Ibom Medical Journal

Comparative evaluation of the cholesterol and fatty acid profile of some beef cuts

Onyenweaku EO — 2025-10-01

Background: Beef is widely consumed across the globe, but its nutritional content, especially cholesterol and fatty acids, varies significantly based on the cut and cooking method used.

Objectives: This study focused on the comparative evaluation of cholesterol and fatty acid profiles in different cuts of beef, including lean steak, liver, and sirloin, when prepared through boiling and roasting methods.

Methods: Beef samples were obtained from local and butcher shops in Marian and Watt markets. Each sample was carefully collected, labeled, and identified with information regarding its source, date of collection, and type of cut. The fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography, and the cholesterol content was determined using the Lieberman-Burchard method.

Results: The findings showed significant variations in both cholesterol and fatty acid content (both in mg/100g) across the beef cuts prepared with different cooking methods. There was significant difference in the cholesterol content (in mg/100g) of steak when boiled (68.53±0.03), roasted (68.53±0.03), oil fried (74.78±0.02) and air fried (72.61±0.02). Boiled sirloin had significantly lower content of the saturated fatty acids, compared to the air fried and oil fried one. Roasted sirloin had an outstanding content of the important omega-6 called linoleic acid (18.13 ± 0.01) compared to oil fried sirloin which recorded the lowest value (5.45 ± 0.01).

Conclusions: This confirms that boiling is a healthier cooking method for meats – yielding less SFA content and more unsaturated fats; this is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Air frying is also preferable to oil frying, as it recorded moderate cholesterol content of the beef cuts and lower SFAs.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in an Orthodontic Population in Lagos, Nigeria

Umeh OD — 2025-10-01

Context: Dental anomalies are developmental irregularities in the number, size, shape, position, or structure of teeth. Their prevalence varies across populations and can significantly affect orthodontic treatment planning. While such anomalies are well-documented in many regions, limited data exist on their radiographic prevalence in Nigerian orthodontic populations.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies in an orthodontic population in Lagos, Nigeria, using orthopantomogram (OPG) radiographs, and to assess associations with gender and arch location.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 662 orthodontic patient records from a private dental clinic in Lagos over a 12-month period. Only patients with complete diagnostic records, including OPGs, were included. Two calibrated examiners assessed anomalies radiographically. Anomalies were categorized into types based on number, size, shape/structure, and position. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests were utilized to analyze associations.

Results: Dental anomalies were present in 49.4% of patients. The most prevalent anomaly was impaction (40.2%), followed by dilaceration (5.3%), talon cusp (2.9%), and hypodontia (2.1%). Arch distribution revealed that the lower arch was most commonly affected (34.6%), and anomalies in both arches were present in 8.3% of cases. Impactions and microdontia showed statistically significant arch associations (p < 0.001). No statistically significant gender differences were observed.

Conclusion: Nearly half of the orthodontic patients in this Lagos-based sample exhibited at least one dental anomaly, with impactions being predominant. These findings underscore the need for early radiographic screening and anomaly-based treatment planning in Nigerian orthodontic practice.

Readiness of R21 Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Tertiary Hospitals in Northern Nigeria

Haruna JJ — 2025-10-01

Context: The R21 malaria vaccine was introduced in Nigeria to augment the already existing malaria control and prevention strategies. However, there is scepticism regarding its implementation success, especially in the Northern region.

Aim: The study assessed the readiness of three (3) federal University teaching hospitals (Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)) in Northern Nigeria to implement the R21 malaria vaccine.

Methodology: A cross-sectional facility-based study design was employed, and data were collected using a modified validated WHO Malaria Vaccine Readiness Assessment Tool on Google Forms. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and readiness was determined using domain-specific scoring criteria.

Results: None of the hospitals met the readiness threshold of ≥95%. ABUTH had the highest overall readiness at 51%, followed by UMTH (42%) and JUTH (33%). ABUTH was fully ready in training, UMTH was fully ready while JUTH was partially ready in vaccine, cold chain and logistics. However, all hospitals were off-track in advocacy and social mobilization, as well as monitoring and supervision.

Conclusion: The findings reveal critical gaps in institutional readiness for implementing the R21 malaria vaccine in Northern Nigeria. Without urgent investment and coordinated planning, the successful rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine in Northern Nigeria and other critical vaccines may be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended that the government strengthen planning, funding, advocacy, and community engagement to ensure the vaccine’s impact and improve the broader immunization infrastructure.

