Analytic performance of ScreenFire HPV RS assay Zebra BioDome format and its potential for large-scale population HPV screening.

Background: Easy-to-use, rapid, scalable, high-throughput, and cost-effective HPV tests are urgently needed for low-resource settings. Atila Biosystems' high-throughput, cost-effective, and clinically validated ScreenFire HPV Risk Stratification (RS) assay identifies 13 high risk HPV (hrHPV) in 4 groups based on their oncogenic risk (i.e.

Fungal contamination of the water distribution system of a tertiary hospital water supply system in a resource-limited setting.

Background: Fungal contamination of hospital water distribution systems has been implicated in outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of fungi in the water distribution system of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs: A study of prescribers' perspective of facilitators and barriers.

Background: Despite promising signs of the benefits associated with Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs), there remains limited knowledge on how to implement ASPs in peculiar settings for a more elaborate impact. This study explored prescriber experiences and perceptions of the usefulness, and feasibility of strategies employed for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions as well as challenges encountered.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional mixed-method survey of prescribers' perspective of the facilitators and barriers of implementing ASP.

Achieving a robust mentoring and research capacity program in a LMIC - the BRAINS faculty development model.

Background: A research and training program (RTP) was carried out to build the capacity of faculty and improve the culture of research in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Nigeria.

Methods: Realist-guided mixed methods evaluation of the BRAINS project was carried out using secondary data generated during the 5-years (2015 - 2020) of project implementation. Capacity building workshops and mentored research activities targeted at faculty in the CMUL were conducted.

Universal use of face mask for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in community settings in a South-western State of Nigeria: willingness and barriers.

Background And Objectives: One of the major drivers of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is community transmission. Nigeria, like other countries globally, took to strict preventive public health measures including good respiratory and hand hygiene, physical distancing, and the use of face mask to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, the government of Lagos State in Nigeria made a pronouncement on the universal use of face mask in the community.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presentation and prognosis among Nigerian adults with and without HIV.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing cause of mortality in Nigeria among persons with HIV (PLH), as access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves. In this study we describe clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics in Nigerian adults with HCC, with and without HIV, and examine how HIV impacts survival.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between August 2018 and November 2021 at two Nigerian hospitals [Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)].

Cervical Epithelial Abnormalities and Associated Factors among HIV-Infected Women in Lagos, Nigeria: A Cytology-Based Study.

Introduction: As it may not be feasible to provide cervical cancer screening services to all HIV-infected women in most resource-limited settings, there is a need to identify those who are most at risk. We determined the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of cervical cytological abnormalities among HIV-infected women in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected women at the adult HIV treatment and colposcopy clinics of a university teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, between October 2018 and December 2019.

High prevalence of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins detected among clinical isolates from sentinel healthcare facilities in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens is a worldwide concern that demands immediate attention. Most information on AMR originates from high-income countries and little is known about the burden in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Using four sentinel sites (General hospitals) in Lagos State, this study sought to estimate the burden of AMR.

Telepathology in Nigeria for Global Health Collaboration.

Inadequate pathology personnel and high cost of running a Pathology facility are factors affecting access to timely and quality pathology services in resource-constrained settings. Telepathology is a novel technology that allows Pathologists to remotely assess collected samples. Though the initial cost of setting up a telepathology facility is high, its overall benefits far outweigh the cost.

A mixed methods study on effectiveness and appropriateness of face shield use as COVID-19 PPE in middle income countries.

Background: Face shields were widely used in 2020-2021 as facial personal protective equipment (PPE). Laboratory evidence about how protective face shields might be and whether real world user priorities and usage habits conflicted with best practice for maximum possible protection was lacking - especially in limited resource settings.

Methods: Relative protective potential of 13 face shield designs were tested in a controlled laboratory setting.

Implementing a smoking cessation intervention for people experiencing homelessness: Participants' preferences, feedback, and satisfaction with the 'power to quit' program.

Background: Smoking rates among populations experiencing homelessness are three times higher than in the general population. Developing smoking cessation interventions for people experiencing homelessness is often challenging. Understanding participant perceptions of such interventions may provide valuable insights for intervention development and implementation.

Targeted faith-based and faith-placed interventions for noncommunicable disease prevention and control in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol.

