ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a rising global health problem which requires continuous self-management practice to prevent acute and chronic complications. However, studies show that few diabetic patients practice the recommended self-management practices. This study aimed at assessing self-management practices among diabetic patients at Chilenje, Chawama and Kanyama First Level Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A hospital based cross-sectional analytical design was used for this study. The study population included all adult patients with diabetes mellitus who receive care at Chilenje, Chawama and Kanyama First Level Hospitals in Lusaka District. Fish bowl sampling without replacement was used to select participants and sample size calculated was 167. Data were collected using a structured interview guide adapted from the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences v26.0 at 5% level of significance. Ethical clearance and permission to collect research data were sought and granted accordingly. Results: This study had a total 167 participants. Overall, the study observed that 122 (73%) patients reported poor self-management practices while only 45 (27%) reported good self-management. Unacceptable fasting glucose level ranges vs. acceptable fasting glucose level ranges (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.99) p- value = 0.049 and 5 – 9 years with diabetes vs. less than 5 years and more than 9 years with diabetes (AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.95) p- value 0.039 were statistically significant predictors of poor self-management practices among diabetic patients. Conclusion: This study showed that majority of diabetic patients had poor self -management practices. The study further observed that patients with unacceptable fasting blood glucose level ranges and those with diabetes for 5 – 9 years were more likely to have poor self-management practices. ...

ABSTRACT
Background: Physical and psychological impact of traumatic childbirth is often de-emphasized and under-reported, which may have profound implications on the mother’s general well-being. This systematic review examines the psychological and physical impacts of birth trauma on mothers, aiming to integrate existing research and identify gaps. Method: The study conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, selecting studies based on relevance and methodological quality. Meta-analyses were performed to pool data where possible. The review included ten studies highlighting that birth trauma is linked to significant psychological outcomes like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and physical issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain. Results: The review found that there is lack of diversity in study populations, insufficient integration of physical and psychological impacts, and the coping mechanisms and interventions. The findings noted the necessity for a holistic approach to maternal care that addresses both psychological and physical aspects of birth trauma. Conclusion: This review highlighted the insufficient integration of psychological and physical impact of birth trauma to mothers. It calls for future research to adopt a more comprehensive approach, recognizing the interplay between mental and physical health outcomes. Furthermore, maternal healthcare systems should incorporate integrated interventions and support systems to address these multi-faceted impacts. Improved awareness and care models could significantly enhance maternal well-being and recovery after traumatic childbirth.

ABSTRACT
Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality particularly in Zambia accounting for 45% of all the deaths in under-five period (MoH Action Plan, 2022-2026). Zambia face a lifetime risk of 1 in 37 infants die in their first months of life with the neonatal mortality rate of 27 per 1000 live births (Zambia Statistical agency, 2019). The aim of this article is to determine risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis in Zambia. Appreciating these factors is critical for implementing effective measures in the prevention and improving neonatal health outcomes in Zambia. The risk factors of neonatal sepsis are classified into maternal, perinatal and neonatal factors drawing insights from recent studies conducted within the Zambian context.

ABSTRACT
The effectiveness of moringa leaves preparation increasing hemoglobin in among anemia under reproductive age. Anemia is indeed a common condition affecting many people today, often due to nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle or chronic disease. Raising awareness and promoting prevention strategies are crucial for improving overall health. Moringa, known popularly as drumstick tree, is a tropical plant grown for its nutritious leafy-greens, flower buds, and mineral-rich green fruit pods. Moringa is rich in phytonutrients, which helps to prevent conditions such as cancer, bronchial asthma, high cholesterol, high BP, as well as helping to build a strong immune system. Moringa is a rich source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It provides vital vitamins, including A, B1, B2, B6, folate, and ascorbic acid. By promoting awareness and integrating moringa into diets, we can enhance overall health and combat anemia effectively.

ABSTRACT
The study titled “Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding Self-Care Practice Among 1st Year B.Sc. Nursing Students at Smt. Nagarathnamma College of Nursing, Bengaluru” aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on students' knowledge about self-care practices. Introduction: Self-care is crucial in nursing practice, as it helps maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. However, nursing students often focus more on patient care, neglecting their own self-care practices. This study aimed to bridge this gap by assessing and improving their knowledge. Methods and Materials: A quantitative approach was adopted, and 45 first-year nursing students were selected through non-probability sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with 30 items, covering demographic variables and knowledge assessment. Results: The pre-test results showed that 84.44% of students had inadequate knowledge regarding self-care. Following the structured teaching intervention, 57.7% of the students showed adequate knowledge in the post-test. A significant relationship between demographic variables and knowledge improvement was also observed through paired T-tests. Conclusion: The study concluded that the structured teaching program significantly improved the knowledge of self-care practices among nursing students. Incorporating such educational interventions into the nursing curriculum can enhance students' self-care awareness and contribute to better personal well-being and patient care in their professional roles.

ABSTRACT
An experimental study assessed the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing hypertension among 70 antenatal mothers in a selected community in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Participants were selected through non-probability purposive sampling and underwent baseline assessments for blood pressure, demographic characteristics, and stress levels using a structured questionnaire. Over a specified period, the mothers engaged in structured music therapy sessions. Results indicated a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure following the intervention, demonstrating the efficacy of music therapy as a non-invasive strategy for managing hypertension in pregnant women. The study found that the predominant age group was 30-34 years (42.86%), with most participants being married (95.71%) and homemakers (57.14%). Socio-economically, 50% of the sample belonged to the middle class, and 54.29% were in their second trimester. The pre-pregnancy BMI distribution was balanced between underweight (35.7%) and normal weight (35.7%) women, supporting the integration of holistic methods like music therapy into routine prenatal care.

ABSTRACT
A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group pre-test post-test design was used to study the effectiveness of drumstick leaves juice on haemoglobin levels in antenatal mothers. Sahli’s method assessed haemoglobin levels. In the experimental group, the mean pre-test haemoglobin score was 10.31, and the post-test score was 11.19. The calculated t-value (18.7) at 29 degrees of freedom (p < 0.05) indicated a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores, showing an increase in haemoglobin after consuming drumstick leaves juice. The control group’s post-test mean was 9.79, while the experimental group’s was 11.19, with a t-value of 1.963 at 58 degrees of freedom (p < 0.05). This confirmed that drumstick leaves juice effectively increased haemoglobin levels. The juice is both cost-effective and easy to use.