Factors associated with diarrhea prevention among mothers of under-five children in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Ekpenyong NO — 2025-10-01

Introduction: Despite readily available preventive interventions, diarrhea prevalence has remained relatively stable over the decades as the interventions are not effectively implemented on many children leading to high morbidity and mortality especially among under five children. This study investigated the factors associated diarrhea prevention among mothers of under-five Children in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a community based descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 314 caregivers of under-five children selected through systematic random sampling method and data were obtained using semi-structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25 and significance set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of mothers for this study was 30.7 ± 5.31, with majority of the respondents being 26-30 years (43.3%), married (85.7%), and had tertiary education (64.6%). The prevalence of diarrhea in the last one year among under-five children in the study population was 53.2%. Only 34.4% of respondent had a good knowledge of diarrhea prevention, with 22.9% having poor practices of diarrhea prevention. Factors associated with knowledge of diarrhea prevention were mothers’ educational level, number of children under-five years, husbands’ occupation and average income of the mothers. (p<0.05) Knowledge of diarrhoea prevention, age of respondents, religion, place of ANC and delivery were statistically associated with practice of diarrhea prevention. (p<0.05). These findings have implication for policy makers and stakeholders to improve the knowledge of diarrhea prevention and treatment among mothers of under-fives through health education, awareness campaigns and use of community champions.

Sonographic Assessment of The Effect of Varicocele on Testicular Volume in Men With Infertility

Anyabolu MO — 2025-10-01

Background: Infertility is a major cause of marital discord in Nigeria. Many physicians who manage male infertility patients believe that varicoceles are a major cause and that its repair will improve fertility. 80% of testicular volume is comprised of the seminiferous tubules, consequently, a testicular volume of infertile men with varicocele indirectly assesses the effect of varicocele on spermatogenesis.

Objective: The study was conducted to compare the testicular volume of infertile men with varicocele with infertile men without varicocele with the ultimate aim of knowing the effects of varicocele on infertility.

Methodology: This was a comparative cross -sectional study. Using consecutive sampling, seventy new male patients with infertility with abnormal seminal fluid parameters with or without varicocele presenting to urology division, University of Abuja Teaching hospital were recruited. The testicular volume of all the subjects were measured by gray scale ultrasonography after clinically grading those with varicocele. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and results were presented in tables, charts and graphs.

Results: There was a significant decrease in testicular volume and sperm count of infertile men with varicocele compared to those without varicocele. The mean testicular volume of those with varicocele was 6.42±2.04ml compared with mean testicular volume of 12.45+/-1.53ml in those without varicocele (p <0.001). Also, the mean sperm count of men with varicocele was 3.00±3.54ml compared with the mean sperm count of 6.73+/-2.30ml in those without varicocele (p <0.001)

Conclusion: Infertile men with varicocele had significant decrease in ipsilateral and total testicular size compared to those without varicocele and it has further authenticated the usefulness of testicular ultrasound in the assessment of patients with infertility.

Assessment of the outcome of tasking shifting some maternal and child health services to community extension workers in a rural hospital in Ebonyi State

Diara JC — 2025-10-01

Background: The dearth of skilled birth attendants in Nigeria's health sector has never been more critical than now because of the massive brain drain in the country’s health sector. The task-shifting policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been in effect since August 2014; if properly implemented, this policy can be the antidote to the shrinking health workforce.

Objectives: To implement and assess the outcome of task shifting some maternal and child health services to community extension workers.

Methodology: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at Sudan United Mission hospitals in Izzi, Ebonyi State, utilizing both purposive and convenience sampling methods, and mixed data collection methods were used. Collected data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result: The study recorded a significant increase in both knowledge and clinical skills of the 10 CHEWs at the intervention site (Onuenyim) (p<0.00), a statistically significant decline in neonatal death (P< 0.014), and a reduction in expulsion of the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) (P <0.015). The study established a knowledge and clinical skills gap in the control site (Onuenyim). There were no significant differences in the outcome of other maternal and neonatal services after the intervention.

Conclusion: This study revealed improved neonatal and IUCD retention outcomes due to an increase in the knowledge and skills of the CHEWs. It demonstrated the huge potential of CHEWs as the newest member of skilled birth attendants in Nigeria, and holds a very good promise for reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health if fully maximized through the task-shifting policy

Prevalence, experiences and factors influencing gender-based violence among women refugees in Ogoja, Nigeria

Uzomba AE — 2025-10-01

Introduction: Armed conflict in Africa has led to the displacement of over 24.2 million people resulting in increased number refugees. Refugee women are at increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, experiences and factors influencing gender-based violence (GBV) among women refugees in Ogoja, Nigeria.

Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design with quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised of women refugees (18 years and above) who were resident in the three main refugee camps in Ogoja. The sample size was 685 participants for the quantitative method and 90 for the qualitative method. Simple random sampling method was used to select 685 women refugees for quantitative method while 90 participants were purposively selected for the qualitative part of the study. The results from the quantitative method were analyzed using SPSS version 25 while the qualitative data were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic coding.

Results: The study showed 146(21.4%) cases of GBV among the respondents. Some of the participants 139(20.3%) have been slapped, 118(17.2%) have been punched, 86(12.7%) have had arm twisted or hair pulled, 78(11.3%) have been threatened with knife/gun /weapon. The qualitative data revealed that the major factors influencing GBV in the study area were hunger, unemployment and lack of basic amenities. There is no formal gender-based health services available in the camp.

Conclusion: The prevalence of GBV is high among refugee women in our environment and it is due to their poor socio-economic conditions. There is no GBV health services in the refugee camps in the study area. Hence, there is urgent need for individuals, communities, non-governmental organizations and government to channel resources and support towards the refugees and also provide GBV services.

Beyond Aesthetics: Understanding the Impact of Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration on Wellbeing of Patients in a Nigerian Population

Mabiaku YO — 2025-10-01

Background: Dental aesthetics plays a crucial role in facial aesthetics and influences personality assessment, giving an advantage to the more attractive individual. Tooth discoloration mares dental aesthetics, creating an aesthetic disadvantage to affected persons. This study sort to assess the impact of intrinsic tooth discoloration on the overall quality of life of those affected in a Nigerian population.

Methodology: The OHIP-aesthetics questionnaire consisting of seven domains was used in this study to collect data for analysis.

Results: Seventy (70) patients participated fully in the study, 46 females to 24 males, and an overall mean age of 26.80 ± 6.75 years. Most (60.0%) participants were of social class III. The overall mean score of OHIP-aesthetics was 30.66±1.32, functional limitation had the highest mean score of 6.76±0.21, while physical pain had the lowest 2.36±0.25, younger participants reported higher OHIP scores (32.19±2.14 ) than those in the older range (29.44±1.64.), lower levels of educational attainment, reported higher scores (30.63±1.42), than those with higher levels ((31.80±1.74), social classes (III\IV), reported higher scores ((31.80±1.74), than class I\II (28.73±1.97), females reported a higher mean score (30.72±1.59) than males (30.54±2.39) in this study. However, the differences in domain mean scores were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, the participants reported a high negative impact of intrinsic tooth discoloration on their overall quality of life, particularly in the functional limitation domain translating to a low self-assessment of their physical appearance, their sense of self-esteem and confidence.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Practices: A Cross - Sectional Assessment Among Women of Reproductive Age at General Out-Patient Clinic of a Secondary Health Institution in South-South Nigeria

Iyanam VE — 2025-10-01

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women globally especially women of child bearing age in low and medium income countries thereby constituting serious public health concern. Awareness and screening practices for early detection and prompt intervention is of immense benefit.

Objective: This study was done to assess the level of awareness and screening practices for breast cancer among women of child bearing age who presented at the General Outpatient Clinic (GOPC) of a secondary health facility in south-south Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study done among 168 women of child bearing age selected conveniently at the GOPC of General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. Data were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed with EPI-INFO Version 3.1

Results: Majority of the respondents, 73.81%, had heard of breast cancer and their source of information was mostly from health workers, 72.02%. On screening practices, only 9.52% and 7.74% had ever done self-breast examination (SBE) and radiological screening, mammography, respectively. Breast self-examination was significantly associated with age (P=0.001), educational status (P=0.01), marital status (P=0.001) and parity (P=0.01).

Conclusion: While the awareness of breast cancer was high, screening practices for early detection and prompt treatment was poor. This calls for a more intense public awareness sensitization on the existence of breast cancer and the imperative of screening for early detection. Moreover, considering the cost implication of mammography, it is recommended that this modality of screening should be highly subsidized or made free for the population at risk, especially at the low income setting.

Body Towels as Reservoirs of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: Wellness Implications

Asuquo AE — 2025-10-01

Background: In-use damp towels provide perfect conditions for growth and transmission of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes that could pose deleterious health consequences to users.

