Niger Postgrad Med J
· 2025 Oct · PMID 41143359
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BACKGROUND: Delayed tuberculosis (TB) care can have adverse effects on both patients and the community. Such delays can perpetuate transmission within the community and disrupt ongoing efforts to eliminate TB. OBJECTIVES...BACKGROUND: Delayed tuberculosis (TB) care can have adverse effects on both patients and the community. Such delays can perpetuate transmission within the community and disrupt ongoing efforts to eliminate TB. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled proportion of pulmonary TB (P-TB) cases experiencing delays in seeking care across high-burden countries worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data extraction was conducted using three databases: PubMed, Scopus and DOAJ. This study was conducted as an extension of a scoping review, with the meta-analysis specifically aimed at estimating the pooled proportion of P-TB cases experiencing delays through quantitative data. The pooled proportion was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model, taking potential heterogeneity into account. RESULTS: Thirty-two full-text articles, selected from 831 articles, were included in the meta-analysis, representing China, India, Myanmar, South Africa and Nigeria. The total sample used across all the studies was 184,242 with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 5758 (17,236) and (median - 491, interquartile range - 271-1563). The highest total sample was from China (n = 176,642), and the lowest total sample was from Nigeria (n = 160). The pooled proportion of P-TB cases experiencing delays in China, India, Myanmar, South Africa and Nigeria was 50% (95% CI: 41-59), 50% (95% CI: 36-63), 38% (95% CI: 3-82), 47% (95% CI: 37-56) and 42% (95% CI: 34-50), respectively. The overall global proportion was 48% (95% CI: 41-55), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.85%) observed among the studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study estimated that half of the global P-TB cases experienced delayed care, which is concerning and necessitates a multi-faceted approach to support TB elimination efforts.
Training and career issues in laboratory medicine within the Nigerian healthcare system often mitigate against efficient utilisation of scarce resources from in-fighting and friction among the different professionals. Wi...Training and career issues in laboratory medicine within the Nigerian healthcare system often mitigate against efficient utilisation of scarce resources from in-fighting and friction among the different professionals. Within chemical pathology, there are three categories of practitioners: medical consultants (post-MBBS), laboratory scientists (post-PhD) and medical laboratory science officers (MLSOs). While the designation and career progression of the MBBS graduates and MLSOs are clear, there are no such guidelines for the PhD scientist, essentially because they (the latter) have no specific training and certification programmes resulting in frustration. To address this deficit, this review evaluates current local and international training programmes for the scientific and medical specialists in chemical pathology, in relation to the peculiarities in Nigeria. This review, therefore, suggests and outlines locally appropriate training and certification programmes for the scientists to enhance their career recognition and progress. For the medical specialists, the author suggests curricular reform to enhance relevance at the direct patient care interface.
Pregnant women with thalassemia are exposed to a wide range of unique challenges which calls for the need to give them added attention. As pregnant women with thalassemia are high-risk groups, there is an immense need to...Pregnant women with thalassemia are exposed to a wide range of unique challenges which calls for the need to give them added attention. As pregnant women with thalassemia are high-risk groups, there is an immense need to adopt targeted interventions to ensure that a successful pregnancy and outcome are accomplished. This must begin with the implementation of widespread preconception and antenatal screening to facilitate early detection of thalassemia carriers, predominantly in high-prevalence regions. The need of the hour is to raise awareness about thalassemia and the importance of early screening among the general population. In conclusion, pregnant women with thalassemia are prone to multiple adverse risks and complications. This calls for the need to implement specific public health interventions to minimise the associated risks leading to better maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Effective pain management is crucial during disasters as it significantly reduces physical suffering and improves survivor's quality of life. The purpose of the current article is to justify the need for effective pain m...Effective pain management is crucial during disasters as it significantly reduces physical suffering and improves survivor's quality of life. The purpose of the current article is to justify the need for effective pain management in disasters, identify common challenges encountered in disaster management during times of disasters and propose interventions for effective pain management during disasters. Adequate pain control can accelerate functional recovery and mobility and help disaster survivors to become independent earlier. During disasters, effective pain management becomes difficult, and this is attributed to resource limitations or logistics constraints. Acknowledging the importance of pain management during disasters and the presence of multiple challenges that can jeopardise the effective delivery of pain management, there is an indispensable need to implement measures to improve the existing scenario. In conclusion, pain management is an integral component of disaster management, and this must be effectively addressed to ensure that all disaster survivors are provided with the desired pain medications to reduce their suffering and improve their quality of life.
