
of care.
The effects of different grazing intensities on soil properties in Miombo Woodlands of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Mchelu, Hadija Ahmad
This study was conducted at Miombo woodlands in Tanzania to
enhance the sustainability of miombo woodlands in response to the
increasing grazing pressure in miombo woodlands, driven by
agricultural expansion, population growth, and rising demand for
livestock products, has led to soil degradation, land scarcity, and
socio-economic conflicts among land users. The study aimed to
evaluate dynamics of selected soil physical and Soil organic carbon
under different grazing intensities for sustainability of Miombo
woodlands. The research used a purposive sampling and random
sampling design. Grazing intensity was evaluated through two
approaches: livestock stocking rates based on official records and a
scoring method derived from field observations. Soil organic carbon
(SOC) content was determined from topsoil samples collected from
188 plots whereas soil hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and underground
Water movement was estimated in 117 of these plots. Statistical
analysis was carried out using R® software version 4.4.2, using
Linear Mixed-Effects Models (LMM) and Gamma Generalized Linear
Mixed-Effects Models (GLMM) with a random intercept. The results
showed a slight agreement (k=0.14) between the stocking rate and
scoring methods on classification of grazing intensities. Significant
positive effects of increasing grazing intensity GI were observed on
bulk density (BD) and preferential flow (P<0.001), while significant
negative effects (P<0.001) were observed on SOC, (Kfs), percentage
dye cover, and uniform infiltration flow. The mean SOC ranged from
2.38 ± 0.84% under light grazing intensity to 1.42 ± 0.75% under high
grazing intensity. Kfs showed a mean range of 100.08-± 65.56
mmhr-1 under light grazing intensity to 27.28 ± 22.99 mmhr-1 under
high grazing intensity, while BD ranged from 1.64 ± 0.12 gcm-3
under high grazing intensity to 1.34 ± 0.17 g cm-3 under light grazing
intensity. The study recommends developing and implementing
proper sustainable livestock management practices made to the
specific conditions of Miombo ecosystems. Adhering to sustainable
Brucellosis in humans, livestock and rodents in Unguja, Zanzibar
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2023-05) Njau, Gloria Peter
Brucellosis is a globally significant zoonotic disease with profound
economic and public health implications. Brucellosis in humans is
characterized by intermittent fever. In Zanzibar, despite the decline
in malaria, fever cases persist in human population. However,
limited information exists regarding brucellosis in Unguja,
encompassing both humans and animals. A cross sectional study
was conducted at Unguja Island between July and November, 2022
to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and
animals and assess knowledge, awareness, and community
practices related to its transmission and control. Prevalence of
human brucellosis was determined by analyzing 405 human serum
samples from three hospitals. Seroprevalence of animal brucellosis
was determined using 247 cattle, 130 goats, and 32 sheep serum
samples collected from farms across five districts, alongside 384
rodent serum samples from farms, households, and marketplaces in
seven districts of Unguja. The sera were screened using the Rose
Bengal Test (RBT), and confirmed by indirect ELISA (i-ELISA).
A structured questionnaire was used, on a purposively selected
population (n=236) based on willingness of participants and their
close association with keeping livestock in all seven districts of
Unguja who were residents for their knowledge, awareness and
practices related to occurrence and transmission of the disease. For
human brucellosis, 153 participants were assessed for their
knowledge, awareness and control measures towards the disease
by using the structured questionnaire. The study found a lower
prevalence of human brucellosis (0.74% n=3/405) based on iELISA.
Seroprevalence in cattle were 1.62% (n=4/247), goats (0%
n=0/130), sheep (12.5% n=4/32), and rodents (0.26% n=1/384).
From questionnaire survey, findings revealed that there is high
consumption of dairy milk (92.2% n=141) with relatively low (2%
n=3/153) raw milk consumption since most consume it boiled (82%
n=126). Few respondents were aware of human brucellosis (28.8%
n=44), and fewer identified it as a zoonosis (22.9% n=35).