Objective: This study investigated the composition and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from in-use towels of female undergraduate students of a tertiary institution in Calabar, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 80 in-use body-towels were sampled, using moistened sterile swab sticks, and processed by conventional bacteriological methods for isolation and identification of bacteria. The bacterial isolates were identified using Vitek 2 Compact System (bioMérieux, Marcy L’Étoile, France), and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results: Forty three (53.7%) of 80 towels sampled yielded growth of bacteria. Esherichia coli (25.6%) was found as the most prevalent isolate, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.9%), Staphylococcus (S.) equorum (13.9%), Proteus mirabilis (11.6%.), S. cohnii (9.3%), S. lentus (7.0%), Aerococcus viridans (7.0%), and S. alettae (4.7%). High resistance rates to Ciprofloxacin (44.4%) and Amikamicin (27.8%) were found for the gram negative isolates with zero-resistance to Meropenem and Levofloxacin. Similarly, the gram positive isolates showed high resistance to Erythromycin (50.0%), Ciprofloxacin (33.3%) and Cefuroxime (27.8%).

Conclusion: The high isolation rate of E. coli, alongside other coliform isolates, in this study suggests fecal contamination of the body-towels with vast potentials for harboring dangerous infectious agents, including multidrug resistant bacteria. Adherence to best towel-hygiene practices is highly recommended.

Optimism and its correlates among outpatients with major depressive disorder in a mental health facility in West Africa

Owoeye OA — 2025-10-01

Background: Optimism is a positive psychological trait that influences mental health outcomes particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). While widely studied in high-income settings, less is known about the level of optimism and its correlates among patients with MDD in the developing nations of Africa. The objective of this study is to assess the level of optimism and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables among outpatients with MDD in a mental health facility in West Africa.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 61 randomly selected adults diagnosed with MDD attending psychiatric outpatient clinic at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected using Sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses were conducted at a 5% significance level.

Results: The mean optimism score was 14.26 ± 2.55, with a range of 5 to 19. Male participants reported significantly higher optimism than females (p = 0.011). Participants without a history of psychiatric hospitalization had higher optimism scores (p = 0.022). Self-efficacy was positively correlated with optimism (r = 0.257, p = 0.045), while self-esteem showed no significant association. Other sociodemographic and clinical factors, including age, education, and comorbidity, were not significantly associated with optimism.

Conclusion: The identification of gender, hospitalization history, and self-efficacy as key correlates of optimism in individuals with MDD provides insights into how individual characteristics and mental health history influence positive outlooks in a clinical population and suggests potential targets for interventions for the patients.

Analgesic characteristics of intrathecal neostigmine versus dexmedetomidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine for labour and delivery: A double blind randomized study

Udeme NI — 2025-10-01

Introduction: The birthing process is one of the most painful events a woman can experience. Minimizing the pain parturients experience is now being considered the right of every parturient globally. The aim of this study was to compare two medications as adjuncts to bupivacaine in labour analgesia.

Materials and methods: One hundred and sixty-six consenting parturients were randomly assigned to receive single shots of intrathecal doses of 2.5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with either 2.5µg of dexmedetomidine or 25µg neostigmine as adjuvants. Intrathecal injections were made at the attainment of 5cm cervical dilatation in the labouring woman. The parameters compared included, the haemodynamic parameters, onset/duration of analgesia, pain scores of parturients and the foetal outcome. Data analysed using Stata version 13.0 and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The results showed similarity in the socio-demographic variables, obstetric and baseline haemodynamic characteristics between parturients in the two groups. The median onset of analgesia was significantly faster 2(1-2) min and mean duration of analgesia significantly longer (155.55±39.88 min) in the dexmedetomidine group (p=0.007) compared to the neostigmine group 2(1-3); 114.11±26.71 min) (p<0.0001). The parturients in the dexmedetomidine group had lower pain scores compared to the neostigmine group. (p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study showed that dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine shortened the onset of analgesia/prolonged the duration of analgesia than neostigmine and also offered lower pain scores as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine in single shot spinal for labour analgesia. We recommend dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to hyperbaric bupivacaine for single-shot spinal for labour analgesia

Pattern of sport injuries and its association with injury prevention strategies in male professional footballers in Calabar, Nigeria

Oghumu SN — 2025-10-01

Background: Understanding the pattern of sports injuries is essential to developing targeted injury prevention programs. This study investigated the pattern of sport injuries among male professional footballers in Calabar and evaluated the association between sport injury patterns and injury prevention strategies.

Materials and Method: The study was a cross-sectional survey that recruited 130 male footballers from six professional clubs via consecutive sampling. Participants’ ages were obtained, while anthropometric parameters were measured with standard instruments. Pattern of sports injury and injury prevention strategies were assessed with an adapted questionnaire on injury prevention strategies from a previous study. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were used to summarize data, while Chi-square was use to analyze the association between injury patterns and injury prevention strategies at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age, height, weight, and BMI of participants were 25.19±4.26years, 1.70±0.07m, 67.65±7.95Kg and 23.42±3.36Kg/m2, respectively. A 63.8% risk of sustaining injury was found with the most frequent injury being dislocation (27.7%), followed by sprains (26.2%). The thigh (43.1%) was the most exposed injured body part, while the knee was the most (40%) injured body part. Significant association (χ2=68.9, p=0.010) was obtained between injury prevention strategies and nature of sport injury. Injury prevention strategies were not significantly associated (p>0.05) with part of the body injured.

