West African Journal Of Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Dietary Diversity and Food Insecurity among Medical Students of the University of Ibadan: A Cross-sectional Study.
Oladipo DA, Akintimehin OO, Samuel FO
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40845189
BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of food insecurity presents particular challenges for university students, with medical students experiencing compounded risks due to financial limitations and academic pressures. These...
BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of food insecurity presents particular challenges for university students, with medical students experiencing compounded risks due to financial limitations and academic pressures. These constraints frequently manifest in poor dietary diversity, creating a bidirectional relationship where food insecurity limits access to nutritious foods, while monotonous diets exacerbate health and academic consequences. Understanding this connection is crucial for developing targeted interventions in high-pressure academic environments. AIM: This study assessed the prevalence of dietary diversity, food insecurity, and associated socio-demographic factors among medical students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 among 208 medical students in their 300-500 academic levels. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using the 10-item US Adult Food Security Scale Module for food security assessment and dietary diversity tools (Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women [MDD-W] and Individual Dietary Diversity Score [IDDS]). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, including descriptive statistics, chi-square test was used to determine associations between categorical variables, while multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify food insecurity predictors among students. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 21.7 ± 2.7 years, with 53.8% being male. Over one-third (34.5%) reported a monthly allowance of ₦10,100-₦20,000, while 42.3% had daily food expenditures of ₦800-₦1000. Low dietary diversity was prevalent, particularly among female students (90.0%) compared to males (38.6%). Cereals (98.8%) and legumes (32.5%) were the most consumed food groups, whereas fruits (27.5%) and vegetables (11.3%) were under-consumed. The overall prevalence of food insecurity was 64.9%, with significant predictors including female gender (OR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.16-5.43) and a monthly allowance below ₦10,000 (OR=25.4, 95% CI: 2.08-309.2). CONCLUSION: This study highlights a high prevalence of food insecurity and low dietary diversity among medical students at the University of Ibadan, with financial constraints and gender disparities being key determinants. These findings underscore the urgent need for institutional interventions, such as subsidized meal programs and nutrition education initiatives, to mitigate this public health concern and support students' well-being and academic success.
Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Medical Students at the University College Hospital, Ibadan towards Female Genital Mutilation.
Lawal OO, Obajimi GO, Abdus-Salam RA … +6 more , Ugochukwu PC, Ibagbe MT, Atere OP, Aigbonoga DE, Bello OO, Morhason-Bello IO
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40845166
INTRODUCTION: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is prevalent in many parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Healthcare providers are key players in its medicalization; hence, effort must be put in place to discourage t...
INTRODUCTION: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is prevalent in many parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Healthcare providers are key players in its medicalization; hence, effort must be put in place to discourage this harmful practice right from inception of medical training. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted amongst clinical medical students at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, between February and March 2022. Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit 380 participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were generated, and Chi-square was used to test the association between categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and p-value was set at 0.05. RESULT: Three hundred and eighty questionnaires were administered, however, only 355 (93.4%) were completed and suitable for analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 22.9 (± 2.0) years. There were more males (58.9%) than females (41.1%) with majority being of Yoruba (73.2%) extraction. Sixty-eight (19.2%), 170 (47.9%), and 152 (42.8%) respondents had good knowledge about classification, complication, and medicalization of FGM respectively. A significant association (p<0.05) was noted between religion, gender and years of training with knowledge about FGM. The majority of the respondents' attitude towards FGM was that of objection (91.3%) and outright abolishment (90.4%). CONCLUSION: Prevention of FGM should be a collaborative effort by healthcare practitioners through the incorporation of programmes to equip trainees on the strategies to eliminate FGM. Medicalization of FGM should be discouraged through targeted mass education and enforcement of penalties.
General and Emergency Presentations of Children with Congenital Heart Defect and Factors Affecting it as Seen in A Tertiary Health Institution in Enugu.
