ABSTRACT
Objective: Hirsutism is characterized by excessive terminal hair growth in a male-like pattern in women and globally affects approximately 5-10% of women within their reproductive age. This research seeks to investigate the association between hirsutism and body mass index (BMI) among women and adolescents in Rivers State University. Methodology: This research was carried out at Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study population consisted of female students and staff aged 15–40 years. Hirsutism was assessed using the Modified Ferriman–Gallwey (mFG) scoring system. Each of the nine body regions (upper lip, chin, chest, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, upper back, lower back, upper arm, thigh) were examined and assigned a score from 0 to 4. A total mFG score ≥ 8 was used to define clinical hirsutism, with consideration of ethnic-specific cutoffs (e.g., ≥ 9 for African populations). A digital weighing scale, a stadiometer, a meter rule and a digital vernier caliper were used to measure the weight, height, thumb and foot lengths. Results: The correlation analysis revealed a very weak negative association between BMI and hirsutism severity (r = –0.013, p = 0.791). This relationship was not statistically significant, indicating that BMI did not have a meaningful linear association with Ferriman–Gallwey Scores in the study population. Conclusion: In this University-based sample, hirsutism, though common, was not significantly associated with BMI.

ABSTRACT
Poverty remains one of the most significant social determinants of health in developing countries, particularly within rural communities where access to healthcare services is often limited and healthcare expenditures are largely financed through out of pocket payments. This study examines the relationship between poverty, healthcare costs, and the health and well-being of rural households in Yobe State Nigeria from a sociological perspective. The study employed a cross sectional survey design involving 300 rural households selected through a multistage sampling technique across selected local government areas in Yobe State. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings reveal that a large proportion of rural households live below the poverty line and face significant financial barriers when accessing healthcare services. High healthcare costs were associated with delayed health seeking behavior, poor health outcomes, and reduced household well-being. Socioeconomic variables such as income level, education, and employment status were found to significantly influence healthcare utilization among rural households. The study concludes that poverty remains a major obstacle to achieving equitable healthcare access and improved health outcomes in rural communities. It recommends strengthening social protection policies, expanding health insurance coverage, and improving rural healthcare infrastructure to enhance the health and well-being of rural populations.