|
By Kevin Ongeti and Cherly Kerama,
Heart Friends Around the World Universiti of Nairobi
SUMMARY
Members of the heart friends around
the world, held a research training workshop at the University
of Nairobi. The aim of the research was to equip the members of
the association with knowledge about research, research
methodology and brainstorm on the chances and challenges of
targeted research efforts in cardiovascular research in Africa.
In the workshop, it was clear that while there are still many
challenges of in cardiovascular research and prevention
programs, there is nidus for growth in Africa. The heart friends
around the world, University of Nairobi should start its dynamic
preventive programmes immediately.
INTRODUCTION AND
PROCEEDINGS
There were 100 participants in the
two day workshop at the department of Human Anatomy, University
Of Nairobi. The key speakers at the workshop included;
1. Dr. Julius Ogeng’o – Chairman
Department of Human Anatomy – Introduction to the cardiovascular
system and the cardiovascular system research.
2. Dr. Mark Joshi – Patron HFATW
University of Nairobi - Data collection on the cardiovascular
system
3. Prof. E. Ogola – vice chairman
PASCAR – Preventive cardiology in Africa
4. Prof. SWO Ogendo – Chairman
Kenya Cardiac Society – Writing a research project.
5. Dr. Hassan Saidi – Critical
appraisal of scientific papers.
6. Dr. Christine Jowi –
interventional cardiology.
In the workshop, the different
speakers acknowledged the role of medical students in prevention
of heart diseases. The medical students, members of the HFATW
were trained on the essence of research, the need to research in
all aspects of medicine and the role of research in the
cardiovascular system. The speakers urged students to try on all
methods of research including;
a) Analytical.
b) Experimental.
c) Descriptive.
They were equipped with all
parameters of the above listed research methods. The members of
the heart friends around the world were urged to go through the
whole steps of research to ensure there is validity of the
results acquired. These steps include;
1. Development of the study
question.
2. Development of the concept paper
3. Literature review/ search.
4. Proposal development.
5. Data collection
6. And finally dissemination.
They were trained on sampling and
randomization and elimination of error in different study
methods. The members were equipped with the details of report
writing as well as critical appraisal of scientific papers.
Finally, he members of the HFATW University of Nairobi were
reminded that the burden of cardiovascular disease in Africa is
about high accounting for about 9.2% of the deaths. Dr.
Christine Jowi taught the medical Students the current
investigations and management including echocardiography and
cardiac catheterization.
The current challenges one faces in
cardiovascular disease management and research includes,
1. Low awareness about the heart
and heart diseases,
2. Low interest among the
population about the heart and heart diseases
3. Different health priorities.
4. In accurate record keeping.
5. Inadequate financing of the
health system.
6. Sub-optimal laboratory support.
To mitigate these challenges,
members of the HFATW were asked to start activities immediately.
Members of the HFATW were encouraged to locally attempt;
1. Epidemiological surveys.
2. Measure baseline cardiovascular
parameters including the blood pressure.
3. Qualification of risk factors
for cardiovascular disease in the local population.
CONCLUSION
Research is dynamic. A lot of new
information should always be sought in order to update the
current information. Considering the cardiovascular system,
medical students as energetic individuals stand a good chance of
success. The ground for epidemiological survey and preventive
activities in Africa is wide. The way to go is to start.
|