Arodiwe IO, Nwafor IA, Ujunwa FA … +5 more , Edelu BO, Chinawa JM, Oguonu TA, Ezemba N, Eze JC
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40845081
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The pattern of emergency presentations in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is changing. The aim of our study was to identify the pattern and its associated factors. METHODS: It is a...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The pattern of emergency presentations in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is changing. The aim of our study was to identify the pattern and its associated factors. METHODS: It is a retrospective study of medical records of 252 children with CHD admitted as emergency cases from June 2018 - May 2023. Inclusion criteria were children with presentations from the CHD and those with no direct presentations were excluded. Data collected included age, gender, pre-existing diagnosis, main complaint and patient condition at discharge. The children were divided into two groups; cyanotic and acyanotic groups. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Fishers exact -test was used for continuous variables and the χ2 test for nominal variables, p < 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The participants were 252; 131 (51.8%) were males The age range was 1 month -18 years, with a mean of 9.3 ± 9.1 years. There were more children in acyanotic group, 167 (66.3%). The main presentations in acyanotic group were symptoms of heart failure 71 (43.1%) and lower respiratory tract infection 51 (31.1%) while in cyanotic group the presentations were failure to thrive 29 (34.1 %) and cyanosis 23 (27%). The main causes of heart failure were uncorrected lesions and pulmonary hypertension. There was no significant difference in mortality between both groups. All required cardiac surgery, however only 13 (5%) had the intervention. CONCLUSION: Children with CHD presented with varied manifestations which are type and age-specific. Improved knowledge of the common presentations in emergencies will help management.
A Comparative Study of the Prevalence of Hypertension and Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Oil-and Gas-Polluted Communities in the Niger Delta Region.
Mankwe AC, Ugwu TC, Aprioku JS … +1 more , Obianime AW
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40845012
BACKGROUND: Hypertension with its associated sequelae is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The multifactorial associations of environmental influence...
BACKGROUND: Hypertension with its associated sequelae is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The multifactorial associations of environmental influence on blood pressure seem to play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of hypertension and should be more intently investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence of hypertension and electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy of residents in three oil producing (exposed) communities in Rivers State (Mbodo-Aluu, K-Dere and Engeni) and a non-oil producing (control) community in Anambra State (Mgbeke-Uli). METHODS: A total of 570 subjects were recruited for this study. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, electrocardiographic parameters, and blood pressure were obtained from the subjects in a standardized manner. RESULTS: Showed that the mean value of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures of subjects in the exposed communities were higher (p<0.001) than those of the controls. Furthermore, the prevalence of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in exposed communities were higher (p<0.001) when compared with the control.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Related Knowledge, Perception, Behaviours, and Utilization of Routine Screening Services among a Nigerian Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Analytic Study.
Oyibo P, Eke EO, Awunor NS … +3 more , Obohwemu KO, Umuerri EM, Eyawo O
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40844960
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk preventive interventions should be informed by and targeted at addressing health literacy needs of individuals and communities. This study assessed the CVD risk knowledge, pe...
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk preventive interventions should be informed by and targeted at addressing health literacy needs of individuals and communities. This study assessed the CVD risk knowledge, perception, behaviours, and utilization of routine risk screening services among a Nigerian adult population. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study design was employed to assess the CVD risk knowledge, perception, behaviours, and utilization of risk screening services among a random multistage sample of 900 adults. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses of data collected were carried out using the IBM SPSS version 28 software. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 45.0 (SD = 18.7) years, with 66.8% reporting three concurrent risk behaviours, and 34.2% reporting utilization of at least one CVD risk screening service in the preceding year. Overall good CVD risk knowledge, and perception among the study participants was 77.2% and 19.6% respectively. Education, urban settlement, family history of CVD, good overall CVD risk knowledge and perception were predictors of the utilization of CVD risk screening services. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the study participants reported multiple CVD risk behaviours, had poor risk perception and utilization of risk screening services despite having a good overall CVD risk knowledge. There is need for concerted efforts by the relevant stakeholder in the State Ministry of Health to target the adult population in the study setting with health promotion information on CVD risk prevention and the benefits of early risk detection.
Assessment of Income Sources and Purchasing Power of the Elderly in a Rural Community, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ezemenahi SI, Ibeh CC, Oli KD … +3 more , Nkwopara CC, Ezemenahi SC, Ezemenahi UC
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40844958
BACKGROUND: The rapidly growing elderly population in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, poses challenges due to diminished income-generating ability and limited social safety nets. As income-generating ability de...