Conclusion: A high risk of sport injuries exist among male professional footballers in Calabar, with dislocations and sprains as the most common injuries. Injury prevention strategies were associated with the nature of injuries sustained.

Assessment of Healthcare Waste Management Practices Compliance among Health Workers in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu

Okonkwo EU — 2025-10-01

Objectives: This study aims to examines Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) compliance as it concerns healthcare workers in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

Methods: Yamane's sampling formula was used to determine a sample size of 270 from a population of 834, and a descriptive survey research design was judged appropriate and employed. To ensure that respondents were represented proportionately, a stratified random sampling technique was used. A well-structured questionnaire was used to gather the data, and descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for analysis.

Results: The study achieved a 78% response rate, with most respondents being female (78.6%) and aged 30–39 years (40%). Chemical disinfection of body fluids (21.0%) was the most common waste treatment method, while waste burial (8.2%) was the least practiced. Further findings revealed that compliance varied across various healthcare worker categories, with nurses showing higher adherence to segregation and disposal practices, while doctors and scientists exhibited lower compliance rates. Hypothesis testing confirmed significant differences in compliance levels.

Conclusion: The study concludes that healthcare workers' adherence to best practices for healthcare waste management varied; while outsourcing and non-dumping waste disposal were positively correlated, there were notable gaps in the availability of recycling and treatment facilities, and different professional categories had varying levels of compliance that needed to be addressed. For better adherence and a safer hospital environment, the study suggests bolstering HCWM training, making investments in waste treatment infrastructure, enforcing stringent monitoring, and improving waste segregation, especially through better color-coded disposal systems.

Divorce and Mental Health in Northern Nigeria: Exploring Post-Divorce Risk Factors

Sulaiman BA — 2025-10-01

Background: Divorce rates have increased since the 1960s, with significant psychosocial implications, particularly in northern Nigeria's traditional societal context. The region's patriarchal norms and limited economic opportunities for women can intensify the psychological impact of divorce.

Aim: To examine post-divorce risk factors for psychiatric disorders among divorced women in northern Nigeria, exploring marital experiences, psychological history, health conditions, abuse history, family background, and socio-economic status.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 divorced women from the Association of Divorced and Widows of Kano State. Participants were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a sociodemographic and divorce related factors questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) and analyzed with SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Significant factors associated with psychiatric disorders included: child custody arrangements (OR=3.5; CI=1.8 - 7.1,p=0.04), engaging in post-divorce sexual relationships (O.R=6.9; CI=.9 - 56.3,P=<0.001), pre-existing mental disorders (OR=19.1; CI=2.5 – 146.4,P=<0.001), divorce responsibility attribution,( aOR=5.4, CI=2.4, p=0.004) and unwillingness to remarry the ex-husband (OR=3.5; CI=1.8 - 7.1,p=0.04), Frequent headaches (OR=3.9; CI=1.3 – 12.0), sleep problems (OR=6.0; CI=2.2 - 16.2, p=0.004), previous abuse history (OR=3.4; CI=1.8 - 7.1,p=0.004) and parental divorce history (OR=3.5; CI=1.8 - 7.1,p=<0.001) were also linked to higher psychiatric morbidity. Poor social support (O.R=10, CI=6; 3.1 – 36.6,P=<0.001) emerged as a strong predictor of psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion: Post-divorce experiences significantly impact psychiatric health, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems for divorced women.

Trends in prevalence, pattern and factors associated with female genital mutilation/cutting among youth 15 to 24 years old in Nigeria

Ogbonna VI — 2025-10-01

Introduction: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has no health benefits, and it is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. This study assed the prevalence, trends, patterns and determinants of FGM/C among youths in Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to retrospectively review the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey data sets of 2008, 2013, and 2018 individual recode data of Youth aged 15 to 24 years. Data analysis was done using STATA-14.2 software and SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics are presented with frequency tables and line graphs, and Inferential statistics were done using the chi-square test.

