Risk indicators for dental caries among preschoolers, school children/adolescents and adults in Nigeria: a scoping review.

Background: Identifying the dental caries risk factors helps plan interventions. This scoping review mapped the existing literature on dental caries risk indicators for children, adolescents, and adults in Nigeria. It elucidated the commonalities and differences in these populations' behavioral, biological, and social risk indicators, and identified the local government areas in Nigeria where information on dental caries risk indicators are missing.

The creation of a medical research council in Nigeria: processes, outcomes and lessons.

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) was established by the National Science Technology (NST) Act of 1977 to conduct research on diseases of public health importance, train health professionals, and disseminate research findings. Since its inception, NIMR has successfully performed these mandates. However, the NST Act recommends that NIMR can conduct research, but it did not mandate the agency to fund research.

Sexual Practices and HIV Prevention Strategies Used by Female Sex Workers in Lagos, Nigeria: An Assessment of the Willingness to Use a Microbicide.

Background: Female sex workers have a 13-fold higher risk of acquiring HIV than women who do not engage in sex work. The willingness and acceptability of a product is crucial for the development of microbicides. This research aimed to evaluate the sexual practices, existing HIV prevention methods, and willingness to use a microbicide for HIV prevention among female sex workers in Nigeria.

Trends and ethnic disparity in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa (1999-2018): A population-based Age-period-cohort and Join point regression analyses.

Background: Endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer among females and about 97,000 global deaths of endometrial cancer. The changes in the trends of obesity, fertility rates and other risk factors in South Africa (SA) may impact the endometrial cancer trends. The aim of this study was to utilise the age period cohort and join point regression modelling to evaluate the national and ethnic trends in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa over a 20year period (1999-2018).

Factors associated with the dental service utilization by enrollees on the Lagos State health insurance scheme, Nigeria.

Background: Despite assumptions that insurance coverage would boost oral healthcare utilization in Nigeria, there is insufficient evidence supporting this claim. This study investigates the associations between residential location, awareness of the oral health insurance scheme, history of dental service utilization, and acceptance of oral health insurance among individuals benefiting from the Ilera Eko Scheme; a scheme that integrates preventive and curative oral health care into the state health insurance scheme.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to November 2023 recruiting from a database of 1520 enrollees aged of 18 and 72-years-old who had been on the scheme for at least three months.

Prevalence and patterns of substance use in West Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Substance use is a growing public health concern in West Africa, contributing to significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic challenges. Despite the increasing prevalence, comprehensive data on the patterns and factors influencing substance use in the region remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesize existing research on the prevalence and patterns of substance use in West Africa, providing critical insights for developing targeted interventions and policies.

Qualitative description of interpersonal HIV stigma and motivations for HIV testing among gays, bisexuals, and men who have sex with men in Ghana's slums-BSGH-005.

Despite significant progress in Ghana's HIV response, disparities in HIV prevalence persist among different populations. Gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the country remain vulnerable to HIV infection due to high levels of stigma and discrimination, limited access to healthcare services, and low HIV knowledge levels. While limited studies focus on HIV prevention and care in the Ghanaian GBMSM context, we did not find studies on GBMSM in slums.

Health workers' perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting 1.5 billion globally, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. These diseases impair health and contribute to socio-economic challenges, especially in children, undermining educational and future economic prospects.

Sexual dysfunction among Nigerian women living with HIV infection.

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction in women with HIV is a necessary but understudied aspect of HIV complications in women living with HIV. This study reports the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women living with HIV in southwest Nigeria.

Methods: A validated Female Sexual Function Index was used to determine sexual dysfunction in a cross-sectional study design involving 2926 adult women living with HIV in a large, publicly funded tertiary HIV treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Determinants and Patterns of Contraceptive Use among Sexually Active Women Living with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Background: Contraception is a strategy to meet the family planning goals of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV) as well as to reduce the transmission of HIV. There is limited data from Nigeria, where HIV prevalent is the second-largest in the world. This study aimed to examine contraceptive use and identify factors influencing its use among sexually active WLHIV in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Depression and perceived stress among perinatal women living with HIV in Nigeria.

