Depression mediates the relationship between exposure to stigma and medication adherence among people living with HIV in low-resource setting: a structural equation modeling approach.

This study hypothesizes that depression mediates the association between exposure to stigma and medication non-adherence in people living with HIV (PLHIV). We recruited 372 PLHIV from the Stigma, health-related Quality of life, antiretroviral Adherence, and Depression among people living with HIV (SQuAD-HIV) project, a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted between October 2021 and February 2022 among PLHIV attending six ART clinics in two geopolitical regions of northern Nigeria. A structural equation modeling (SEM) framework, utilizing the full information maximum likelihood estimator, was used to elucidate the pathways linking stigma, depression, and ART medication adherence, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Case fatality rate and burden of snakebite envenoming in children - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Snakebite is a major public health problem with an estimated global burden of 5 million people per annum. Data on snakebite envenoming in children are very limited and is unclear whether there is a significant difference in severity between adults and children. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies on snakebite in children to obtain a more precise estimate of case fatality rate (CFR) as well as to explore the differences in outcome between children and adults.

Perceived changes in the mental well-being among Nigerians due to Ramadan Intermittent Fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Muslims fast every year during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This study examined mental well-being and correlating factors among Nigerian adults who observed Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF).

Methods: A validated generalized anxiety disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2, the four-item spiritual well-being index, and the Islamic intrinsic religiosity questionnaire were used to collect data about mental well-being (depression, anxiety), spirituality, and intrinsic religiosity through a web-based survey between the May 9, 2021 (27th of Ramadan, 1442) and the June 4, 2021 (29th of Shawwal, 1442).

Determinants of mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 during first and second waves of the pandemic: A retrospective cohort study from an isolation center in Kano, Nigeria.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study is to identify the clinical predictors of mortality among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia during first and second waves in a treatment center in northwestern Nigeria.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 195 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between April 2020 to March 2021 at a designated COVID-19 isolation center in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of caregiver acceptance of malaria vaccine for under-five children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Introduction: Malaria is the second leading cause of death in children after diarrheal disease, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) accounting for over 9 in 10 incidence and deaths. Widespread acceptance and uptake of the RTS,S vaccine, recently approved by the world health organization (WHO), is projected to significantly reduce malaria incidence and deaths. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim to determine the malaria vaccine acceptance rate and the factors associated with acceptance.

Monkeypox in human pregnancy: an overview.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis caused by the monkeypox virus, an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. Monkeypox has become a disease of global public health significance. Pregnant women are unfortunately among the those at an increased risk for exposure to monkeypox because their immune system is altered during pregnancy.

Early safety and efficacy of linezolid-based combination therapy among patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis in North-western Nigeria.

Background: The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) has continued to pose a threat to public health in sub-Saharan Africa and globally. Despite the high burden of tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, there are paucity of data on the safety and efficacy of newer agents and repurposed drugs used in the treatment of DRTB.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a regional DRTB treatment center in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

A national survey of hospital readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to overwhelm health systems across the globe. We aimed to assess the readiness of hospitals in Nigeria to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Method: Between April and October 2020, hospital representatives completed a modified World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 hospital readiness checklist consisting of 13 components and 124 indicators.

Predictors of antibiotic prescriptions: a knowledge, attitude and practice survey among physicians in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.

Background: As part of the Global Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), countries are required to generate local evidence to inform context-specific implementation of national action plans against AMR (NAPAR). We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding antibiotic prescriptions (APR) and AMR among physicians in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, and to determine predictors of KAP of APR and AMR.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled physicians practicing in tertiary hospitals from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Determinants of loss to follow-up among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria.

: Considerable success has been recorded in the global fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Retention in care is the key to the attainment of set goals in the fight against the disease. We aim to determine the factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a limited resource setting.

Knowledge, attitude and practice survey of COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Nigeria.

Background: A pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged and affected most of the world in early 2020. To inform effective public health measures we conducted a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey among a Hausa Muslim society in Nigeria in March 2020.

Methods: The study is an analytic cross-sectional survey with questionnaires administered to the general population including Health Care Workers (HCW) in Kano, Nigeria.