OBJECTIVES: Research examining the impact of anxiety and depression on the ideal number of children and birth frequency amongst men is needed. METHODS: Using the data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey and...OBJECTIVES: Research examining the impact of anxiety and depression on the ideal number of children and birth frequency amongst men is needed. METHODS: Using the data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey and a sample of 4913 adult males, we performed multivariable logistic regression to examine whether depression and anxiety correlated with the desired number of children and frequency of having another child, adjusting for age, wealth status, religion and education. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using patient health questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scales, respectively. RESULTS: Among all men, 546 (11.1%) had depression symptoms and 555 (11.3%) had anxiety symptoms. Wealth status significantly influenced the perceived ideal number of children; "poorer" men were more likely to desire more than two children compared to the poorest (odds ratio [OR] =1.83; 95% CI [1.12, 2.97]; P = 0.016). Muslim men were significantly more likely than Hindu men to desire more than two children (OR = 4.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.47, 7.25]; P < 0.001). Higher anxiety levels were negatively associated with preferring to have another child within 3 years (OR = 0.89; 95% CI [0.82, 0.98]; P = 0.016), although depression levels didn't (P = 0.132). CONCLUSIONS: Fertility improvement strategies should incorporate population-based preventive approaches addressing anxiety amongst adult males.
BACKGROUND: Some of the medicinal plants possess dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitory properties and could overcome the limitations of synthetic DPP-4 inhibitors. AIM: We evaluated the anti-diabetic and myocardial-s...BACKGROUND: Some of the medicinal plants possess dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitory properties and could overcome the limitations of synthetic DPP-4 inhibitors. AIM: We evaluated the anti-diabetic and myocardial-salvaging effects of a novel polyherbal combination (PHC) containing Terminalia arjuna, Commiphora mukul and Emblica officinalis in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g and 8-10 weeks were randomised to negative control (NC; no disease induction/treatment), disease control (DC; disease induction but no treatment), vildagliptin (disease induction and treatment with vildagliptin 10 mg/kg) or PHC1000 (disease induction and treatment with PHC 1000 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced using the standard streptozotocin method while myocardial necrosis was induced using isoproterenol. All the data were represented descriptively. We used analysis of variance and Bonferroni's test to evaluate the difference between the study groups; a P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty rats were randomised (six in the NC group and eight each in the remaining three groups). Treatment with PHC1000 and vildagliptin significantly lowered the elevated blood glucose (P < 0.001). The creatine phosphokinase myocardial band levels were significantly lower in the PHC1000 and vildagliptin-treated rats versus the DC group (P < 0.001). The cardioprotective effect of PHC1000 was superior to that of vildagliptin (P < 0.05). PHC and vildagliptin treatment showed statistically significant DPP-4 inhibitory activity (P < 0.001). The biochemical parameters and histopathological observations endorsed the safety of PHC. CONCLUSIONS: The PHC exhibited significant antidiabetic and cardioprotective efficacy. While their antidiabetic activities were comparable, PHC was found to have a superior myocardial-salvaging effect compared with vildagliptin.
BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) impairs retinal function and causes significant vision loss. Irisin has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of DR. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a cell surfa...BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) impairs retinal function and causes significant vision loss. Irisin has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of DR. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a cell surface glycoprotein that primarily facilitates leucocyte recruitment from circulation to inflammation sites. AIMS: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the significance of circulatory irisin and ICAM-1 levels in DR. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with retinopathy (n = 60) and without retinopathy (n = 60) were recruited. Apart from anthropometric data, blood samples were collected for routine biochemical tests and estimation of serum irisin and ICAM-1 by ELISA. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The variables were compared using Independent Student's-t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, one-way analysis of variance, or Chi-square test. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis evaluated irisin and ICAM-1 in differentiating proliferative DR (PDR) and non-proliferative DR (NPDR). RESULTS: Compared to T2DM patients without DR, Serum irisin was higher in those with DR, but no difference was observed in ICAM-1 between the 2 groups. Both irisin and ICAM-1 were decreased in vision-threatening DR (VTDR) compared to non-vision-threatening DR (non-VTDR). Decreased levels of irisin (P = 0.84) and ICAM-1 (P ≤ 0.001) were seen across DR stages. ROC analysis showed irisin differentiated NPDR and PDR (AUC = 0.7, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Serum irisin and ICAM-1 increased in earlier stages of DR but decreased in later stages. They were decreased in pre-proliferative and proliferative stages of DR, suggesting roles in leucocyte migration and angiogenesis. Clinical management may have contributed, and further research is needed.
AIMS: To estimate the prevalence, describe causes and prescription needs of functional low vision (FLV) patients, and highlight the barriers these patients encounter to the uptake of multidisciplinary low vision rehabili...AIMS: To estimate the prevalence, describe causes and prescription needs of functional low vision (FLV) patients, and highlight the barriers these patients encounter to the uptake of multidisciplinary low vision rehabilitation (LVR) service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed study design was adopted. Quantitative analysis consisted of a retrospective and cross-sectional review of 241 (FLV) patients managed at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna. Relevant data extracted from patient records were age, sex, occupation, best-corrected visual acuity, cause of low vision and low vision aids or rehabilitation prescribed. Qualitatively, 45 FLV patients were selected by systematic random sampling. Patient barriers to the uptake of LVR services were elicited through one-on-one interviews. RESULTS: The prevalence of FLV was 1.02% (95% confidence interval: 0.98-1.06). The mean age was 44.45 ± 20 years. One hundred and forty two (59%) were above 40 years old and 60.5% were unemployed. Major causes of FLV were glaucoma (31%), age-related macular degeneration (24%) and retinitis pigmentosa (12%). Prescription needs were magnifiers (29%), non-optical (23%) low vision aids, telescopes (17%), multiple aids (15%) and visual rehabilitation (28%). The uptake of LVRs was 67%. The most common barriers to LVR uptake were the cost of the device (97%), lack of family support (90%) and hesitancy using the device (84%). CONCLUSION: FLV was caused by progressively worsening diseases like glaucoma. The major patient barrier to assessing a multidisciplinary LVR service was financial constraint.
BACKGROUND: Female genital cutting (FGC) causes permanent harm to women and the girl child. It is a threat to women's bodily integrity and a violation of their fundamental human rights. Nigerians still engage in this hig...BACKGROUND: Female genital cutting (FGC) causes permanent harm to women and the girl child. It is a threat to women's bodily integrity and a violation of their fundamental human rights. Nigerians still engage in this high-risk behaviour even though it is on the decline. AIMS: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of mother-to-daughter FGC and associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 10,568 women who reported mother-to-daughter FGC from the 2018 Nigeria demographic and health survey were analysed. The prevalence of this outcome variable was estimated using percentages. The multivariable binary logit model was used to examine its associated factors. RESULTS: The weighted prevalence of mother-to-daughter FGC was 15.0%. Women having secondary or tertiary education had 27% reduction in the odds of mother-to-daughter FGC when compared with those with no formal education or primary. Non-poor women had 28% reduction in the odds of mother-to-daughter FGC when compared with poor women. Older women had higher odds of mother-to-daughter FGC when compared with mothers aged 15-19 years. Islamic women had 2.80 times higher odds of mother-to-daughter FGC when compared with Christian women. Those who are covered by health insurance had 51% reduction in the odds of mother-to-daughter FGC when compared with uninsured women. Ever-married women and those employed had higher odds of mother-to-daughter FGC when compared with single and unemployed women. Respondents who watch television or use the internet had 27% and 61% reduction in the odds of mother-to-daughter FGC when compared with those who do not watch television or use the internet, respectively. CONCLUSION: The practice of mother-to-daughter FGC still persists in Nigeria. There is a need to implement multifaceted interventions such as educational programmes targeting women of low socio-economic status. Mother-to-daughter FGC can be addressed through empowerment.
