Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern in resource-constrained sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Efforts to combat this burden are hampered by the region's wide variation in reported prevalence. This review aimed to systematically synthesize up-to-date data on PPD in SSA. The review was structured per the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Included in the review were studies that reported the prevalence of PPD in SSA. A search was undertaken of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and PsycINFO. A random-effect model was fitted to estimate the pooled burden of postpartum depressive symptoms in SSA. We conducted subgroup analyses to estimate the distribution of postpartum depressive symptoms based on important study characteristics: sample size, the timing of diagnosis, design, study setting/region, instrument, and income/ economy. The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms ranged from 3.8% to 69.9%, with a pooled estimate of 22.1% (CI 18.5-26.2; I² = 98.2; Tau = 0.848; p<0.001). There was a significant variation in postpartum depressive symptoms with sample size (p<0.001). The highest prevalence (25.6% CI 21.5-30.1) was obtained within 12 weeks postpartum. The prevalence estimate was highest (23.3%; CI 20.1-26.8) with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). South Africa (30.6%; CI 23.6-38.7) and Zimbabwe (29.3%; CI 22.2-37.5) reported the highest prevalence rates, while Tanzania (13.5%; CI 10.1-17.9) reported the lowest prevalence estimates. Upper-middle SSA countries presented the highest prevalence rates (30.6%; CI 23.6-38.7). The prevalence was highest within the period 2010-2015. PPD constitutes a significant health burden in SSA and is fast becoming an epidemic in southern Africa. SIGNIFICANCE: • Given that PPD is a recurring mental health challenge among women in sub-Saharan Africa, there is an urgent need for strategic policy provisions to ameliorate its burden. • An increase in prevalence of PPD from 2005-2010 to 2015-2021 is indicative of the need for national governments to intensify efforts targeted at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5 in the region. • In SSA, the prevalence of PPD is highest (approximately 30%) in Southern Africa, precisely South Africa and Zimbabwe, where it is fast becoming an epidemic; hence strategies are needed to curtail its growing trend. • There is a need to characterise and stratify the risk factors of PPD in sub-Saharan to guide policy development of predictive algorithms and implementation strategies.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El uso racional de los medicamentos proporciona una estrategia de ahorro de costos para maximizar los resultados terapéuticos tanto en los países en desarrollo como en los países desarrollados. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el uso racional de medicamentos para algunas enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) seleccionadas en tres farmacias de hospitales públicos de Jamaica, usando los indicadores de prescripción de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Métodos. En este estudio transversal retrospectivo se examinaron las prescripciones realizadas a pacientes ambulatorios adultos que incluían al menos un medicamento para enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes, cáncer, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica o asma, dispensadas entre enero y julio del 2019, utilizando los indicadores de prescripción para el uso racional de medicamentos de la OMS. Los datos se analizaron y expresaron mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Para todos los análisis realizados se estableció un nivel de significación de p <0,05. Resultados. Se examinó un total de 1 500 prescripciones que incluían 5 979 medicamentos; la mayor parte de ellas correspondían a pacientes de sexo femenino de 42 a 60 años. Se observó que había polimedicación en el 35,6% (534) de las prescripciones, con un promedio de 4 y un máximo de 17 medicamentos por receta. En todos los centros se dispensó la mayor parte de los medicamentos prescritos, y el motivo principal para no hacerlo fue la falta de existencias del medicamento en cuestión. La prescripción de genéricos fue elevada en todos los centros y supuso más del 95% (5 722) de los medicamentos prescritos. En dos centros la prescripción se realizó en su totalidad de acuerdo con la Lista Modelo de Medicamentos Esenciales de la OMS, pero en el centro 1 no se alcanzó el objetivo por un 1,4%. Conclusiones. Se siguieron las directrices de la OMS para el uso racional de medicamentos en cuanto a la proporción de medicamentos prescritos de la Lista Modelo de la OMS y la proporción de antibióticos prescritos. El número de medicamentos por receta y la proporción de medicamentos prescritos mediante su nombre genérico no cumplieron con los criterios de la OMS. Sin embargo, las prescripciones estaban en consonancia con las directrices de tratamiento de las enfermedades no transmisibles seleccionadas.

