Periodontal Diseases in Adult and Elderly Nigerians: A National Survey.

Background: Periodontitis has been shown to have links with general health and increase the risk of complications of some systemic diseases now showing a rising prevalence with age. The rising proportion of the elderly globally, and a high prevalence of periodontal disease among older adults may significantly impact the need for oral health care services in the near future. This national survey was carried out to highlight the trend of periodontal diseases among adult and elderly Nigerians and make evidence-based recommendations for good management outcomes.

Disparities in the use of colorectal cancer screening in a universally insured population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Despite the known efficacy of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, the rates of individuals undergoing such testing have remained lower than target thresholds, even prior to the healthcare disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRC screening within a nationally representative US population and assessed disparities in screening across racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic (SES) strata.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study using all eligible TRICARE beneficiaries aged 45-64 years between FY 2018 and 2021.

Trends in breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic within a universally insured health system in the United States, 2017-2022.

Background: In the United States, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in women. Early detection through mammogram screening is instrumental in reducing mortality and incidence of disease. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the provision of care, including delays in preventive screenings.

Achieving HIV epidemic control through integrated community and facility-based strategies: Lessons learnt from ART-surge implementation in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.

This study examines the lessons learnt from the implementation of a surge program in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria as part of the Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS) Project. In this analysis, we included all clients who received HIV counseling and testing services, tested HIV positive, and initiated ART in SIDHAS-supported local government areas (LGAs) from April 2017 to March 2021. We employed descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze our results.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis among Livestock Farmers and Raw Meat Handlers in Uyo, Nigeria.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is the commonest cause of infectious posterior uveitis in humans and can lead to blindness and low vision in both immune-competent and immunecompromised persons worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis (OT) and potential risk factors among livestock farmers and raw meat handlers in Uyo.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study involving clinical eye examination, laboratory detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody and HIV testing.