BACKGROUND: Calcification of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a critical factor influencing outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in both LMCA and other coronary arteries. Inadequate lesion prepa...BACKGROUND: Calcification of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a critical factor influencing outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in both LMCA and other coronary arteries. Inadequate lesion preparation can lead to complications like stent thrombosis or restenosis, which result from poor stent expansion and apposition due to reduced vessel compliance. AIMS: This study aims to assess and monitor the short- and long-term outcomes of recent calcium modification techniques, specifically intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), Wolverine cutting balloon (WCB) and rotational atherectomy (RA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 120 consecutive patients who underwent LMCA angioplasty for angiographically significant LMCA disease between January 2017 and December 2019. Patients were pretreated using calcium modification strategies as adjuncts for lesion preparation, including WCB (n = 70), RA (n = 30), and IVL (n = 20). The presence of significant LMCA calcification was confirmed through coronary imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Pre-angioplasty imaging was conducted to assess lesion severity, grade the extent of LMCA calcification, and determine the appropriate calcium modification modality for each patient. Post-stenting imaging was performed to evaluate stent expansion, edge dissection, and wall apposition. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients participated, with a mean age of 6634 years, and shared similar clinical profiles. In-hospital, 5.7% (4 patients) in the WCB group experienced stent thrombosis or required repeat PCI, whereas no such events were reported in the RA or IVL groups. At the 3-year follow-up, the rate of repeat PCI varied significantly across the three groups: WCB (24.3%), RA (6.6%) and IVL (20%). Similarly, the incidence of in-stent restenosis differed: WCB (20%), RA (6.7%) and IVL (25%) respectively. The rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) - including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) - also varied significantly, with the highest proportion observed in the IVL group (55%) compared to WCB and RA (42.9% and 30%, respectively). In-hospital mortality was zero for all groups, but by the end of the study, total mortality was highest in the IVL group (10.0%), compared to WCB (5.7%) and RA (6.7%). The success rate was marginally higher for both WCB and RA at 3 years compared to IVL but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The IVL group experienced higher rates of MACE and mortality, while the WCB group had the highest rates of stent thrombosis, in-stent restenosis and target vessel revascularisation. Though outcomes for various study endpoints were marginally different for various calcium modification tools, the overall performance regarding the incidence of MACE and mortality, procedural success and secondary outcomes were comparable for all the tools (WCB, RA and IVL) in both the short-term and long-term follow-up.
BACKGROUND: Patients with clinically localised prostate cancer (CaP) have a potentially curable disease. However, there are gaps in the quality of care these patients receive in Nigeria. Granular clinical data are needed...BACKGROUND: Patients with clinically localised prostate cancer (CaP) have a potentially curable disease. However, there are gaps in the quality of care these patients receive in Nigeria. Granular clinical data are needed to design interventions for quality improvement. AIMS: This study aimed to describe guideline concordance of cancer management and its association with patient outcomes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A 3-year retrospective study of all patients with T1-T3a, N0, M0 CaP at three tertiary hospitals in Nigeria was conducted. Data on clinicopathologic characteristics, D'Ámico risk group, TNM staging, treatment practices, post-treatment PSA and survival were collected. Concordance with the 2022 European Association of Urology guideline was assessed. Primary endpoints were guideline concordance of staging and treatment, and associations between concordance and outcomes. RESULTS: This study included 110 patients with mean age of 68 years. Sixty-seven patients (60.9%) were high-risk, 34 (30.9%) were intermediate-risk and 9 (82%) were low-risk. Most patients were staged with abdominopelvic ultrasound (65%, n = 71). Guideline-concordant magnetic resonance imaging for T-staging was significantly higher in low-risk (44%, n = 4) than in high-risk (12%, n = 8) patients (P = 0.041). Guideline-concordant axial imaging for N and M staging was used in 11% (n = 7) of high-risk patients. In the overall cohort, 17 patients (15%) received guideline-concordant definitive treatment with either radical prostatectomy (n = 8; 9%) or radiotherapy (n = 9; 5%), whereas 52 patients (56%) received non-concordant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone and 43 received no treatment. Median time to biochemical recurrence was not significantly different between those who received surgery (18 months), radiation therapy (median not obtained) or ADT alone (11 months) (log-rank P = 0.103). After a median follow-up of 36 months, median overall survival was similar for guideline-concordant and non-concordant treatment groups (37 and 34 months, respectively; log-rank P = 0.540). CONCLUSION: CaP staging was suboptimal across all risk groups. Only a minority of patients received radical treatment for this potentially curable disease. Our results will inform the development of tailored multifaceted interventions to improve the quality of care.