ABSTRACT Objective. The rational use of medicines offers a cost-saving strategy to maximize therapeutic outcomes for developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rational use of medicines for selected noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at three pharmacies at public hospitals in Jamaica using the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) prescribing indicators. Methods. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, prescriptions for adult outpatients containing at least one medicine for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma that were filled between January and July 2019 were reviewed using WHO’s prescribing indicators for the rational use of medicines. Data were analyzed and expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics. For all analyses conducted, significance was determined at P < 0.05. Results. A total of 1 500 prescriptions covering 5 979 medicines were reviewed; prescriptions were mostly written for female patients aged 42–60 years. Polypharmacy was observed in 35.6% (534) of prescriptions, and there was an average of 4 medicines per prescription, with a maximum of 17. Most of the prescriptions at each site were filled, with the main reason for not dispensing a medicine being that it was out of stock. Generic prescribing was high for all sites, accounting for more than 95% (5 722) of prescribed medicines. There was full compliance with prescribing according to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines at two of the sites, but it was just off the target at Site 1, by 1.4%. Conclusions. The WHO guidelines for the rational use of medicines were followed with respect to the proportion of medicines prescribed from the WHO Model List and the proportion of antibiotics prescribed. The number of medicines per prescription and the proportion of medicines prescribed by generic name did not meet the WHO criteria. However, prescribing was aligned with treatment guidelines for the selected NCDs.

RESUMO Objetivo. O uso racional de medicamentos é uma estratégia de contenção de custos para maximizar os resultados terapêuticos em países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso racional de medicamentos para algumas doenças não transmissíveis selecionadas em três farmácias de hospitais públicos na Jamaica a partir dos indicadores de prescrição preconizados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Métodos. Estudo transversal retrospectivo que avaliou receitas médicas de pacientes ambulatoriais adultos contendo pelo menos um medicamento prescrito para doença cardiovascular, diabetes, câncer, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica ou asma e dispensadas entre janeiro e julho de 2019. A avaliação foi realizada a partir dos indicadores de prescrição preconizados pela OMS para o uso racional de medicamentos. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. O nível de significância de p <0,05 foi adotado em todas as análises. Resultados. Ao todo, foram analisadas 1 500 receitas médicas compreendendo 5 979 medicamentos. Em sua maioria, as receitas foram prescritas para pacientes do sexo feminino com idades entre 42 e 60 anos. A polifarmácia foi observada em 35,6% (534) das receitas; em média, foram prescritos 4 medicamentos, até um máximo de 17. As farmácias estudadas dispensaram a maior parte dos medicamentos receitados. O principal motivo para não fornecer algum medicamento foi o desabastecimento. O percentual de medicamentos genéricos foi alto em todos os locais, representando mais de 95% (5 722) do volume receitado. Houve plena observância da Lista Modelo de Medicamentos Essenciais da OMS nas receitas analisadas em dois dos locais estudos, e observância quase completa (diferença de 1,4%) no local 1. Conclusões. As diretrizes da OMS de uso racional de medicamentos foram cumpridas no que se refere ao percentual de medicamentos receitados de acordo com a Lista Modelo da OMS e o percentual de antibióticos receitados. Os critérios da OMS não foram cumpridos quanto ao número de medicamentos por receita e ao percentual receitado usando o nome genérico. Porém, os medicamentos foram receitados de acordo com as diretrizes terapêuticas para as doenças não transmissíveis selecionadas.

Abstract. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various levels of protein and dietary lipids on white snook (Centropomus viridis) performance. A 4 × 2 factorial design was used with 4 protein levels (40%, 46%, 52%, and 58%) and 2 lipid levels (10% and 13%), with 3 replicates per treatment. Fish with an initial weight of 14.80 ± 0.80 g were fed to apparent satiety 3 times a day for 6 weeks. Juvenile growth showed no significant differences among treatments. Feed efficiency was only affected by the protein level in the diet, and the best feed efficiency ratio was obtained with the 52% protein diets; the protein efficiency ratio was significantly lower with the 58% protein diets. The hepatosomatic index decreased with increasing protein content, and the peritoneal fat index increased with dietary lipid level. The condition factor was not affected by the dietary protein or lipid level. Hematocrit and total plasma protein were significantly higher at 40% protein; blood glucose and triglycerides were affected by both nutrients. It is concluded that juvenile C. viridis can be fed diets containing 40% protein and 10% lipids and a protein/energy ratio of 20.69 mg·kJ-1, under the experimental conditions of this study.

