https://hdl.handle.net/10646/2766 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:08:06 GMT 2026-04-09T19:08:06Z https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3302 Title: An overview of spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ARDs) in Zimbabwe Authors: Ball, D. Abstract: The deaths of over 100 people in 1937 in the USA from the ingestion of antifreeze used as a solvent for sulfanilamide and the foetal malformations of thalidomide in Europe in the 1960s resulted in the development of drug regulatory agencies as we know them today.1 These authorities licence medicines for the market using the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality. However, clinical trials are inefficient at determining safety since they involve relatively few, selected patients in controlled prescribing environments. It is necessary to monitor marketed medicines for safety under normal prescribing. This is post marketing surveillance or pharmacovigilance. Various systems are available ranging from compulsory reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) through intensive hospital monitoring to spontaneous voluntary reporting.2 The latter, is more common since it is inexpensive and easy to* * implement whilst being useful in identifying uncommon ADRs. Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3302 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3257 Title: An investigation of the factors influencing the choice of infant feeding methods among urban Zimbabwean women in the context of HIV transmission Authors: Gara, C.P.; Pazvakavambwa, I.; Maponga, C.C.; Gavaza, P. Abstract: Objective: To determine the socio-economic and cultural factors influencing the choice of infant feeding methods in urban Zimbabwe women in the context of HIV transmission. Study Design: A prospective survey. Setting: Clinics in Harare and Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Subjects: A total ol 200 women attending eight baby clinics, with babies aged up to two years. Main Outcome Measures: Infant feeding methods used by mothers, number of women who had undergone HIV testing, those who knew the link between HIV and breast feeding, and those who were afraid to breast feed. The most common reasons for breast feeding and formula feeding. Results: Husbands had a greater influence on feeding practices than nurses, implying that social influences have a higher influence than the advice of medical personnel when choosing a method of feeding (58% and 42% respectively). Thirty three percent and 77% of women in Harare and Chitungwiza respectively knew the link between HIV and breast milk. Thirteen percent and 36% of the women were afraid to breast feed in Harare and Chitungwiza respectively. Conclusion: The level of education and employment status as well as the opinions of family members and health care personnel are the major factors that influence the choice of method of infant feeding. The multiplicity of factors complicate the decision making process, considering the benefits of breast feeding, which have to be weighed against the risk of transmitting HIV to the infant. Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3257 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3154 Title: Harare doctors support the need for training in basic business and economics principles in medical school: A pilot study Authors: Tsabasvi, E.; Gavaza, P.; Maponga, C.C. Abstract: The world is becoming more and more capitalist. This change is affecting all health disciplines including general practice. Lomas reported that economic factors also contribute to a change in doctors' behaviour.' This recognition has resulted in the growth of health economics as a discipline of study. Worldwide, the achievement of an effective evidence based health care system has resulted in the incorporation of health and medical economics in medical education.2 Medical doctors' roles have diversified over the years, and they are increasingly becoming a hybrid of a health care professional and a businessman. More and more medical doctors arc starting their own private practices. Medical doctors arc borrowing from other fields such as economics and business administration in order to cope and survive in the competition; e business environment. It is increasingly becoming critical and indispensable, for medical doctors to understand their expenditure patterns, how to run efficiently and generate revenue greater than expenses (profit), how to price their products and services and how to define their niche in the community Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3154 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10646/2890 Title: Oestrogen transdermal patches for post partum depression in lactating mothers: A case report Authors: Ball, D.E.; Morrison, P. Abstract: Oestrogen transdermal patches are now being used in the prophylaxis and treatment of post partum depression. Oestrogens are known to have potential adverse effects on breastfed infants. This case describes jaundice and poor weight gain in the child of a lactating mother prescribed oestrogen transdermal patches. There is a need for caution in the use of this therapy in breast feeding mothers and health professionals should be alert for problems. Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10646/2890 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z