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading public health problems that affect millions of women and men worldwide. AIMS: This study aims to examine the effect of deep breathing to reduce discomfort amongst...BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading public health problems that affect millions of women and men worldwide. AIMS: This study aims to examine the effect of deep breathing to reduce discomfort amongst patient undergoing haemodialysis (HD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomised controlled experimental study was conducted consisted of 108 patients (54 in each group) who undergoing HD in hospitalised adults' patients between November 2024 and February 2025 to examine the effect of the deep breathing on the discomfort level during HD. The study data were collected using the structured information form, Discomfort questionnaire scale for discomfort. The data were analysed using the SPSS software version 27. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the individuals participating in this investigation spanned from 18 years of age and above, with a calculated mean age of (48.96 ± 12.490 in study group and 48.48 ± 13.729 in control group) years, and the majority of participants are male in the study group (70.4%) a. while control group was (64.8%) male. CONCLUSIONS: Performing deep breathing exercises for 20 min, twice per day for a three weeks; can reduce maintenance HD patients' discomfort level.
BACKGROUND: Patient's satisfaction with nursing care is thought to be a key component in determining how patients perceive service quality. Quantifying patient satisfaction in both private and public healthcare settings...BACKGROUND: Patient's satisfaction with nursing care is thought to be a key component in determining how patients perceive service quality. Quantifying patient satisfaction in both private and public healthcare settings can offer essential evidence on performance; consequently, reflected on quality management. AIMS: This study aims to explore patients' satisfaction with the quality of nursing care. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 251 patients selected through a random selection method. Data were collected using the patient satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire, comprising a total of 20 items. The collected data were then analysed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data were analysed using SPSS V25. RESULTS: The findings of the current study show that more than half (52.6%) of subjects were somewhat satisfied with the provided nursing education. Similarly, more than half (55%) of subjects were somewhat satisfied with the provided nursing care. Correspondingly, (60.2%) of subjects were somewhat satisfied with the overall provided nursing services, including both the educational and the actual direct nursing care. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients expressed general satisfaction with the inpatient nursing care they received, and their perceived needs and care expectations from nurses significantly influenced their satisfaction levels.
BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects the physical and psychological health of a patient and his partner and can have a significant negative impact on their quality of life. Second-line therapies for ED include i...BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects the physical and psychological health of a patient and his partner and can have a significant negative impact on their quality of life. Second-line therapies for ED include intracavernosal injections of vasoactive drug (ICIVAD) among others. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of combination of papaverine and chlorpromazine (bimix) for the treatment of ED in patients who are unresponsive to 5-Phosphodiestrase inhibitors (PDE5-I). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a combined retrospective and prospective study to clinically assess the efficacy of the bimix for the treatment of ED unresponsive to PDE5-I who presented to our hospital from January 2017 to June 2024. All patients' demographic information, risk factors for ED, severity of the ED, dose of the drug used, duration of erection achieved and complications were retrieved/recorded. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients were recruited into the study. Their age ranged from 23 to 84 years, with a mean of 42 ± 9.7 years. Most patients were married (89.2%). The International Index of Erectile Function scores were 1-10 (18.6), 11-16 (43.7%), 17-21 (27.5) and 22-25 (10.2%). The duration of erection achieved at the office test was significantly associated with the severity of ED and the dose used; however, only 67.1% achieved strong at home and mostly at high doses (0.5-1 ml). About 4.2% reported some complications. CONCLUSION: Intracavernous injection of bimix for the treatment of ED is effective in majority of patients unresponsive to PDEI; it is more effective in higher dose and in mild and moderate ED.