BACKGROUND: The rapidly growing elderly population in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, poses challenges due to diminished income-generating ability and limited social safety nets. As income-generating ability decreases with age, elderly people become increasingly vulnerable economically. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess income sources and purchasing power among elderly residents in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining approval from the ethics and research committees in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, a cross-sectional study involving 185 elderly residents in Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA in Anambra state who met the eligibility criteria, was conducted. They were selected using a multistage sampling technique from 1st March to 1st August 2024. Data was collected via pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 25.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York, United States). The level of significance for this study was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 185 elderly residents with a mean age and standard deviation of 71.12 ± 8.21 years participated in the study. Most respondents were female (75.7%), widowed (50.3%), and Christian (96.8%), with nearly half living on less than ₦10,000 per month. Relative remittances were the primary income source, and many struggled to afford necessities. No significant relationship between income and health status was found. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the economic vulnerability of the elderly and suggest the need for targeted interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand income dynamics.
Outcomes of Cervical Cerclage for Pregnancies at Risk of Cervical Insufficiency in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.
Awowole IO, Sowemimo OO, Ubom AE … +3 more , Ameen MO, Bola-Oyebamiji SB, Adeniyi OA
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40844870
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preterm births are leading contributors to neonatal, infant and under-five mortality globally. A significant proportion of mid-trimester pregnancy losses and preterm births are due to cervical...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preterm births are leading contributors to neonatal, infant and under-five mortality globally. A significant proportion of mid-trimester pregnancy losses and preterm births are due to cervical insufficiency (CI). Cervical cerclage (CC) remains the mainstay of treatment for CI, but information about the clinical outcomes remains insufficient. This study appraised the perinatal outcome of pregnancies that had CC at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Nigeria. METHODS: In a retrospective study, relevant data of all patients who had CC between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021 was extracted using a purpose-designed proforma. The data was analysed using the IBM SPSS® 24.0. Associations between categorical independent variables and outcome variables were compared where applicable, using Chi-square, with level of significance set at <0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five CCs were performed within the study period, at a mean gestational age (GA) of 15.7 ± 4.5weeks. Sixteen pregnancies (11.9%) were complicated by miscarriages at GA <25weeks. Ninety-six women (71.1%) delivered after GA of 34weeks, with an overall mean GA of 34.5 ± 5.9 weeks at delivery. Elective cerclage, cervical dilatation of ≤2cm at CC insertion and singleton pregnancy were significantly associated with delivery at EGA ≥34 weeks. (p=0.037, 0.040 and < 0.011 respectively). CONCLUSION: If susceptible pregnant women are identified and CC inserted appropriately, pregnancies that are complicated with CI have about 70% chance of progressing beyond 34weeks. The role of tocolytics and antibiotic therapy as adjunctive treatment for CI however requires further evaluation.
Beyond the Numbers: Stemming the Rising Tide of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease.
Erhabor GE
West Afr J Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40844817
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Multiple Provider Enhanced Adherence Counselling in the Improvement of Treatment Outcomes amongst Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV): A Case Series.
Adebawojo TO, Oladosu OM, Onifade AO … +1 more , Hambolu E
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618420
Adolescents form a key subgroup of the population of People Living with HIV and studies have shown relatively poorer viral suppression rates in this population compared with their adult counterparts. Factors including ph...
Adolescents form a key subgroup of the population of People Living with HIV and studies have shown relatively poorer viral suppression rates in this population compared with their adult counterparts. Factors including physical, physiological and psychological changes associated with this phase of development significantly influence their viral suppression. Over time, interventions such as Enhanced Adherence Counseling (EAC) that is provided to unsuppressed clients have improved viral suppression amongst Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV). This case series reports 11 adolescent clients with unsuppressed viral load outcomes (>1000 copies/ml) who were offered Enhanced Adherence Counseling by multiple skilled EAC providers over a period of 3 to 5 months. Descriptive statistics including final viral load outcomes were summarized. The 11 unsuppressed adolescent clients had a mean age of 15.36 years. Majority were female (81.8%), Christians (54.5%) and had at least primary education (90.9%). Most of them (90.9%) had a fair knowledge of their status and the basis of their treatment and live in a primary family setting (63.6%) - with their biological parent(s). All participants had recent high viral load results and some (54.5%) had a recurring history of viral un suppression in the past. After EAC services were provided by multiple EAC providers; 10 (90.9%) of the 11 unsuppressed adolescents achieved viral re-suppression. Multiple provider EAC techniques may yield improved treatment outcomes amongst ALHIV.