Results: A greater proportion of participants 22761 (54.9%) were those aged 15 to 19 years, resided in rural areas 24585(59.3%), Islam 21380 (51.6), secondary level of education, 21912 (52.8%), from the northwest region, 12031 (29.0%), and richer wealth index 9098 (21.9%). The overall prevalence of FGM/C within the period is 7054, 17.01%. The findings show a declining trend in the review period; the highest prevalence was seen in 2008 (3026 [24.0%) and the lowest was seen in 2018 (1366 [9.6%), (χ2 = 64.5; p < 0.001). The most prevalent pattern was flesh removed from the genitals (3678, 8.9%). Age, location, region, level of education, religion, and socioeconomic status (Wealth index), and year of interview were significantly associated with FGM/C.

Conclusion: The progress/downward trajectory in the trend of FGM/C prevalence is encouraging, but sustained efforts are necessary to address the context-specific factors (Regionally tailored interventions) to eradicate FGM/C.

Cross sectional retrospective assessment of safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery with laser lithotripsy in management of upper urinary tract calculi

Ozah E — 2025-10-01

Context: The utility of Retrograde Intra Renal Surgery (RIRS) with laser lithotripsy has gained wider acceptance in management of upper tract stones. RIRS is associated with fewer complications. This study aims to assess complication rate of RIRS with laser lithotripsy, severity of complication using modified Clavien-Dindo classification system (MCCS), factors predicting complications and grade of complications.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 33 patients with a diagnosis of upper tract stone less than 20mm. Patients had retrograde intrarenal surgery with laser lithotripsy for ureteric stone using a semi rigid ureteroscope (9.5Fr Karl Storz) with a Holmium YAG laser machine, in combination with 274um laser fiber, and a flexible ureterorenoscope was used for renal stones with a ureteral access sheath (UAS).

Results: Thirty-three patients were involved in this study, with a mean age of 43.70+/- 11.44 years. Males accounted for 18 (54.5%) of the study population. Mean duration of admission was 2.5+/-1.6 days. The median stone size was 10.55(IQR=0.42-85.0), while mean stone density measured in Hounsfield unit (HU), was 817+/-285.5. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rate was 12.1% and 21.2% respectively. Severity of complication using the MCCS include 47.6%,28.6%, 19.0%, 4.8% for grades I, II, III and, IV respectively. Age (p=0,364), gender (p=0.843), stone size (p=0.143) and, ureteric stones or emergency interventions (p=0.151) were not associated with complications or grade of complications. In a multivariate regression analysis, there were no predictors of complications, or grade of complications.

Conclusion: The complication rate of RIRS with laser lithotripsy in this study was moderate, with most patient having minor complications Clavien-Dindo I and II.

Knowledge, accessibility and uptake of national health insurance authority and the negative economic effects of non-users in a rural community in South Western

Eniola AO — 2025-10-01

Background: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was established to reduce out-of-pocket (OOP) spending and improve healthcare access in Nigeria. Despite its potential, access to the scheme remains limited, especially in semi-urban communities like Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, leading to potential economic burdens. This study assessed the economic effects of inaccessibility to the NHIA among residents of Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Materials/Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 residents aged 18 years and above in Ido-Ekiti. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method with probability proportionate to size (PPS). Data were collected over eight weeks using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.

Results: Out of 415 respondents, 30.9% were aged 35–44 years. While 64.7% were aware of health insurance, 61.8% had poor knowledge of it. Only 17.4% were enrolled in NHIA. A significant proportion (52.0%) reported economic challenges linked to healthcare inaccessibility, including delayed care and borrowing money for medical bills. Most respondents attributed these challenges to OOP health expenditures due to non-enrollment.

Conclusion: Despite relatively high awareness, poor knowledge and limited access to NHIA persist, contributing to economic hardship among residents. Strengthening awareness, improving service quality, and establishing trust-building mechanisms are essential for expanding NHIA uptake.

Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM) in Understanding the Effectiveness of Public Health Communication During COVID-19 Epidemic in Nigeria: A Thematic Review

Enangama VIP — 2025-10-01

Context: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought significant health and economic challenges to Nigeria. It revealed weaknesses in healthcare systems, governance, and public trust. Effective health communication played a key role in shaping public responses. However, misinformation, cultural beliefs, and limited resources undermined compliance with preventive measures and vaccine acceptance. This review uses the Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM) to evaluate health communication's effectiveness during the pandemic in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A thematic review of peer-reviewed literature and government reports focusing on how Nigeria perceived and responded to COVID-19 health messages.