BACKGROUND: Varicose veins are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While they are often considered primarily a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can also lead to pain, swelling, and discomfort. Histop...BACKGROUND: Varicose veins are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While they are often considered primarily a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can also lead to pain, swelling, and discomfort. Histopathological studies are valuable for examining the structure and composition of varicose veins. These studies provide important insights into the underlying causes of the condition and help inform treatment options for patients. AIMS: To evaluate the distribution of collagen and elastin in the venous walls using Masson's Trichrome and Verhoeff's Van Gieson staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examines histological changes in varicose veins, focusing on the distribution of collagen and elastin through Masson's Trichrome and Verhoeff's Van Gieson staining methods. This study examined histological samples of varicose veins from 30 individuals. The tissue samples were fixed in formalin and stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and Verhoeff's Van Gieson stains, followed by analysis using light microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS version 23.0. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed significant changes in the tunica media, including a loss of smooth muscle (86.67%) and increased collagen deposition (76.67%). The intima exhibited prevalent intimal thickening (96.67%) and fibrosis (93.33%), while the adventitia showed notable adventitial fibrosis (86.67%) and vascular remodeling (53.33%). Elastic fiber impairment was observed in 13.33% of individuals, with collagen as the main structural component in all venous layers. CONCLUSION: Histopathological studies offer valuable insights into the structural changes that occur in varicose veins through the use of special stains. These studies play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of varicose veins by providing detailed information about tissue structure and pathology. This information helps healthcare providers deliver personalized care to patients affected by this condition. Continued research in this field will further enhance our understanding of varicose veins and improve patient outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Despite the strict gun control policy in Nigeria, maxillofacial gunshot injuries are still alarming, and the profile of injuries varies based on rurality. This study assessed maxillofacial gunshot injury prof...BACKGROUND: Despite the strict gun control policy in Nigeria, maxillofacial gunshot injuries are still alarming, and the profile of injuries varies based on rurality. This study assessed maxillofacial gunshot injury profile in a semi-urban and an urban teaching hospital in south-west, Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: The study sought to determine patients' demographic profile, cause of injury, association between firearms used and injuries sustained, treatment characteristics and complications seen in the two centres. METHODOLOGY: The study was a 10-year hospital-based retrospective multicentre study of 27 patients with gunshot injuries from two teaching hospitals located in Southwest Nigeria. Patients with gunshot injury to the face and other parts of the body and brought in dead were excluded. Data retrieved from patient's medical record include age and sex, mode of gunshot infliction, clinical presentation, treatment given and associated complications. Statistical significance was inferred at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients recruited, semi-urban (18) accounted for twice the number of cases. The female-male ratio was (1:5.8). The mean age was 33.37 ± 10.47 years. Although injuries from hunting and firearm servicing were found only in the semi-urban cohort, police brutality and armed robbery were observed in both centres. Rifle injuries resulted more in avulsive soft-tissue injuries, whereas penetration occurred more as a result of Dane gun injuries. Mandibular body and orbital floor fracture were the most common sites of fracture. Fracture comminution of the involved bone was common with Dane gun compared to rifle, although the finding was not statistically significant (P = 0.550). Open reduction and internal fixation was the preferred treatment option in the urban cohort. The common complications were blindness and scar formation. CONCLUSIONS: Victim of gunshot injury was mostly male in their prime age. Although there is dissimilarity between the cause of injury based on rurality, police brutality is becoming a disturbing societal issue in the semi-urban cohort. Sadly, the consequence of blindness resulting from indiscriminate use of firearm is grave coupled with the poor healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income country. There is a need for strict monitoring of firearm acquisition and use by untrained individuals as well as urgent police reforms.
