AFJOG

African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Volume 2 | Issue 2 | 2024 | 49 African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Volume 2 | Issue 2 | 2024 | Abstracts AFJOG ABSTRACTS Results: The study demonstrated an overall pregnancy rate of n= 24(32.4%).The live birth rate was 18.9% and miscarriage rate of 5.4%. The study also noted that there was no difference in outcome in terms of pregnancy rate in patients with primary infertility compared to those with secondary infertility(29% vs. 25%).The study also noted that patients with longer freeze-thaw interval had higher pregnancy rates(34.2%) compared to those with shorter periods(23.8%). Tygerberg Hospital uses the medicated endometrial preparation protocol, which is either estrogen- based(HRT protocol), or Fertomid based (modified natural cycle). For the estrogen-based protocol, the clinical pregnancy rate was 28% whereas the Fertomid-stimulated cycle group had a clinical pregnancy rate of 30%.Tygerberg Hospital Fertility unit also uses vitrification for cryopreservation, this seems to be a favored method globally. Conclusion: This study showed that FET cycle outcomes in Tygerberg are consistent and comparable with the existing body of literature. The pregnancy rate from this study was n=24(32.4%), with a live birth rate of 18.9% and miscarriage rate of 5.4%. ABSTRACTTITLE: 119: CRISPR-Based Gene Therapy Approach for Mitigating Genetic Disorder in Gametes And Embryos AUTHORS: Dr Jabulani Ernest Moloi joburgfertility@gmail.com Jabulani Ernest Moloi 1 1 Joburg Fertility Center Introduction: Genetic disorders pose a significant challenge to reproductive health, leading to inheritable diseases in offspring. Traditional methods, such as symptom management, invasive procedures, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and selective abortions, offer limited solutions. CRISPR-based gene therapy introduces a revolutionary approach to genome editing, potentially correcting genetic disorders at the gamete and embryo stages, ensuring healthy offspring. Methods: This study explores the application of CRISPR technology in editing gametes (egg and sperm cells) to correct disease-causing mutations. The approach involves identifying and targeting specific DNA segments responsible for genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia. By editing these segments, the mutated genes can be corrected or countered to prevent the transmission of genetic disorders to future generations. Results: CRISPR-based gamete editing effectively targets and corrects disease-causing mutations, significantly reducing the likelihood of transmitting genetic disorders to offspring. The technique has successfully eliminated mutations responsible for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia in edited gametes. Additionally, this approach addresses fertility problems caused by genetic factors, enhancing reproductive outcomes. Conclusion: CRISPR-based gene therapy offers a promising solution for treating genetic disorders at the gamete and embryo stages. By precisely targeting and correcting disease- causing mutations, this approach ensures the healthy production of offspring and addresses genetic fertility issues. The potential to prevent the transmission of genetic disorders marks a significant advancement in reproductive health, providing new hope for individuals affected by hereditary diseases. ABSTRACTTITLE: 123: Determining the resilience and coping mechanisms amongst postgraduate students in the School of Medicine at the University of Pretoria AUTHORS: Dr Dennis Muziayifane Maluleka muziayifane@gmail.com Dennis Muziayifane Maluleka 1 , Sumaiya Adam 1 , Gerald Grobler 1 1 none Introduction: Postgraduate training is a highly stressful period for trainees. Poor well-being among healthcare professionals leads to medical errors, malpractice suits, infections, patient mortality, poor teamwork, lower patient satisfaction, job dissatisfaction, reduced effort, and rapid staff turnover. Burnout adversely affects quality, safety, and health care system performance, therefore there is a need for organisations to add measures of Health care professional’s well-being to their routine institutional performance measures. Objective: This study assessed burnout levels and resilience among postgraduate students using validated scales, identified factors affecting them, and examined how employment structures can better support students during crises. Methods: This descriptive, mixed-methods cross-sectional study involved 83 registered postgraduate MMed students at the University of Pretoria, with a 30% response rate. Respondents completed online surveys using validated scales to assess burnout, resilience, and coping mechanisms. Data analysis included descriptive statistics to summarize frequencies, percentages, means, medians, and standard deviations. Results: Many participants reported significant fatigue at work, with 23% sometimes feeling weak and 25% lacking energy for daily tasks. ANOVA showed that 23% were infrequently burned out (p<0.0001). Cronbach's Alpha indicated high internal consistency for fatigue (84.80%), emotional exhaustion (85.71%), and cognitive weariness (87.62%). Despite this, 80% considered themselves resilient, influenced by strong relationships, belief in fate, confidence from past successes, and a positive outlook. Most valued support such as online discussions, time off, and mentorship, though some felt unsupported. Conclusion: The study found that many postgraduate students experienced significant fatigue and burnout but considered themselves resilient due to strong relationships and a proactive mindset. Although many valued institutional support like online discussions and mentorship, some did not use these resources and felt unsupported.