Promoting Adolescents Oral Health: Effectiveness of Two Oral Health Educational Methods among Senior Secondary School Students in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ekowmenhenhen UI, Sofola OO, Uti OG … +3 more , Odogu U, Akande A, Oluwaleti OJ
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618419
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two oral health educational (OHE) methods in improving the oral health status of adolescents in Lagos State. METHODS: A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 220 adolesc...
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two oral health educational (OHE) methods in improving the oral health status of adolescents in Lagos State. METHODS: A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 220 adolescents in selected Lagos State secondary schools in Nigeria was conducted. Structured oral health education was delivered didactically to two intervention groups (T1 and T2). Additionally, (T2) received regular weekly oral health messages via WhatsApp and Facebook for three months. The third (control) group (T3) received nothing. OHI-S scores and DMFT findings were recorded following WHO standards, and oral health knowledge and practice were assessed using a questionnaire on Day 1, and subsequently at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The statistical test included a Student's t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test. The critical significance level was set at p < 0.05, and the confidence interval at 95%. RESULTS: Of 220 participants, 88 were males, and females constituted 132, with a mean age of 16.11±0.6 years. The mean OHI-S score at baseline was 0.76±0.44, 0.80±0.59, and 0.81±0.52 in intervention 1(T1), 2(T2) and control (T3) groups respectively. There was no significant difference between the three groups at various periods (F>0.05), though the group with social media reinforced oral hygiene messages had a significant improvement in oral hygiene at the end of the study. There was a good level of oral health knowledge, but oral health practice was poor in the three groups (T1)74.7%, 51.8%, (T2)80.7%, 66.3%, (T3)72.2%, 51.9%) respectively, with no significant difference between them at the beginning, and end of the study. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the mean DMFT of the three groups at the beginning and end of the study. CONCLUSION: OHE using the didactic and social media-reinforced mode of delivery was just as effective as the didactic method alone in improving the oral health status of adolescent school children in Lagos State.
Effects of Footwear Types on Balance and Risk of Falls among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Ojukwu CP, Eleojo JS, Nebo OJ … +3 more , Ubochi NE, Anekwu EM, Ilo IJ
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618418
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Falls are one of the most common causes of trauma among pregnant women. Footwears are part of the major environmental risk factors of falls, yet there is no evidence to ascertain how different f...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Falls are one of the most common causes of trauma among pregnant women. Footwears are part of the major environmental risk factors of falls, yet there is no evidence to ascertain how different footwear types affect balance and risk of falls in pregnant women. Our study assessed the effects of footwear types on balance and risk of falls among apparently healthy pregnant women. METHODS: 43 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters simulated static balance, measured by the maximum width base of support and risk of falls as determined by the three-meter backward test, using six different types of footwear. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance at an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant variation in balance with types of footwear (p < 0.001), with the female variant flip flop slippers exerting the most unfavourable effects on balance (maximum width base of support of 32.3±4.4cm). The work shoes and ankle strap sandals provided the greatest degree of balance, with mean maximum width base of support of 30.8±4.3 and 31.4±3.9, respectively. Surprisingly, there was no significant variation in the risk of falls with types of footwear (p< 0.052). CONCLUSION: Work shoes and ankle strap sandals have a greater tendency to improve static balance in pregnant women while flip flop slippers may contribute to poor balance performance, as compared to other footwear types. The findings may be helpful to researchers and clinicians in understanding balance responses to different footwear designs.
Assessing Fibrosis and Steatosis utilizing Transient Elastography (Fibroscan) in Metabolic-dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: An Experience from UBTH, Benin City, Nigeria.
Ugiagbe RA, Ugiagbe EE, Malu AO
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618414
BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Limited data exist on the evaluations of fibrosis in MAS...
BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Limited data exist on the evaluations of fibrosis in MASLD in Africa. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate MASLD prevalence, its presentation pattern, risk factors, and the frequency, degree and risk factors of fibrosis. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 150 patients referred to University of Benin Teaching Hospital for MASLD. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Laboratory investigations followed standard procedures. After an overnight fast, 50 recruited patients underwent fibroscan examination using the Fibroscan 530 compact model from Echosens, measuring steatosis and fibrosis. RESULTS: Out of 2390 patients, 153 had MASLD, establishing a prevalence of 6.4%. The mean age was 50.3 ± 11.5 years with a F: M ratio of 2.3:1. The mean controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score was 269.6±60.3; and the median transient elastography (TE) score was 4.95. A strong positive correlation existed between CAP score and waist circumference (p = 0.037), Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.049) and comorbidities (p = 0.049). More than 90% of MASLD patients had no symptoms, with 6% reporting right hypochondrial pain. Fibrosis showed significant associations with BMI (p =0.022), and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (p =0.032). Twelve percent of MASLD individuals exhibited severe fibrosis (≥ F2); 4% had cirrhosis, and 8% had F2 fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted a 6.4% MASLD prevalence, with central obesity, BMI, and comorbidity identified as independent risk factors. Fibroscan revealed 12% of MASLD patients had significant fibrosis with obesity and higher WHR as risk factors.
Prevalence and Determinants of Malocclusion among Preschool Children in Maiduguri.
Ligali TO, Oromakinde AE
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618390
BACKGROUND: Malocclusion is an abnormality of teeth alignment from interactions of hereditary and environmental factors, associated with stimuli present at the period of formation and development of the face and oral tis...
BACKGROUND: Malocclusion is an abnormality of teeth alignment from interactions of hereditary and environmental factors, associated with stimuli present at the period of formation and development of the face and oral tissues. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and determinants of malocclusion among preschool children in Maiduguri, Borno State. METHODS: This study involved 239 pre-school children selected by systematic random sampling. The independent variables were 'presence / absence of sucking habits', 'type of sucking habit', 'molar relationship' and 'nutritional status. The dependent variable was presence of malocclusion and 'type of malocclusion. Frequency distribution of independent and dependent variables were presented. Association between the independent and dependent variables were obtained using Chi-Square test. Statistical significance was placed at 95% confidence intervals, p value ≤ 0.05. Data was analysed using SPSS for Windows (version 23). RESULTS: Majority of participants were in the higher social class, (P=0.07), never had a dental visit (78.2%), P=0.08 and did not have any sucking habit (82.4%), P= 0.03. Most had mesial step (42.7%) or flush terminal molar relationship (37.7%), P=0.05. Prevalence of malocclusion was 4.5%, majority were cross bite (64.4%) SE=0.04. Distal step and flush terminal molar relationship were associated with prevalence of malocclusion (12.5% and 4.4% respectively), P=0.08.Fifty percent of those with digit sucking habit had cross bite, P=0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of malocclusion among preschool children in this study was low and majority had cross-bite. Digit sucking was significantly associated with cross bite. Children with distal step occlusion exhibited higher proportion of malocclusion. There is need for dental awareness on malocclusion among the population.
Paracetamol-Diclofenac Versus Pentazocine-Diclofenac for Post-Caesarean Section Pain Relief: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Chionuma JO, Odetayo TO, Olumodeji AM … +2 more , Makinde OA, Gbadegeshin A
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618387
BACKGROUND: Effective pain relief after caesarean section (CS) is desirable but pentazocine which has been a common component of multimodal analgesia may delay early mobilization and mother-child interaction due to its s...
BACKGROUND: Effective pain relief after caesarean section (CS) is desirable but pentazocine which has been a common component of multimodal analgesia may delay early mobilization and mother-child interaction due to its side effects. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy of paracetamol-diclofenac with pentazocine-diclofenac for post- CS analgesia. METHODS: A double-blind randomized controlled trial of three hundred and eighteen consenting parturients who had elective or emergency caesarean section were randomly assigned to two groups. A total of 159 participants were assigned to each group: one group received 750 mg of intravenous paracetamol, while the other received 30 mg of intravenous pentazocine. Both also had 100 mg of rectal suppository diclofenac as multimodal post-caesarean section analgesia in the first 24 hours after surgery. Post-operative pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale six hourly post-operatively. Data obtained was analysed using SPSS 26 and statistical significance was at p < 0.05. The study is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with trial number PACTR202501703002153. RESULTS: The median pain scores in both groups ranged from 2.5 to 4 across all periods of assessment. However, at the first assessment conducted at six hours post-operatively, the scores were higher-4.5 in the pentazocine-diclofenac arm and 5 in the paracetamol-diclofenac arm. Pain relief was slightly better in the pentazocine-diclofenac group, but this was not statistically significant. The pentazocine-diclofenac group experienced significantly more side effects, specifically nausea and drowsiness, compared to the paracetamol-diclofenac group (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction with pain relief was not significantly different between both groups (p=0.101). CONCLUSION: Pentazocine-Diclofenac provided better analgesia than Paracetamol-Diclofenac in the first 24 hours after caesarean section but was associated with more side effects.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Epicenter of the Boko Haram Insurgency: Prevalence and Psychosocial Correlates.