Background: Pregnancy and postpartum periods are crucial stages for women's mental health, and women living with HIV are particularly susceptible to depression and psychological stress due to various factors. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of depression and perceived stress among women living with HIV during their perinatal period in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three HIV treatment centers in Ibadan, Nigeria, among women living with HIV between the ages of 19 and 49 who were either pregnant or had given birth within the last 2 years.

Awareness and Willingness to use Condoms and Preexposure Prophylaxis among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Cisgendered Men who Have sex with men in Slum Communities in Ghana. BSGH-004.

Research has begun to examine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies within the Ghanaian context. Still, little is known about specific populations such as gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living in slum communities. We studied HIV prevention strategies such as condoms and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in slum communities and the awareness and willingness to use these choices among GBMSM.

Preliminary Study on Open Labelled Randomized Controlled Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Phosphate for the Treatment of Persons Infected with 2019 Coronavirus Disease in Nigeria.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a causative agent of COVID-19 is a leading cause of ill-health and deaths worldwide. Currently, COVID-19 has no known widely approved therapeutics. Thus, the need for effective treatment.

Anthrax toxins-producing Bacillus spp. isolated from handwashing stations during COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria.

Introduction: The virulence binding factor, protective antigen (pag) and poly-D-γ-glutamate capsular (cap) genes, peculiar to Bacillus anthracis are located in the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids which are transferable horizontally to related species called "cereus group". The cereus group are usually isolated from the environmental/food samples and have been implicated in debilitating human and animal anthrax-like diseases. This study was designed to investigate the presence of the anthrax virulence genes in different Bacillus spp.

Risk indicators for oral ulcers among people living with HIV during the first wave of the pandemic: a cross sectional study.

Background: Little is currently known about HIV-related parameters that may increase the risk for oral ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to overcome this gap in research by assessing the associations between HIV viral load, antiretroviral adherence profile, co-morbidity status, SARS-CoV-2 infection and oral ulcers among people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data generated from 21,206 to 18 years and above, recruited from 152 countries through an online survey between July and December 2020.

A survey of chloroquine use for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Background: Rampant chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine poisoning in Nigerian hospitals following suggestions of its possible efficacy in the treatment and prevention of the newly emerged COVID-19 disease informed this survey.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of the Nigerian populace on the use of chloroquine in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was done by administering an electronic questionnaire created using Google Docs, through social media cascade methods including the WhatsApp application software to capture data on chloroquine use between April 20 and June 20, 2020.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Triplex Infections (Combined Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus) among Pregnant Women in Nigeria.

Objective: We systematically identified the prevalence of triplex infections (combined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)) in pregnancy.

Methods: To gather information on the frequency of triplex infections, we searched the databases of PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Without regard to language, we utilized search terms that covered HIV, HBV, HCV, and pregnancy.

A multi-country survey of the socio-demographic factors associated with adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Health behaviours are influenced by individual characteristics including age, gender, education and economic level. This study aimed to assess the associations between individual-level determinants and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures.

Methods: We performed secondary analyses of international data collected using an online survey during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between June and December 2020.

Intimate Partner Violence and Risk Factors among Women during the COVID-19 Movement Restriction in Nigeria: An Online Survey.

Background: The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of treatment or the presence of vaccines is forcing nations to respond with strong preventive measures ranging from mitigation, containment, and in extreme cases, quarantines. While these measures are a useful measure of infection control, they can lead to significant social, economic, and psychological consequences. This study sought to establish the prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 movement restriction in Nigeria among girls and women.

A multi-country study of the associations between HIV vulnerability status, perception of COVID-19 related stigma and post-traumatic stress symptoms during the first wave of the pandemic.

Background: This study investigated the associations between COVID-19 related stigma and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS); and the associations between PTSS and COVID-19 related stigma, HIV status, COVID-19 status and key HIV population status.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data of 12,355 study participants generated through an online survey that recruited adults from 152 countries between July and December 2020. The dependent variables were COVID-19-related stigma and PTSS.