For the animal brucellosis questionnaire, that had a total of 83 livestock
keepers, majority were male (75.9% n=63), farmers (50.6% n=42),
with secondary education (39% n=47) and an age range of 18-45
years (71.1% n=59). Cattle were the predominant livestock (41%
n=34), most animals (65.1% n=54) were reared under open housing
system and tethering (56.6% n=47); and family members (72.3%
n=60) primarily cared for the animals. The survey revealed that
awareness of brucellosis was evenly distributed, with 52% (n=43) of
respondents being unaware. Knowledge was primarily sourced from
mass media (40%) and veterinarians (32%). Clinical signs on
animals such as abortion (13% n=11) were observed. Veterinary
officers played a vital role in calving/kidding assistance (55.4%
n=46), and many respondents (60.2% n=50) reported using
protective gear when handling sick/calving animals. Reproductive
outcomes highlighted stillbirths (36.1% n=30) and abortions (33.7%
n=28), with placenta retention mostly in normal deliveries (32.5%
n=27) compared to abortions/stillbirths. Moreover, abortion took
place at different stages of pregnancy. Most animals were also not
vaccinated against brucellosis (90.4% n=75). This study concluded
that human and livestock brucellosis prevalence was low in Unguja
Island. Despite its rarity, the potential impact on animal productivity
and human heath underscores the need for persistent surveillance
and increased efforts in raising community awareness to interrupt
transmission and mitigate risks to livestock and public health.
Further research is also required to explore other potential causes of
fever in humans, abortion in livestock and the role of rodents in
disease occurrence and transmission.
Ecology of small mammals and their ectoparasites in Mount Meru, Tanzania: insights for biodiversity conservation
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Gebrezgiher, Genet Berhe
This Thesis has been prepared in accordance with the Publishable
Manuscripts format of the Sokoine University of Agriculture. The
study on the elevational distribution of non-volant small mammals
over time, their demographic characteristics, and their associations
with arthropod ectoparasites was conducted between 2021 and
2022 at different elevations and habitats in Tanzania's second-
highest mountain, Mount Meru. Mount Meru is one of the
biodiversity hotspots in eastern Africa, hosting high level of species
richness and endemism, and providing important ecosystem
services. However, relatively, little is known about the ecology of
small mammals and their arthropod ectoparasites. Similarly, little is
known about the effects of environmental factors on the small
mammal distribution, which potentially extending to the parasites
they host. Tanzania is among the handful of countries in Africa
where active foci of deadly zoonotic diseases that can be
transmitted by small mammals and their ectoparasite vectors have
been persistent. Moreover, Mount Meru is home for endemic and
threatened species that are documented on the IUCN Red List.
However, there is currently no available information regarding the
possible role of arthropod ectoparasites of small mammals in the
transmission of zoonotic disease.
The over all goal of the study was to understand the ecological
dynamics and distribution patterns of small mammals and their
arthropod ectoparasites across different elevations of Mount Meru in
Tanzania. The study aimed at addressing three key specific
objectives: i) Assesing a decade-long change in the elevational
distribution of non-volant small mammals on Mount Meru; ii)
determining the breeding and demographic aspects of montemys
delectorum, an east african endemic rodent in mount Meru;
iii) Examining arthropod ectoparasites of two rodent species occurring
in varied elevations on Tanzania’s second highest mountain. To address the first objective, the small mammals were surveyed
from February to November 2021 at six elevations between 1500 m
and 3650 m using Sherman and Havahart traps. The results show
that two shrew and thirteen rodent species were recorded, including
Crocidura newmarki and Lophuromys verhageni, which are endemic
to the study area. Species richness was highest at mid-altitudes, in
line with the general patterns globally, though less pronounced in
Africa. The species Arvicanthis niloticus, Mastomys natalensis,
Lemniscomys striatus, Dasymys incomtus, and Cricetomys ansorgei
were not documented in 2009 but have been recorded in 2021.