Ibrahim AW, Musami UB, Kareem YA … +6 more , Mahmood MY, Halid AI, Machina BK, Shettima FB, Ashiru A, Ogualili PN
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618382
BACKGROUND: The 'Boko Haram insurgency' is one of the most devastating armed conflicts that the Nigerian State has experienced in the post-civil war era. The quantum of destruction in terms of lives and property is beyon...
BACKGROUND: The 'Boko Haram insurgency' is one of the most devastating armed conflicts that the Nigerian State has experienced in the post-civil war era. The quantum of destruction in terms of lives and property is beyond rational comprehension as it left in its trail both physical and psychological traumata. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the psychological sequelae of violent conflicts globally, with prevalence rates of up to 72% in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence rate of PTSD as well as to examine its psychosocial correlates among the residents of Maiduguri, which is the epicentre of the armed insurrection. METHODS: This was a multi-staged, cross-sectional, community-based random study conducted among the residents of Maiduguri. A total of 378 residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council were interviewed in 2017, eight years after the onset of the insurgency. Predesigned Sociodemographic Proforma, Modified version of the Communal Traumatic Events Inventory (CTEI), PTSD checklist civilian version (PCL-CV), PTSD Module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSES), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were administered. Bivariate analyses were used to explore the associations between the psychosocial variables and PTSD diagnosis, while Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the independent predictors of PTSD. RESULTS: The prevalence of PTSD among the residents of Maiduguri was 54.49% using the PTSD Module of CIDI. The study also found that 57.2% (CI 53.4 - 60.1) of the study participants had experienced between 5 to 10 traumatic events. PTSD was significantly associated with; gender, exposure to multiple traumatic events (P <0.001), history of Abuse (p = 0.032), lower self-esteem (p <0.001), and lower levels of resilience (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Sub-syndromic PTSD was experienced by over two-thirds of the study participants, while over 50% of them had CIDI-diagnosable and clinically matched PTSD based on the ICD-10 criteria. This study, therefore, recommends the need for the incorporation of mental health and psychosocial support and the prioritization of the mental health of populations exposed to any form of armed insurrection.
Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Expression in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cases in Benin City.
Owolabi DO, Obahiagbon I, Udoh MO … +4 more , Owobu C, Ekanem VJ, Ogunbiyi JO, Olu-Eddo AN
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618380
BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) have been particularly challenging to manage due to their lack of intrinsic cellular receptors and a consequent lack of targetable therapy. Recently, the programmed cell...
BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) have been particularly challenging to manage due to their lack of intrinsic cellular receptors and a consequent lack of targetable therapy. Recently, the programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint pathway has become the focus of immunotherapy in general, and especially for TNBCs. This study aimed to determine the pattern of expression of PD-L1 in TNBC cases in Benin City. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of TNBC cases diagnosed in the Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria from 1st January, 2017 to 31st December, 2019 were re-sectioned for PD-L1 immunohistochemistry. RESULT: Ninety-two cases of TNBCs were tested for PD-L1 expression. Thirteen (14.1%) of the TNBC cases were PD-L1 positive of varying degrees in tumour cells. Diffuse tumoural PD-L1 staining was seen in four (30.8%) of the PD-L1 positive cases. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with increasing age up to the fifth decade (p =0.030). All the PD-L1 positive TNBCs were invasive breast carcinomas of no special type and mostly grade 2 tumours; however, there was no significant association between PD-L1 expression and histological subtype or grade. CONCLUSION: PD-L1 expression was shown to occur at a relatively lower rate among TNBC cases in this southern region of Nigeria, and was significantly associated with increasing age. About 14.1% (1 in 7) of our TNBC patients could potentially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. We therefore recommend further PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assay for TBNC cases and the use of appropriate immune therapy when indicated.