Resumen. Se llevó a cabo un experimento para evaluar el efecto de varios niveles de proteína y lípidos dietéticos en el rendimiento de juveniles de robalo blanco (Centropomus viridis). Se realizó un diseño factorial 4 × 2 con 4 niveles de proteína (40%, 46%, 52% y 58%) y 2 niveles de lípidos (10% y 13%), con 3 replicados por tratamiento. Los peces con un peso inicial de 14.80 ± 0.80 g se alimentaron a saciedad aparente 3 veces al día durante 6 semanas. El crecimiento de los juveniles no presentó diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos. La eficiencia alimenticia solo fue afectada por el nivel de proteína en la dieta, y la mejor tasa de eficiencia alimenticia se obtuvo con las dietas con 52% de proteína; el índice de eficiencia proteica fue significativamente menor con las dietas con 58% de proteína. El índice hepatosomático disminuyó al aumentar el contenido de proteína, y el índice de grasa peritoneal aumentó con el nivel de lípidos en la dieta. El factor de condición no fue afectado por el nivel de proteína o lípidos dietéticos. El hematocrito y la proteína total del plasma fueron significativamente mayores con las dietas con 40% de proteína; la glucosa y los triglicéridos en la sangre fueron afectados por ambos nutrientes. Se concluye que los juveniles de C. viridis pueden ser alimentados con dietas que contengan 40% de proteína y 10% de lípidos y una relación proteína/energía de 20.69 mg·kJ-1, bajo las condiciones experimentales de este estudio.

Abstract Introduction : The removal of the uterus, (hysterec tomy), is the most frequent surgery in gynecology. In Argentina there are few publications on the periopera tive results of this type of procedure, and even less on minimally invasive hysterectomy. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of perioperative compli cations in patients with total laparoscopic hysterectomy performed at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, from January 7, 2010 to December 22, 2020. Methods : retrospective cohort study where electronic medical records were reviewed. Intrasurgical and postop erative complications were evaluated using the validated Clavien-Dindo’s classification. Results : 1014 patients were included. The rate of intra-surgical complications was 4.5%. In respect to postoperative complications, there was found a rate of 16.6% (n=168), being 12.3% (n=125) Clavien-Dindo ≤ 2, and 4.2% (n=43) Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3. In a multivariable analysis that adjusted for uterine weight > 170g, age, body mass index, and more than two previous abdomi nal surgeries, an association was found between uterine weight >170g and postoperative complications OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.04- 2.14, p=0.03. Discussion : When evaluating the percentage of mi nor and major complications, our findings are within the acceptable parameters for performing this type of surgery, even though the evaluation was carried out in an educational setting.

Resumen Introducción : La extirpación del útero, (histerectomía) es la cirugía más frecuente en ginecología. En Argentina existen pocas publicaciones sobre los resultados perio peratorios de este tipo de procedimiento, y menos aún sobre histerectomía mínimamente invasiva. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la tasa de complica ciones perioperatorias en pacientes con histerectomía total laparoscópica realizada en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, desde el 7 de enero de 2010 al 22 de diciembre de 2020. Métodos : estudio de cohorte retrospectivo donde se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas de pacien tes sometidas a una histerectomía laparoscópica en el período mencionado. Se evaluaron las complicaciones intraquirúrgicas y postoperatorias utilizando la clasifi cación validada de Clavien-Dindo. Resultados : Se incluyeron 1014 pacientes. La tasa de complicaciones intraquirúrgicas fue de 4.5%. Se halló una tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias de 16.6% (n=168), siendo 12.3% (n=125) Clavien-Dindo ≤ 2, y 4.2% (n=43) Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3. En el análisis multivariable que se ajustó por peso uterino >170g, edad, índice de masa corporal y más de dos cirugías abdominales pre vias, se encontró asociación entre peso uterino > 170 g y complicaciones postoperatorias, OR 1.49, IC 95% 1.04- 2.14, p = 0.03. Discusión : Al evaluar el porcentaje de complicaciones menores y mayores, nuestros números se encuentran dentro de los parámetros aceptables para realizar este tipo de cirugía, más aún, considerando que la evaluación se realizó en un ámbito educativo.