Upward shifts in species’ ranges were observed between 2009 and
2021, suggesting the influence of climate change on the small
mammal community.
It is important to note that the rodent species mentioned in Chapter 2
as Praomys species have been identified as Montemys delectorum
after genetic identification and recent taxonomic revisions.
For the second objective, a Capture – mark – release studies were
undertaken in dense and open patchy forests in four 70 m X 70 m
grids from February 2021 to June 2022. The findings revealed that
the species exhibited bimodal patterns of breeding seasonality,
characterized by a low rate occurring during the short interval
between December and February and a pronounced rate taking
place from May to July. The population of Montemys delectorum
was unstable in the different forest types. There was a larger
population in the patchy open forest (F = 8.1; df = 1; p = 0.0001)
than in dense forest, suggesting its importance as a refuge for the
species.
To achieve the third objective, trapping of the two most dominant
rodent species of the study area, Montemys delectorum and
Rhabdomys dilectus, from five elevations (1500 to 3500 m), were
examined for arthropod ectoparasite infestations. The results
revealed that Ctenophthalmus calceatus cabirus, Dinopsyllus
ellobius, Varroa rindereri, and Xenopsylla cheopis were recovered
from the rodents. This study demonstrates that the elevational
distribution of arthropod ectoparasites is influenced by host sex, host
species, and environmental temperature. With rising altitude,
parasite prevalence and abundance decrease, indicating that colder
environmental conditions at higher altitudes inhibit parasite
reproduction and development. This indicates conservation efforts
should focus on higher altitudes. Moreover, the rodents and
ectoparasites reported in this study have been identified as possible
vectors of medical and veterinary diseases in different parts of
Africa, including Tanzania. It is crucial to take precautions in order to
effectively reduce the risk of parasitic infection, which can pose an
additional threat to both the endemic and threatened species listed
on the IUCN Red List as well as the overall biodiversity of the study
area. Furthermore, molecular results from this study reported a
previously unidentified mite species within the Mesostigmata
taxonomic group that had previously been recognized exclusively as
a parasite of honeybees. Further research efforts may provide
insights into the significance of this particular species of mite, Varroa
rindereri. Generally, while there remains much to be learned, this
particular study establishes the foundation for future initiatives in
wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation
management.
In abroader sense, the shift in the distribution of small mammals and
their ectoparasites on Mount Meru is a microcosm of the broader
challenges facing mountain ecosystems worldwide. These insights
go beyond the immediate context of Mount Meru and suggest that
we need to consider the long-term consequences of environmental
dynamics on biodiversity conservation. As these complexities
continue to shape mountain landscapes, their impact is not limited to
species interactions but also touches the field of human well-being.
The conservation of biodiversity is intrinsically linked to our own well-
being, as biodiversity and human societies are intricately intertwined.
Therefore, the findings of this research serve as an urgent reminder
for effective conservation action.
Diversity of rodents and shrews in Tanzania and prevalence of their parasites: a case study of Zaraninge Coastal Forest and Gongo Village
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Mkude, Irene Romanus
Rodents are important in the ecology of mammals because they
serve as predators, prey, pests, and grazers. Their composition,
community structure, population density, and habitat utilization are
linked to environmental variables like resource availability and
biological interactions. In Zaraninge Coastal Forest, several studies
on rodents and shrews were undertaken before and after it the
Coastal Forest was incorporated to the Saadani National Park
(SANAPA). However, these studies focused on distribution and
diversity of specific species of mammals in the Coastal Forest. The
studies reported that human encroachment in the Coastal forest as
one of threats affecting the forest. Nonetheless, information on the
diversity of rodents and shrews and their parasites after annexing
the forest to the National park to enhance its protection was not
availed. Thus, there is a knowledge gap on the parasites of rodents
and shrews, given that the rodents and shrews are reservoirs of
parasites that can be potential agents of transmitting diseases to
human beings. So, it was crucial to investigate the diversity of
rodents and shrews, but also investigate the parasites hosted in
rodents and shrews that can transmit zoonotic diseases to human
beings. The findings from the study aimed to provide information on
the diversity of rodents and shrews, but also information of their
parasites of health importance as most outbreaks of rodent-borne
diseases in humans are commonly related to socio-economic
deficiencies. The study was carried out from May to October 2021.