Results: The evidence showed that government and media campaigns emphasized the severity and personal danger of COVID-19, leading to an increased perception of threat. However, many communities, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, lacked clear efficacy signals, such as access to preventive resources, trustworthy guidance and confidence in government measures. This imbalance led to different behavioral outcomes. Groups with high threat perception and strong efficacy, like health workers and urban residents with reliable information, took danger-control actions. They practiced consistent mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and vaccine uptake. In contrast, groups that felt a high threat but had low efficacy turned to fear-control actions, including denial, avoidance, or belief in conspiracy theories.

Conclusion: The findings show that effective communication involves more than just increasing fear about disease. Sustainable behavior change relies on combining high threat perception with strong efficacy signals. Recommendations include involving trusted local influencers in campaigns, ensuring access to preventive tools, tailoring communication to fit various cultural and socioeconomic contexts, promoting transparency, and connecting health messaging with socioeconomic support.

By placing Nigeria’s COVID-19 response within the EPPM framework, this review emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive, community-focused, and resource-supported communication strategies to improve pandemic preparedness and resilience in low-resource areas.

Robotic-Enhanced Interventions in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Current Trends and Future Directions: A Narrative Review

Nadendla RR — 2025-10-01

Background: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a widely implemented procedure for osteoarthritis (Oas), offering pain relief in most patients. The ventral method has gained popularity due to faster retrieval and a lower risk of dislocation. Still, uncertainty remains a major cause of THA.

Objectives: To evaluate robotic-assisted THA systems, surgical precision, spinopelvic dynamics, long-term results, and cost-effectiveness, addressing current gaps in the literature. A comprehensive literature review was accompanied to evaluate robotic-assisted THA, with a focus on surgical precision, spinopelvic dynamics, clinical outcomes, health risks and cost-effectiveness. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed journals, clinical trials, comparative analyses, and registry reports. Studies on various robotic systems-including MAKO, ACROBOT, ROBODOC, and T-Solution. One was examined to evaluate its involvement in implant placement, stability, and overall performance. Key themes involved imaging technologies, surgical planning software, and innovations in robotic guidance systems.

Results: The review initiate that robotic-assisted THA significantly progresses implant positioning accuracy and may diminish complication rates associated with malalignment. Robotic systems consuming CT-based or imageless navigation develop surgical accuracy, while also accounting for distinct spinopelvic dynamics. Long-term conclusion data and cost effectiveness analyses endure limited. The review highlights the essential for more robust relative studies across robotic daises and calls for integration of patient-specific anatomical and biomechanical factors to refine surgical approaches. Recognizing reliable parameters for spinopelvic mobility and their impact on postoperative significances is vital for personalized THA planning.

Conclusion: This review aims to fill gaps in published studies by analyzing long-term follow-up data and cost-effectiveness, comparing robotic systems, and prominence clinical outcomes, complications, and advancements in robotic technologies.

A synopsis on optimising fluid therapy in sepsis: challenges in resource-limited settings

Okonkwo TC — 2025-10-01

Fluid therapy is a cornerstone of sepsis management, yet controversy surrounds several aspects of its administration. Optimising fluid therapy in sepsis requires a nuanced understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, patient-specific factors, and the latest evidence. This review summarises the current evidence on fluid therapy in sepsis, highlights challenges in low—and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), and areas of future research (burden of sepsis, appropriate fluid management, role of care bundles, etc).

Mind-Body Causal Relationship: Inquiry into Mental Health Disorders and the Limits of Neurobiological Reductionism

Archibong EI — 2025-10-01

This paper undertook a critical and exploratory inquiry into how causality in the mind-body relationship has been theorised and operationalised in contemporary mental health discourse. Unlike dominant approaches that prioritised brain-based explanations for psychological disorders, this paper interrogated the ontological and epistemic assumptions underpinning neurobiological reductionism, which is the belief that all mental phenomena can be explained purely through physical processes in the brain. Approached through the philosophy of mind, particularly (emergentism, dual-aspect monism and enactivism), the paper reframed mental disorders not as mere neurochemical malfunctions but as complex, causally layered phenomena emerging from interactions between the physical, subjective, social, and environmental domains. Methodologically, the study applied conceptual analysis, drawing from theoretical triangulation across analytic philosophy, phenomenology, and systems theory to reconstruct the mind-body problem in light of clinical realities such as treatment-resistant depression and psychosomatic disorders. The proposed framework challenged linear, one-directional causality and instead, advances a recursive, non-reductive model where mind and body are mutually influential yet ontologically distinct. The discussion engaged historical trajectories from Descartes to contemporary neuroscience, while critically reviewing diagnostic paradigms in psychiatry (e.g., DSM-5) that reflect implicit reductionist biases. The paper concluded by suggesting a shift toward pluralist explanatory models in mental health, advocating for integrative diagnostics and treatment modalities that considers both neural and experiential dimensions.