Hierdie artikel bied 'n omvattende oorsig en evaluering van skakelvoorspellingstegnieke. Die studie sluit 'n ontleding van verskeie metodes in, wat wissel van eenvoudige heuristieke tot komplekse inbedding-gebaseerde benaderings. Die vergelykende studie sluit 'n evaluering van die prestasie van elke tegniek oor 'n reeks uiteenlopende datastelle, en bied unieke insigte in die sterk punte en beperkings van elke benadering, sowel as hul geskiktheid vir verskillende tipes netwerkstruktuur. Byvoorbeeld, die bevindinge toon dat, hoewel sommige tegnieke goed kan presteer op klein en yl netwerke, hulle dalk nie so effektief is op groter, digter netwerke nie. Deur 'n deeglike ontleding van verskeie skakelvoorspellingstegnieke te verskaf, bied hierdie studie 'n waardevolle hulpbron vir navorsers wat meer effektiewe algoritmes wil ontwikkel vir die voorspelling van skakels in netwerke. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie dra by tot 'n dieper begrip van die dinamika en struktuur van netwerke.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview and evaluation of link prediction techniques. The study includes an analysis of various methods, ranging from simple heuristics to complex embedding-based approaches. The comparative study evaluates the performance of each technique across a range of diverse data sets, and offers unique insights into the strengths and limitations of each approach, as well as their suitability for different types of network structure. For example, the research shows that, while some techniques may perform well on small and sparse networks, they may not be as effective on larger, denser networks. By providing a thorough analysis of various link prediction techniques, this study proffers a valuable resource for researchers seeking to develop more effective algorithms for predicting links in networks. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and structure of networks.

In this article, a case study is presented for the development of a Scholarship of Engagement (SoE) engagement database, to map the engagement footprint of the university, and develop a Knowledge Management System (KMS) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), in order to facilitate the process of knowledge sharing. The aim of this article is to discuss a process of creating baseline data, to explore and profile the institution's SoE landscape, and facilitate a decentralised system of the SoE, based on an integrated approach to the institutionalisation of the SoE. The sharing of exemplars are important; consequently, in this article the context and role of the Community Engagement Unit (CEU), as well as the motivation for embarking on the project are explained. Additionally, the process from conceptualization, through implementation, to reflections on lessons learnt, and the future path of decentralisation, are plotted and documented. All partners pilot an integrative approach to implementation, to facilitate acceptance and uptake, while enablers that facilitate the process are identified, and decentralisation for the protection of academic freedom is highlighted. This case study is relevant to other universities, especially those on the African continent, as we attend to the broader decolonialisation agenda, which presents an exemplar for the duplication, adaptation, and creation of a SoE database, for universities to profile and present their anchoring in communities, following the principles of engagement that are aligned to transformation and social justice.

Resumen En este artículo se analizan las transiciones que se dan entre la ocupación formal, la informal y la no ocupación en México, con base en los microdatos del panel rotativo de la Encuesta Nacional de Ocupación y Empleo del primer trimestre de 2016 al primer trimestre de 2017. Para ello, se utiliza la metodología de los modelos multiestado. Los resultados muestran que existe gran movilidad del mercado laboral dependiendo de la condición de ocupación inicial. En cuanto a los factores explicativos, el trabajo no remunerado incide de manera significativa en el riesgo de pasar de la ocupación -ya sea formal o informal- hacia la no ocupación.

Abstract This article analyses the transitions between formal and informal occupation, and non-occupation in Mexico, based on the microdata for the rotating panel of the National Occupation and Employment Survey from the first quarter of 2016 to the first quarter of 2017. The methodology used is based on the estimation of multi-state models. The results show great mobility in the labor market depending on the initial occupation. Regarding the explanatory factors, unpaid work has a significant impact on the risk of moving from occupation -formal or informal- to non-occupation.

Abstract Introduction: the validity of claims about learner self-reports depends on the credibility of the measures used. Inventories developed within the psychometric tradition are expected to provide theoretical and empirical evidence for the validity and reliability of the measures to support subsequent interpretations and decisions. These practices depend on a set of assumptions based on latent trait theory that are essential to understanding what psychometric measures can do. This tutorial outlines essential characteristics of design and reporting of psychometric self-report data.

Resumen Introducción: la validez de las afirmaciones sobre los autoinformes depende de la credibilidad de las medidas utilizadas. Se espera que los inventarios desarrollados dentro de la tradición psicométrica proporcionen evidencia teórica y empírica de la validez y confiabilidad de las medidas para respaldar las interpretaciones y decisiones posteriores. Estas prácticas dependen de un conjunto de suposiciones basadas en la teoría del rasgo latente que son esenciales para comprender lo que pueden hacer las medidas psicométricas. Este documento describe las características esenciales del diseño y el informe de datos de autoinforme psicométrico.