Work-Related Stress among Academic Staff of a Higher Institution in South-west, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study.
Bakare OQ, Coker AO, Saibu M … +1 more , Durojaiye TO
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618379
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Work-related stress has been described as a global epidemic of the 21st century. University lecturers are observed to be exposed to various degrees of occupational stress which influence their...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Work-related stress has been described as a global epidemic of the 21st century. University lecturers are observed to be exposed to various degrees of occupational stress which influence their multiple roles to impart knowledge and skills to students. This study assessed the prevalence of work-related stress and the factors influencing it among university lecturers in Lagos. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design among 424 respondents using a multi-stage sampling technique was conducted. Work Stress Questionnaire (WSQ) tool, covering 4 main domains, (Influence at work, Indistinct organization and conflict, Individual demand and commitment, & Leisure time interference) was used to assess work-related stress among university lecturers in LASU, Ojo, Nigeria. Data was collected with KoboCollect app using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS software version 25 software. Data was presented using descriptive (percentages, summary measures) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). Level of statistical significance set at p-value<0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of respondents was 49.9+8.2SD years. Male respondents were twice as more than female respondents. Majority (93.4%) of respondents were married and average work experience was 16.7+8.6SD years. Overall prevalence of work-related stress was (80.5%). However, stress due to leisure time interference was (36.1%). There was a statistically significant association between work-related stress and family size(p<0.05), gender(p<0.05), marital status(p<0.05) and work experience(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of work-related stress was high. High family size, male gender, being single and shorter work experience, were statistically significantly associated with work-related stress. Adequate awareness of work-life balance measures should be entrenched with enabling environment.
Predictors of Erectile Dysfunction among Nigerian Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Badmus AM, Ikuerowo SO, Jeje EA … +2 more , Abolarinwa AA, Omisanjo AA
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618378
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common among men over 40years and prevalence increases with age. ED occurs at an earlier age in the diabetic population and strongly associated with serum testost...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common among men over 40years and prevalence increases with age. ED occurs at an earlier age in the diabetic population and strongly associated with serum testosterone, age, hypertension and obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of ED among type 2 diabetic Nigerian men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study done among patients with ED and diabetes. ED was assessed using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) 5 questionnaire. Age, BMI serum testosterone, glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting lipid profile were measured in each group. RESULTS: A total of 102 participants were recruited; 51 participants in each study group. Majority, were >55 years in the diabetic and non-diabetic groups respectively (p = 0.456). The BMI and the waist circumference of the two groups showed statistically significant difference (0.006 and 0.007 respectively). The weight, hip circumference and waist/hip ratio of the two groups showed no statistical significance. The median value of serum testosterone for the non-diabetic group (622.2ng/ml) was significantly higher than the diabetic group (288ng/ml) (p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed increased risk of ED in diabetic patients aged > 60years ( OR 4.9), serum testosterone <270ng/ml (OR 3.8), hypertension (OR 2.93), fasting blood glucose (FBS) >125mg/dl (OR 2.6), low density lipoprotein (LDL) > 160mg/dl (OR 6.3) and triglyceride >150mg/dl (OR 2.9). CONCLUSION: The study showed that age, serum testosterone, hypertension, elevated FBS and dyslipidaemia are independent predictors of ED among type 2 diabetic men.
Ending Nuclear Weapons, Before they End us.
Abbasi K, Ali P, Barbour V … +20 more , Birch M, Blum I, Doherty P, Haines A, Helfand I, Horton R, Juva K, Lapena JF, Mash R, Mironova O, Mitra A, Monteiro C, Naumova EN, Onazi D, Ruff T, Sahni P, Tumwine J, Umaña C, Yonga P, Zielinski C
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618374
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Confronting the Hidden Wounds-Prioritising Mental Health in Communities affected by Armed Conflicts.
Erhabor GE
West Afr J Med · 2025 Feb · PMID 40618326
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
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