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionately high burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with severe socioeconomic consequences. Targeted interventions that are faith-based or take place in faith-based settings are historically viable for health promotion and disease prevention programmes. However, evidence of their effectiveness often comes from high-income countries.

Accelerated Epigenetic Age Among Women with Invasive Cervical Cancer and HIV-Infection in Nigeria.

Background: Invasive cervical cancer (ICC) is a serious public health burden in Nigeria, where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains highly prevalent. Previous research suggested that epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) could play a role in detection of HIV-associated ICC. However, little research has been conducted on this topic in Africa where the population is most severely affected by HIV-associated ICC.

Standardization of IgG diagnostic cutoff in Nigerians.

Background And Objectives: Commercial IgG antibody assays have become pivotal in the current diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). However, diagnostic cutoffs have been found to vary from manufactures' recommendations in different settings. This study aimed to establish the IgG reference range among Nigerians and determine a diagnostic cutoff for CPA.

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes in healthcare facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria: a needs assessment.

Objectives: Optimising antibiotic use in healthcare settings through antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antimicrobial resistance. This needs assessment was designed to provide the current status of ASPs in healthcare facilities in Lagos State and identify gaps for future interventions.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to ascertain the extent and nature of ongoing ASPs among selected healthcare facilities and identify gaps for future interventional studies.

Antimicrobial resistance awareness and antibiotic prescribing behavior among healthcare workers in Nigeria: a national survey.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem compromising the effective treatment of infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging and promoting awareness creation among health workers as one of its strategies to reduce the rate of emergence and transmission of AMR. Available data on the prescribing behavior of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Nigeria remains incomplete.

Epidemiological trends of coronavirus disease 2019 in Nigeria: From 1 to 10,000.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in Nigeria was first reported on the 27 February 2020 and 95 days after, it had spread to 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with 10,162 confirmed cases. We reviewed the trends of the epidemic from the 27 February to the 31 May 2020, when it reached the 10,000 mark vis-à-vis government policies to contain the spread of the disease.

Methods: We used publicly available data from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control from 27 February 2020, when Nigeria recorded her first coronavirus disease 2019 case to the 31 May 2020.

Sexually transmitted infections in pregnancy - An update on Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Routine screening for Chlamydia and gonococcal infection in pregnancy is not widespread, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite their potential adverse consequences on pregnancy outcome. We conducted a systematic literature search of three major databases to review current literature surrounding Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in pregnancy. We discuss the epidemiology and burden of both infections, detection methods, potential adverse feto-maternal and infant outcomes and provide an overview of treatment options.

Evolutionary trends of the COVID-19 epidemic and effectiveness of government interventions in Nigeria: A data-driven analysis.

Background: Nigeria became the first sub Saharan African country to record a case of COVID-19 after an imported case from Italy was confirmed on February 27, 2020. Moving averages and the Epidemic Evaluation Indices (EEI) are two important but complementary methods useful in monitoring epidemic trends, they can also serve as a useful guide for policy makers and inform the timing of decisions on preventive measures. The objectives of this paper are to graphically depict the trends of new COVID-19 cases nationally and in two key States (Lagos and Kano) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) using the moving averages and the EEI.

Challenges regarding the control of environmental sources of contamination in healthcare settings in low-and middle-income countries - a narrative review.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) especially outbreaks of multi-drug-resistant organisms within hospitals are recognized as a major contributor to morbidity and mortality of hospitalized patients. The healthcare environment can act as an amplifier of HAI during outbreaks. The risk of acquiring HAI are 20 times higher in Low-and-middle-income countries.

A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos.

Background: A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia.

Aims And Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health.

A national survey of public awareness of antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria.

Background: One of the objectives of the Global Action Plan by the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is to improve global awareness through effective communication and education. Comprehensive information on the level of awareness of AMR among Nigerian public is deficient. This study was therefore designed to assess the current level of awareness and knowledge of the Nigerian public of AMR.

High carriage rates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing in children at admission into paediatric wards of a university teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.

Context: Bowel carriage has been identified as the main reservoir of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) and hospital-acquired infections. There are gaps in the knowledge of trends of these rates, which need to be filled for the development and implementation of hospital surveillance systems and antibiotic stewardship programmes in Nigeria.

Aim: This study investigated the carriage rates of ESBL-PE among 273 children admitted to the paediatric wards of a university teaching hospital, Nigeria, using a prospective cohort study design over a 6-month period.