In many developing countries, at least in Africa, many colleges and universities continue to deliver undergraduate level education in the in-person, face-to-face, mode. Many of these institutions are slow in adopting and embracing the online learning mode. This study investigated levels of interest among prospective and enrolled undergraduates for the full-online or blended learning mode. The study also assessed the factors that stimulated the interest of these groups for the preferred delivery mode. Based on a sample of 414 prospective and enrolled undergraduates from private and public colleges and universities in the context of Botswana, and using a survey design that involved questionnaires, and regression analysis, the study found that majority (56%, n=414) of the sample was interested in and preferred some form of online or blended learning, compared to the face-to-face learning mode. The proportion of individuals with keen interest in the blended learning mode, at undergraduate level, is surprisingly high. The motivational drivers for the student choice are linked to greater flexibility and convenience, and perceived better opportunity for interactions with professors and classmates (OR=10.9; 95% CI: 5.4 - 22.1). The COVID-19 outbreak and the requirements for social distancing may have also accounted for the level of interest reported. The findings have major significance for curriculum design and development, instructional design in higher education, education technology infrastructure development, and long-term enrolment planning.

The data ecosystem is complex and involves multiple stakeholders. Researchers and scientists engaging in data-intensive research collect, analyse, store, manage and share large volumes of data. Consequently, capturing researchers' and scientists' views from multidisciplinary fields on data use, sharing and governance adds an important African perspective to emerging debates. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey and received 160 responses from researchers and scientists representing 43 sub-Saharan African countries. Whilst most respondents were satisfied with institutional data storage processes, 40% indicated that their organisations or institutions did not have a formally established process for storing data beyond the life cycle of the project. Willingness to share data was generally high, but increased when data privacy was ensured. Robust governance frameworks increased the willingness to share, as did the regulation of access to data on shared platforms. Incentivising data sharing remains controversial. Respondents were satisfied with exchanging their data for co-authorship on publications (89.4%) and collaboration on projects (77.6%). However, respondents were split almost equally in terms of sharing their data for commercial gain. Regarding the process of managing data, 40.6% indicated that their organisations do not provide training on best practices for data management. This could be related to a lack of resources, chronic institutional under-investment, and suboptimal research training and mentorship in sub-Saharan Africa. The sustainability of data sharing may require ethical incentive structures to further encourage researchers and scientists. Tangible infrastructure to facilitate such sharing is a prerequisite. Capacity development in data governance for researchers and scientists is sorely needed. SIGNIFICANCE: Data sharing is necessary to advance science, yet there are many constraints. In this study, we explored factors that promote a willingness to share, as well as constraining factors. Seeking potential solutions to improve data sharing is a scientific and ethical imperative. The standardisation of basic data sharing and data transfer agreements, and the development of a Data Access Committee will strengthen data governance and facilitate responsible data sharing in sub-Saharan Africa. Funders, institutions, researchers and scientists ought to jointly contribute to fair and equitable data use and sharing during and beyond the life cycle of research projects.

BACKGROUND: In South Africa (SA), district hospitals (DHs) have limited capacity to manage the high burden of traumatic injuries. Scaling up decentralised orthopaedic care could strengthen trauma systems and improve timely access to essential and emergency surgical care (EESC). Khayelitsha township in Cape Town, SA, has the highest trauma burden in the Cape Metro East health district OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to describe the impact of Khayelitsha District Hospital (KDH) on acute orthopaedic services in the health district, with a focus on the volume and type of orthopaedic services provided without tertiary referral METHODS: This retrospective analysis described acute orthopaedic cases from Khayelitsha and their management between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019. Orthopaedic resources and the proportion of cases referred to the tertiary hospital by all DHs in the Cape Metro East health district are described RESULTS: In 2018 - 2019, KDH performed 2 040 orthopaedic operations, of which 91.3% were urgent or emergencies. KDH had the most orthopaedic resources and the lowest referral ratio (0.18) compared with other DHs (0.92 - 1.35). In Khayelitsha, 2 402 acute orthopaedic cases presented to community health clinics. Trauma (86.1%) was the most common mechanism of injury for acute orthopaedic referrals. Of clinic cases, 2 229 (92.8%) were referred to KDH and 173 (7.2%) directly to the tertiary hospital. The most common reason for direct tertiary referral was condition related (n=157; 90.8% CONCLUSION: This study outlines a successful example of a decentralised orthopaedic surgical service that increased EESC accessibility and alleviated the high burden of tertiary referrals compared with other DHs with fewer resources. Further research on the barriers to scaling up orthopaedic DH capacity in SA is needed to improve equitable access to surgical care

