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.

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
Background: Histologically, fibroids are disordered smooth muscle cells buried in abundant quantities of extracellular matrix. The abundance of extracellular matrix in fibroids is responsible for the expansion of fibroids. Uterine fibroids are benign neoplasms. Materials and Method: Adult female Wistar albino rats (200 ± 20g) were used for the present study. Animals were acclimatized for fourteen days in the animal house before being grouped into four groups of six (6) animals each. The eight experimental groups are as follows: Group A: No fibroid induction, animals were provided with water and normal rat fed; Group B: Uterine fibroid induced without treatment; Group C:(treatment group): Mifepristone; Group D : (treatment group): Uterine fibroid induced+ Mifepristone; Group E:(treatment group): Uterine fibroid induced+ 500 mg/kg of extract ; Group F:(treatment group): Uterine fibroid induced+ 1500 mg/kg of extract; Group G:(treatment group): 500 mg/kg of extract; Group H:(treatment group): 1500 mg/kg of extract. Uterine fibroid was induced by administering Diethylstilbestrol (1.35 mg/kg/d), Progesterone injection of 1.0mg/180g intramuscularly three times a week, 0.9 mg/kg/d adrenal hydrochloride injection intramuscularly from week 5th to 6th week of the experiment (Zhao et al., 2018 method). Uterine fibroid induction lasted for six (6) weeks. Results: Results from the present study showed that estrogen and progesterone both increased in fibroid induced group when compared to the control, and both reduced in the treatment groups especially in the high dose group when compared to the fibroid induced group. Immunohistochemical studies showed weak positive stain for BCL-2 and strong positive stain for BAX in the ovaries. Weak positive stain for BCL-2 and strong positive stain for BAX in the uterus was also observed. Conclusion: Bay leaves significantly reduced the levels of estrogen and progesterone caused by induced uterine fibroids. Bay leaves may likely reduce the si

ABSTRACT
Fibroid is a reproductive health problem which affects females of reproductive age in all parts of the world. Various health implications associated with fibroid which ranges from miscarriages, infertility etc. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of ethanolic extract of cocoa seeds on monosodium glutamate induced uterine fibroids in wistar rats. Forty eight (48) animals were used for the study. Animals were grouped into six(6) groups (control, fibroid induced, cocoa low, cocoa high, low dose+ MSG, high dose+ MSG group, MSG + high dose group and MSG + low dose) of 6 animals each. Extracts were administered for 14days, Control received 0.5 ml of distilled water; Fibroid induced received 200mg/kg bw of MSG; cocoa low group received 500mg/kg bw; cocoa high group received 1500mg/kg bw; cocoa low group +MSG received 500mg/kg bw+200mg/kg bw of MSG.; cocoa high group +MSG received 1500mg/kg bw + 200mg/kg bw of MSG, MSG + low dose group MSG was administered for 2 weeks, followed by 500mg/kg body weight of cocoa for 2 weeks. MSG + high dose group MSG was administered for weeks, followed by 1500mg/kg body weight of cocoa for 2 weeks. 24 hours after last administration animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assays. The uterus was harvested and fixed. Data obtained was expressed at Mean ± Standard deviation, values were considered statistically significant when p≤0.05. The results showed that ethanolic extract of cocoa seeds reduced the level of progesterone in the prophylactic groups when compared to the fibroid induced group. Results from the therapeutic studies showed that ethanolic extract of Cocoa seed reduced the level of progesterone only. It had no effect on the estrogen level of Wistar rats. The plant extract may arrest tumor progression and may be effective in prevention of MSG induced uterine fibroids in rats.

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The article has three primary sections. The first section deals with the recent application of the Indigo dye. The second section deals with the reviews of the drug from multiple angles. The third section deals with the application of Indigo in dentistry & Homoeopathy. The article traces the history of Indigo not only in medicine but also in agriculture, horticulture, crops, plantation, economics, culture, arts, social science, rural economy, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, dentistry & Microbiology. However, it touches upon all other subjects & deal in partial detail in the field of dentistry. Only Homoeopathy is the area that is touched upon in detail in the article. Indigo cuts across times across the globe as its use are multifaceted. The curiosity across era regarding Indigo just shows its importance especially in our country. Besides the synthetic use, it is good to know that the natural use of Indigo is on the rising trend. The natural use of Indigo has one of its tentacles in its Homoeopathic dimension. It is a broad spectrum drug in Homoeopathy that is used for various uses. The various systems of the human body that benefit from the use of Indigo in Homoeopathy are the Central Nervous System (CNS), Gastro Intestinal System (GIS), Excretory System, Musculoskeletal System & Cardio Vascular System (CVS).

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Background: Kinesiophobia, defined as an excessive fear of movement due to pain or reinjury, has emerged as a significant psychological factor influencing recovery in musculoskeletal conditions. In fracture rehabilitation, where early mobilization is essential, fear-related avoidance behaviors may compromise functional outcomes despite adequate biological healing. Objective: To evaluate the role of kinesiophobia as a predictor of functional outcomes following fracture rehabilitation and to synthesize current evidence regarding its prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical implications. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using evidence from peer-reviewed literature indexed journals. Studies examining kinesiophobia in fracture populations, its association with functional outcomes, and related rehabilitation strategies were analyzed and synthesized. Results: Kinesiophobia is highly prevalent in fracture populations, affecting approximately 50–60% of patients. Evidence demonstrates a consistent negative association between kinesiophobia and functional outcomes, with reported correlation coefficients ranging from r = –0.40 to –0.77. Higher levels of fear are linked with reduced mobility, lower functional independence, and delayed recovery. Mechanistically, kinesiophobia contributes to avoidance behavior, altered motor patterns, reduced rehabilitation adherence, and physical deconditioning. Longitudinal findings suggest that early kinesiophobia may predict long-term functional limitations. Conclusion: Kinesiophobia is a significant and modifiable predictor of functional outcome following fracture rehabilitation. Integrating psychological assessment and targeted interventions such as graded exposure and cognitive-behavioral strategies into physiotherapy practice may enhance recovery and reduce disability. Further high-quality research is required to establish standardized protocols and optimize management approaches.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to the results of the Demographic and Health Survey of Mali, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in the Koulikoro region and the Bamako district is 65.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Anemia remains a public health problem in Mali and one of the most common pathologies during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary factors associated with anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at the Kalaban-Coro Reference Health Center. Methodology: This was a case-control study conducted at the Kalaban-Coro Reference Health Center from August 5 to 31, 2025. The sample size was calculated using Epi Info 7 software version 7.1.2.0. It included 324 pregnant women, comprising 108 cases and 216 controls. Data were entered using the Kobocollecte tool and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. We performed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses with a significance level of 5%. Results: The multivariate analysis showed that anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Kalaban-coro Reference Health Center was associated with consuming fewer than three meals per day (p=0.00), low dietary diversity (p=0.00), low fruit and vegetable consumption (p=0.00), low consumption of roots and tubers (p=0.00), and low dairy consumption (p=0.03). Conclusion: Based on these results, we recommend strengthening awareness and nutrition education activities to promote better dietary diversity among women of reproductive age.