The removal method using two types of traps –Sherman and
Havahart was used to collect rodents and shrews. For ectoparasites,
fur of the captured individuals were combed to dislodge
ectoparasites, and for hemoparasites, blood samples were collected
from a supra orbital vein and blood was smeared on glass slide to
make smears. In analysis the Paleontological Statistics (PAST)
Program version (3.22) and Microsoft Excel (2007) were used to
analyze the data, which determined the diversity and relative
abundance of rodents and shrews. The prevalence of parasites in he captured individuals was also investigated using the prevalence
formula in the study. The Chi-square test was employed to
investigate the link between the ectoparasites infestation and the
individuals' sexes. About 203 individuals were caught in this study,
where 197 individuals were rodents (Mastomys natalensis,
Gramomys dolichurus, Gerbilliscus leucogaster, Lemniscomys
rosalia, Cricetomys spp, Beamys hindei, Graphiurus murinus and
Xerus rutilus) and 7 individuals were the non-rodentia (Crocidura
hirta, Petrodromus tetradactylus and Galago spp. The study findings
revealed that the rodents’ diversity value was higher in the Coastal
Forest, than in the Gongo Fallow Lands. The diversity of rodents in
Zaraninge Coastal Forest obtained was 1.49 and that of Gongo
Fallow Land was 0.22, yet, there were no any statistically difference
on the diversity of the two sites. Meanwhile, the shrew diversity
appeared to be similar on both sites (0.6931). The trap success
(abundances) for rodents ranged from 4.60% to 0.03%, while for the
shrews ranged from 0.08% to 0.05%. The infestation of
ectoparasites to rodents and shrews, was higher (92.2%) in the
fallow lands of Gongo Village than in the Coastal forest which had
7.8%. However, the infection rate of hemoparasites to rodents and
shrews was also higher (95.1%) in the fallow lands than in the
Coastal forest (4.9%). There was no significant association of the
parasites infection and infestation to the sexes of the individuals
caught. Yet, the count of the ectoparasites was higher on the female
rodents and shrews (1035) than that of the male rodents and shrews
(1026). In this study, the ectoparasites obtained were the
Echinolaelaps echidninus, Boophilus spp, Xenopyslla brasiliensis
and Polyplax stephensi. E. echidninus had higher prevalence of
942.6% on rodents particularly on Mastomys natalensis while the
lower prevalence was seen in P. stephensi. In shrews, Boophilus
spp had the highest prevalence of 233.3% than other ectoparasites.
On the account of hemoparasites, Plasmodium sp had higher
prevalence of 59.8% while Bacillus sp had lower prevalence of
0.5%.Therefore, these findings raises a concern on the public health
of the nearby community, livestock and the wildlife since their interaction is inevitable. The parasites found in this study are of
zoonotic importance, hence it’s important to put emphasis on the
hygiene of the people and the environment so as to avoid any
eruption of the zoonotic diseases in the community. The findings on
diversity provide the information on the importance of the
conservation on habitats in order to preserve species. However,
higher captures on fallow lands alerts the community on developing
pests control strategies to protect their farms and houses from been
invaded by rodents. Further studies on rodents and shrews of peri-
domestic and domestic areas, reports on zoonotic diseases that
maybe found in the nearby community, development of strategies to
prevent rodents as destructive pest in farms are recommended so
as to get more detailed information on the rodents and shrews in
these areas