Transformation policies have been a high priority for governments globally, regionally, and nationally to address past inequalities. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are the critical stakeholders that ensure societal transformation. This requires HEIs to reimagine community engagement, with a necessary role-shift from Mode 1: provider of disciplinary knowledge to Mode 2: distributor of knowledge to broader society through engagement and research that is inclusive and impactful. In this article, we present an adapted version of Boyer's Scholarship of Engagement (SoE) model, to assist HEIs with the institutionalization and operationalization of engaged scholarship, inclusive of some factors and examples to consider for the process. The operationalization of the model helps HEIs to progress toward assessing their SoE effectiveness and, ultimately, their Societal Impact (SI) contribution, to transform society, responsively and responsibly.

BACKGROUND: Substantial additional efforts are needed to prevent, find and successfully treat tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa (SA). In the past decade, an increasing body of mathematical modelling research has investigated the population-level impact of TB prevention and care interventions. To date, this evidence has not been assessed in the SA context OBJECTIVE: To systematically review mathematical modelling studies that estimated the impact of interventions towards the World Health Organization's End TB Strategy targets for TB incidence, TB deaths and catastrophic costs due to TB in SA METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases for studies that used transmission-dynamic models of TB in SA and reported on at least one of the End TB Strategy targets at population level. We described study populations, type of interventions and their target groups, and estimates of impact and other key findings. For studies of country-level interventions, we estimated average annual percentage declines (AAPDs) in TB incidence and mortality attributable to the intervention RESULTS: We identified 29 studies that met our inclusion criteria, of which 7 modelled TB preventive interventions (vaccination, antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV, TB preventive treatment (TPT)), 12 considered interventions along the care cascade for TB (screening/case finding, reducing initial loss to follow-up, diagnostic and treatment interventions), and 10 modelled combinations of preventive and care-cascade interventions. Only one study focused on reducing catastrophic costs due to TB. The highest impact of a single intervention was estimated in studies of TB vaccination, TPT among people living with HIV, and scale-up of ART. For preventive interventions, AAPDs for TB incidence varied between 0.06% and 7.07%, and for care-cascade interventions between 0.05% and 3.27% CONCLUSION: We describe a body of mathematical modelling research with a focus on TB prevention and care in SA. We found higher estimates of impact reported in studies of preventive interventions, highlighting the need to invest in TB prevention in SA. However, study heterogeneity and inconsistent baseline scenarios limit the ability to compare impact estimates between studies. Combinations, rather than single interventions, are likely needed to reach the End TB Strategy targets in SA

RESUMO No Caribe anglófono, estima-se que atualmente 46% dos homens e 61% das mulheres estejam com sobrepeso ou obesidade e que 8% das crianças menores de 5 anos também estejam com sobrepeso. Para combater essa epidemia que se agrava, impulsionada por padrões alimentares pouco saudáveis, os chefes de governo da Comunidade do Caribe (CARICOM) emitiram a Declaração de Port-of-Spain de 2007, que incluía mandatos sobre o fornecimento de refeições saudáveis nas escolas, a promoção de padrões alimentares saudáveis e a reintrodução da educação física nas escolas. Esses mandatos são consistentes com abordagens baseadas em evidências usadas em programas de prevenção da obesidade infantil. Intervenções realizadas nas escolas, incluindo revisões curriculares, fazem parte de uma abordagem multifacetada para melhorar a nutrição das crianças, com o objetivo de complementar e reforçar outras intervenções nas escolas. Entretanto, a avaliação formal da Declaração de Port-of-Spain mostrou que a maioria dos países membros da CARICOM teve dificuldade em implementar os mandatos relacionados às escolas e à dieta. O projeto Melhorando a Segurança Nutricional das Famílias e a Saúde Pública na CARICOM, em colaboração com instituições regionais, a Secretaria da CARICOM e o Conselho de Exames do Caribe, buscou aprimorar a educação nutricional por meio da revisão dos currículos do ensino fundamental e médio em toda a região para aumentar o foco na prevenção de doenças não transmissíveis. Este artigo descreve o processo de revisão do programa de Biologia Humana e Social do Conselho de Exames do Caribe (para escolas do ensino médio) e da Estrutura Curricular Regional de Educação em Saúde e Vida Familiar da CARICOM (para escolas do ensino fundamental), que foi alcançado por meio de colaboração multissetorial. Usamos o modelo avançado da Estrutura para Informar Adaptações e Modificações (FRAME) para descrever o processo utilizado para fazer as modificações.