BACKGROUND: Measurement of literacy gives an insight into a person's oral health awareness. Inclusion of psychological, emotional, behavioural and knowledge quotient can provide a holistic aspect to the measuring tool. A...BACKGROUND: Measurement of literacy gives an insight into a person's oral health awareness. Inclusion of psychological, emotional, behavioural and knowledge quotient can provide a holistic aspect to the measuring tool. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the enabling factor of oral health literacy (OHL) and predictors of oral health outcome among the adult population in Ahmedabad city. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 427 eligible participants aged 35-44 years obtained through a multistage sampling method in three stages. Data about OHL were recorded with the help of a 14-item questionnaire, whereas socioeconomic status (SES), tobacco habit, oral hygiene status, dental caries experience, prosthetic status and oral precancerous lesions were collected with clinical examination. Multivariable regression was used to analyse enabling variables for OHL and predictor for oral health outcome. RESULTS: It was found that more than half (54.3%) of the study subjects had marginal OHL. Participants from upper SES had 1.053 greater odds (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.053-1.167; P = 0.001) having adequate OHL relative to inadequate OHL. Participants with adequate OHL have 9.373 times greater odds (95% CI: 1.890-4.491; P = 0.006) having good oral hygiene relative to poor oral hygiene. OHL appeared to be a meaningful predictor for oral hygiene, dental caries experience, tobacco consumption, precancerous lesion and prosthetic status. CONCLUSION: Adult education and SES are potential facilitators for adequate to marginal OHL, and OHL can fairly predict oral health.
BACKGROUND: Diabetes exacerbates frailty syndrome in elderly adults, with long-term protein and calorie deficiencies contributing to physical decline and worsening health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess nutritional status...BACKGROUND: Diabetes exacerbates frailty syndrome in elderly adults, with long-term protein and calorie deficiencies contributing to physical decline and worsening health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess nutritional status and frailty amongst elderly people with diabetes mellitus and to find out the relation between these two variables. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 650 elderly with diabetes mellitus at two endocrine and diabetes centres in Baghdad City-Iraq from February to June 2024. Data were collected using 'Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire to assess the nutritional status and Physical Frailty Phenotype scale' to assess frailty status amongst the elderly. Data were analysed utilising the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 28. RESULTS: Results of 650 elderly with diabetes revealed that 42.6% were aged between 60 and 69 years old, 59.8% were males, 72% lived in rural areas, 89.4% were married, 55.8% were not working, and 67.1% suffered from hypertension. The finding indicated that more than half of the elderly with diabetes suffered from malnutrition and frailty. There was a highly significant correlation between diabetes elderly nutritional status and their physical frailty amongst the elderly with diabetes. CONCLUSION: Nutritional status is a pivotal determinant in the development of frailty amongst elderly individuals with diabetes, with malnutrition significantly contributing to the progression of their condition.
Tongue (lingual) cysts occurring on the dorsal or ventral surfaces present as swellings. These swellings could cause difficulty in eating, drinking, speaking or breathing. Lingual cyst with respiratory epithelium (LCRE)...Tongue (lingual) cysts occurring on the dorsal or ventral surfaces present as swellings. These swellings could cause difficulty in eating, drinking, speaking or breathing. Lingual cyst with respiratory epithelium (LCRE) is a rare developmental cyst of which about 23 case reports exist in the literature. This report aimed to document a case of LCRE from our centre to update the literature and to distinguish it from other cysts of the tongue with or without respiratory epithelium in addition to other content. We present a case of lingual cyst in a 4-year-old boy of 4 years; histopathologic features revealed a cystic lesion lined by columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells, focal areas of squamous epithelium and areas of inflammation in the connective tissue. This confirms a diagnosis of LCRE. A discussion on the clinical and microscopic features that distinguishes it from the other tongue cyst is presented, and the need for an appropriate nomenclature is highlighted.