Caesarean myomectomy in a tertiary health facility in southern Nigeria: Report of a series of successful cases

Eyong EM — 2025-10-01

Uterine leiomyoma is the commonest tumour of the uterus with incidence of about 20-40% in reproductive age women. Treatment of leiomyoma during caesarean section remains a controversial subject in spite of advancement in medical treatment. The reasons for avoiding caesarean myomectomy include increased risk of haemorrhage during surgery, prolonged operation time and increased risk of adhesion formation. With recent advances in reduction of blood loss during myomectomy such as use of myoma clamp or uterine tourniquet to occlude uterine arteries and use of vasopressins, good outcomes may be achieved in carefully selected cases. Here, the authors report a case series of 6 patients where myomectomy was performed during caesarean section for multiple uterine fibroids of different sizes in pregnancy with good outcomes.

Transverse Colon Cancer Presenting as a Large Abdominal Mass with Anterior Abdominal Wall Abscess: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ehiagwina LA — 2025-10-01

Colorectal cancer usually presents with intestinal symptoms, but rare extraintestinal manifestations may occur from tumuor invasion. These include abdominal wall abscess, rupture, subcutaneous thigh or retroperitoneal abscess, and emphysema, often leading to misdiagnosis and treatment delays. We report a 30-year-old male with progressive, painless right upper abdominal swelling for four months and a discharging anterior abdominal wound for two months. Initially treated as soft tissue infection, further evaluation revealed a transverse colon tumuor with abdominal wall abscess. He underwent extended right hemicolectomy with ileotransverse anastomosis. Histopathology confirmed adenocarcinoma. A postoperative complication of surgical site infection was successfully managed with antibiotics and wound dressing with povidone iodine. This case highlights considering colonic cancer in atypical abdominal wall presentations.

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Infection in a Nigerian Teenager in Uyo; A Case Report

Ofonime D — 2025-10-01

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria are species other than the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex which cause a wide range of diseases (excluding leprosy) in children and adults especially those with interruptions to their cell mediated immunity as seen in patients with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The most common manifestation of this infection is cervical lymphadenitis which may rupture to form ulcers. Our patient is a 17-year-old teenager who presented initially to a primary health care centre (PHC) with complaints of neck swellings/ulcers, weight loss, and recurrent fever of 18 months duration. She tested positive for HIV and TB (gene expert) at the PHC and was commenced on standard HIV and TB medications at the PHC. Due to persistence of symptoms, she was referred to our facility, where repeat TB medications and antibiotics were administered with non-resolution of neck swellings/ulcers. Line probe assay done was suggestive of non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium. Culture was not done as sample was lost in transit to the reference lab. Patient received a six-month course of Oral Azithromycin and TB medication with surgical excision of affected lymph nodes and showed marked resolution of symptoms. High Index of suspicion is needed when evaluating patients for TB, especially when they have significant cervical lymphadenopathy/ulcers and do not respond adequately to standard therapy. There is also a need for increased availability of culture facilities in resource-challenged countries like ours.

Right-Sided Extra-Testicular Mass Coexisting with Right Sided Hydrocele

Obiozor AA — 2025-10-01

Context: An extra-testicular mass coexisting with a hydrocele presents a diagnostic challenge as the hydrocele may obscure clinical examination findings. This overlap can hinder detection of the mass and complicate radiological interpretation, making diagnostic imaging crucial for evaluation and management.

Methods: Clinical and radiological data were obtained from the case records of a 60-year-old male presenting with right-sided scrotal swelling. The patient underwent physical examination and diagnostic imaging, including Doppler ultrasound. Imaging findings were reviewed to assess the characteristics of the mass and its effect on adjacent scrotal structures.

Results: Doppler ultrasound revealed a well-defined, heterogeneous right-sided extra-testicular mass at the lower pole of the right testis, coexisting with a moderate hydrocele. The hydrocele obscured accurate palpation of the underlying lesion. The mass displaced the testis anteriorly and exerted pressure on the epididymis, but vascular flow was preserved in both testes and epididymis. No internal vascularity was detected within the lesion. Based on these findings, the patient underwent surgical excision of the mass and hydrocele repair, which provided both diagnostic clarification and definitive treatment.

Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic difficulties posed by hydrocele in identifying coexisting extra-testicular masses. Doppler ultrasound remains indispensable in differentiating benign from malignant scrotal lesions when clinical evaluation is inconclusive. Surgical exploration not only establishes a definitive diagnosis but also serves as a therapeutic intervention. Early recognition of this diagnostic challenge can prevent delays in appropriate management.