RESUMEN Se calcula que, en el Caribe de habla inglesa, el 46% de los hombres y el 61% de las mujeres tienen sobrepeso o son obesos, así como el 8% de los menores de 5 años. Para combatir esta epidemia creciente, debida a los hábitos de alimentación poco saludables, los Jefes de Gobierno de la Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM) emitieron en el 2007 la Declaración de Puerto España, que incluía mandatos relativos al suministro de comidas escolares saludables, la promoción de hábitos de alimentación saludables y la reintroducción de la educación física en las escuelas. Estos mandatos están en consonancia con los enfoques basados en la evidencia que se aplican en los programas de prevención de la obesidad infantil. Las intervenciones en los centros escolares, entre ellas la revisión de los planes de estudios, forman parte de una estrategia multidimensional dirigida a mejorar la nutrición infantil, y tienen la finalidad de complementar y reforzar otras intervenciones en las escuelas. Sin embargo, los resultados de la evaluación formal de la Declaración de Puerto España mostraron que la mayoría de los países miembros de la CARICOM tuvieron dificultades para poner en práctica los mandatos relativos a las escuelas y la alimentación. El proyecto “Mejorar la seguridad nutricional de los hogares y la salud pública en la Comunidad del Caribe”, en colaboración con instituciones regionales, la Secretaría de la CARICOM y el Caribbean Examinations Council, se propuso mejorar la educación nutricional por medio de la revisión de los planes de estudio de las escuelas primarias y secundarias de toda la región, para prestar mayor atención a la prevención de las enfermedades no transmisibles. En este artículo se describe el proceso de revisión del temario del Caribbean Examinations Council en materia de Biología Humana y Social para las escuelas secundarias, así como del marco curricular regional de educación para la salud y la vida familiar de la CARICOM para las escuelas primarias, que se llevó a cabo mediante una colaboración multisectorial. Para describir el proceso por el cual se realizaron las modificaciones, los autores usaron el modelo ampliado del marco para informar las adaptaciones y modificaciones (FRAME, por su sigla en inglés).

ABSTRACT In the English-speaking Caribbean, an estimated 46% of men and 61% of women are currently overweight or obese, and 8% of children younger than 5 years are also overweight. To combat this worsening epidemic, driven by unhealthy dietary patterns, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued the 2007 Port-of-Spain Declaration, which included mandates on the provision of healthy school meals, promotion of healthy dietary patterns, and reintroduction of physical education in schools. These mandates are aligned with evidence-based approaches used in childhood obesity prevention programs. School-based interventions, including curriculum revisions, are part of a multipronged approach to improve nutrition in children and are designed to complement and reinforce other interventions in schools. However, formal evaluation of the Port-of-Spain Declaration showed that most CARICOM member countries had difficulty implementing the mandates related to schools and diet. The Improving Household Nutrition Security and Public Health in the CARICOM project, in collaboration with regional institutions, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Caribbean Examinations Council, sought to enhance nutrition education through revision of region-wide primary and secondary school curricula to increase the focus on prevention of noncommunicable diseases. This paper describes the process of revising the Caribbean Examinations Council’s Human and Social Biology syllabus for secondary schools and the CARICOM Health and Family Life Education Regional Curriculum Framework for primary schools, which was achieved through multisectoral collaboration. We used the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced model to describe the process through which the modifications were made.

The purpose of this paper is to examine students' perceptions of their online learning experience during the first wave of COVID-19. The paper highlights the actions taken by the institution in transitioning to online learning and key indicators which influenced students' perceived online learning and academic performance during the pandemic. The study was conducted at a university and reports on quantitative and qualitative data collected from an online survey of 3257 students. Tinto and Pusser's (2006) model of institutional actions was used as a framework to guide the study. The study's findings forced the university to re-look at student support through new lenses. The findings from the data provided the basis for the institution to re-invent three academic policies to include a more holistic approach to learning, teaching, and student success. The policies developed were: Flexible Learning and Teaching Provision (FLTP), Assessment, and Curriculum Transformation and Renewal, which placed the student at the centre of university actions.