A descriptive study of smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis in a high HIV burden patient's population in North Central Nigeria.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease of public health concern, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Most of these countries have challenges in diagnosis and treatment of TB in people with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPTB), which remains a significant public health challenge because of the global burden of the disease. We evaluated the epidemiology and clinical presentation of SNPTB in a cohort of patients with high HIV burden.

Evaluation of GeneXpert MTB/RIF as a diagnostic tool in patients with sputum smear-negative TB in a high HIV burden region in Nigeria.

Background: There are challenges in the diagnosis of TB in people with smear-negative pulmonary TB (SNPTB) in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of Xpert MTB/RIF compared with TB culture among SNPTB.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study among patients with SNPTB.

Hepatitis B vaccine knowledge and self-reported vaccination status among healthcare workers in a conflict region in northeastern Nigeria.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly endemic in Nigeria. The primary objective of this study is to describe the knowledge, self-reported vaccination status, and intention of healthcare workers to receive hepatitis B vaccine at a tertiary referral center in conflict-ravaged northeastern Nigeria.

Methods: This was cross-sectional analytical study among medical practitioners, nurses, laboratory workers, health attendants, pharmacists, and radiographers working at Federal Medical Center Nguru, Yobe State.

Laboratory-confirmed hospital-acquired infections: An analysis of a hospital's surveillance data in Nigeria.

Objective: Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are a global problem and a major public health concern in hospitals throughout the world. Quantification of HAI is needed in developing countries; hence we describe the results of a 2-year surveillance data in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Methodology: This study is a 2-year review using secondary data collected at a tertiary referral center in northwestern Nigeria.

Post-exposure prophylaxis following occupational exposure to HIV and hepatitis B: an analysis of a 12-year record in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

Aims/objectives: We aim to examine the utilisation and outcome of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for both HIV and hepatitis B (HBV) among HCWs.

Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria.

Gram-negative bacilli are a major cause of secondary pneumonia in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: evidence from a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Background: This study was aimed at describing the profile of bacterial aetiology of secondary pneumonia in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients.

Methods: A 22-month analysis of patients with PTB and secondary bacterial pneumonia was conducted. Data on isolates recovered and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile were recorded.

A prospective study of hospital-acquired infections among adults in a tertiary hospital in north-western Nigeria.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This study examined the epidemiology, clinical outcomes and microbiological profile of HAIs.

Methods: This prospective study was carried out on patients identified to have developed HAIs while admitted to the medical wards, surgical wards, dialysis unit and intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital.

Knowledge and practices of infection control among healthcare workers in a Tertiary Referral Center in North-Western Nigeria.

Background: Healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) otherwise call nosocomial infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients and predisposes healthcare workers (HCWs) to an increased risk of infections. The study explores the knowledge and practices of infection control among HCW in a tertiary referral center in North-Western Nigeria.

Materials And Methods: This is a cross-sectional study.

Role of GeneXpert MTB/Rif Assay in Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Pregnancy and Puerperium.

Presentation of tuberculosis (TB) in pregnancy may be atypical with diagnostic challenges. Two patients with complicated pregnancy outcomes, foetal loss and live premature delivery at 5 and 7 months of gestation, respectively, and maternal loss, were diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Chest radiography and computed tomography showed widespread reticuloalveolar infiltrates and consolidation with cavitations, respectively.

A Multi-Site Knowledge Attitude and Practice Survey of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

Background: The 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak was characterised by fear, misconceptions and irrational behaviours. We conducted a knowledge attitude and practice survey of EVD in Nigeria to inform implementation of effective control measures.

Methods: Between July 30th and September 30th 2014, we undertook a cross sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) among adults of the general population and healthcare workers (HCW) in three states of Nigeria, namely Bayelsa, Cross River and Kano states.

Pattern of antibiotic prescription and resistance profile of common bacterial isolates in the internal medicine wards of a tertiary referral centre in Nigeria.

Indiscriminate and excessive use of antibiotics is the major driver to the development of bacterial resistance, which is now a global challenge. Information regarding antibiotic use in Nigerian hospitals is lacking. This study examined the pattern of antibiotic prescription in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.