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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Despite improvements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and cervical cancer screening, the incidence of cervical cancer remains disproportionately high among sexually active women in Nigeria. This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of cervical cancer among sexually active women receiving antiretroviral therapy at First Referral Hospital, Mutum Biyu, Nigeria. Material and Method: This is a survey study design that is evaluative in nature. Data were derived from respondents through interview and laboratory diagnosis and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 statistical software. The choice of this study design is informed by the fact that it enables a researcher to obtain data that may not be found in extant literature which can be utilized in testing hypotheses. Result: Majority 63% of the study population were not victims of cervical cancer while 37% of the study population were cervical cancer patients. The majority of respondents (58%) had never heard of cervical cancer, and an even larger proportion (89%) were unaware of cervical cancer screening. Awareness of cervical cancer among this population is thus notably low. Conclusion: There is low level of awareness about cervical cancer and it associated risk factors among sexually active women receiving antiretroviral therapy in the study area. Hence, the need for health education programs.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nigeria is among the hot spot of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the world. This massive increase is due to the improved case detection capacity and enhanced surveillance systems with stronger diagnostic infrastructure. We aimed to determine the trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Niger State, Nigeria. Materials and Method: This is a retrospective study. The study population is the notified cases of TB in Niger State of the Year 2014-2024. All forms of TB; pulmonary and extrapulmonary, drug-susceptible, drug-resistant TB, and HIV co-infection were included. Statistical analysis was conducted under STATA version 17.0 for standard statistical analysis, R version 4.3.0 for complex modeling, NVivo version 14.0 for qualitative analysis, REDCap for questionnaire data management, and ArcGIS for geographic analysis. Result: Based on our data, notified cases tracked in the study area increased from 1,532 in 2014 to 10,907 in 2024, indicating good reporting procedures and case registration systems. There was a consistent rise in both new TB and notified cases. The massive increase in new cases by 991%, from 1,044 cases in 2014 to 10,341 cases in 2024, which represents an average annual increase of approximately 927 cases. Surprisingly, TB cases rose by 991%, but mortality by 92%, mirroring gigantic improvements in case fatality and stupendous developments in the effectiveness of treatment. Despite the increase in TB notifications, TB-related mortality in Niger State remained relatively stable throughout the study period. This pattern aligns with national reports showing improved TB treatment outcome. Conclusion: The trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the study area suggests improved diagnostic and treatments accessibility.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological substances are widely consumed as aphrodisiacs due to their perceived benefits, often with little consideration for their potential adverse biological effects. This study evaluated and compared the effects of aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum, sildenafil citrate, and a selected alcoholic bitters on the antioxidant system and testicular function markers of adult male Wistar rats. An experimental randomized controlled design was adopted using forty (40) adult male Wistar rats assigned into eight groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 2 received low and high doses of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract respectively; groups 3 and 4 received high and low doses of sildenafil citrate respectively; groups 5 and 6 received high and low doses of alcoholic bitters; group 7 received low doses of all test substances concurrently; while group 8 served as the control and received only rat feed and water. Treatments were administered orally for six weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and antioxidant enzymes and testicular function markers were analyzed using standard biochemical methods. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test. The results showed a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in most antioxidant parameters in the groups exposed to Trigonella foenum-graecum and alcoholic bitters when compared with the control, indicating compromised antioxidant defense. In contrast, the sildenafil citrate–treated groups showed relatively milder effects on antioxidant status, with no statistically significant differences in most parameters. However, a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in acid phosphatase activity was observed in several treated groups, suggesting varying degrees of testicular degeneration. Overall, the findings demonstrate that chronic administration of Trigonella foenum-grae
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Infectious diseases can affect the heart, causing myocarditis, arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, and heart failure. Viral and parasitic infections are major contributors globally, but data from Bangladesh are limited, often from hospitalized patients with short follow-up. This study aims to assess the prevalence, patterns, and risk factors of cardiac manifestations in Bangladeshi patients and evaluate their short- and long-term outcomes to guide better management and prevention. Methods: This cross-sectional study at Zilla Sadar Hospital, Lakhmipur (Jan–Dec 2023) included 125 adults with bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, excluding those with pre-existing cardiac disease. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data (troponin, CRP, leukocytosis, anemia) were collected. Cardiac evaluation included ECG and echocardiography for tachycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias, murmurs, heart failure, pericardial effusion, myocarditis, and valvular abnormalities. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 with Chi-square tests (p<0.05). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: Among 125 participants (56% male, mostly 31–45 years), viral infections were most common (48%). Cardiac manifestations included tachycardia (54.4%), hypotension (19.2%), heart failure (16.0%), pericardial effusion (14.4%), arrhythmias (12.0%), myocarditis (9.6%), and new murmurs (8.0%). Tachycardia was common across ages and slightly higher in males. Bacterial infections had more hypotension (28.0%) and heart failure (24.0%). Elevated troponin (26.7%), CRP (77.8%), leukocytosis (62.2%), and anemia (40.0%) were significantly associated with cardiac involvement. Conclusion: Cardiac involvement, especially tachycardia, is common in systemic infections and correlates with elevated troponin, CRP, leukocytosis, and anemia. Early ECG, echocardiography, and lab evaluation are essential for detection and management.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease with a rising global prevalence. In Indonesia, particularly NTT which ranks fourth with 76,130 cases, hypertension remains a significant health problem. The Chronic Disease Management Program (Prolanis) by The Social Security Organizing Agency (BPJS) aims to manage and control chronic diseases, including hypertension. Aims: To know the effect of compliance following Chronic Disease Management Program (Prolanis) on the blood pressure condition of hypertensive patients at the Sikumana Health Center. Method: Observational analytics with cross sectional (cut latitude) research design. This research's primary data were taken from interviews and filling out The Five-Item Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) questionnaire, while secondary data were collected from respondents' medical records. The number of respondents who met the research’s criteria was 15 respondents. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 59–65 years (13 participants; 87%) and female (13 participants; 87%). Adherence to the Prolanis program was observed in 10 participants (67%), while 5 participants (33%) were non-adherent. Stable blood pressure was identified in 10 participants (67%), whereas 5 participants (33%) exhibited unstable blood pressure. Statistical analysis demonstrated a statistically significant and strong association between variables (p < 0.05; r = 0.707). Conclusion: There is a significant influence of compliance following Prolanis on the blood pressure condition of hypertensive patients in the Sikumana Health Center.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Hormonal Contraceptives are a widely used contraceptives methods for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It is associated with changes in Renal Biomarkers which results in chronic kidney disease, glomerular disease, hydronephrosis, Bilateral Pylonephtritis and Hypertention which are the major cause of premature death. We aim to determined renal markers changes In relation to duration of Injectable, Implanon and oral Contraceptives. A cross sectional case control study design was conducted on 225 hormonal contraceptive users and 225 women not on contraceptives (controls) serum levels of Urea, Creatinine, Uric acid were analyzed using standard enzymatic and calorimetric assay while Micro albumin was measured using immunoturbidimetric methord. Data generated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, and it was manufactured by IBM Corporation from United States in 2015. The level of statistical significant was set at p<0.05, T-test was used to compare means of two groups and one way Anova was used to compare means of more than two group followed by Duncan multiple range, which post-hoc test was also used to figure out exactly which group are different from each other. The women received injectable hormonal contraceptives there were not significantly (P>0.05) higher in urea and uric acid levels when compared with Implanon and significantly (P<0.05). Lower to those used oral contraceptives. All the contraceptives had not-significant effect on serum, urea and uric acid (F=7.912, P=0.001) (F=5.040. P=0.009). The women received injectable hormonal contraceptives were not significantly (P>0.05) higher in Creatinine, micro Albumin levels when compared with Implanon and not significantly (P>0.05) lower to those used oral contraceptives. All the contraceptives had not significant effect on Serum Creatinine and Micro albumin (F=0.001, P=0.999) (F=0.344, P=0.710) with Implanon having the least effect. Hormonal contraceptive are influenced by
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition for which early diagnosis is critical to ensure timely intervention and improved outcomes. Health care professionals, particularly physicians and nurses, play a key role in the early identification and referral of children with ASD. However, limited data are available regarding ASD-related knowledge among health care workers in Iraq. Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge regarding ASD among health care professionals working in training hospitals in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq, and to examine factors associated with knowledge levels. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 physicians and nurses working in two training hospitals in Al-Diwaniyah. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Data Form and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Knowledge Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Overall, 49% of participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding ASD, 37.6% had good knowledge, and 13.4% had low knowledge. Knowledge levels were significantly associated with age, gender, marital status, educational level, professional experience, job title, workplace, working pattern, and sources of information (p < 0.05). Younger participants, those with higher education, academic nurses, and health care workers employed at Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital exhibited higher knowledge levels. The internet was the most frequently reported source of ASD-related information, while participation in formal continuing medical education was limited. Conclusion: Health care professionals in Al-Diwaniyah demonstrated a predominantly moderate level of knowledge regarding ASD. Strengthening structured, evidence-based in-service training programs and integrating ASD-focused content into continuing professional education may enhance early recognition and referral, ultimately improving outcome