Regional risk factors associated with adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection among the older adult: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The rapid global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in millions of infections and deaths, particularly impacting older adults. This study systematically analyzes risk factors reported in different geographical regions such as Asia and Europe that are associated with adverse outcomes in older adults with COVID-19. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched five databases up to December 2023 and conducted meta-analyses of odds ratios for 27 risk factors reported in at least two studies using R software (version 4.

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.

A scoping review of the use of traditional medicine for the management of ailments in West Africa.

Background: The coexistence of traditional healing practices deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts and the evolving landscape of modern healthcare approaches in West African societies creates a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in healthcare. This study aims to comprehensively map the landscape of traditional medicine use for health in West Africa.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

A scoping review on the use of traditional medicine and oral health in Africa.

Background: This review aimed to chart the landscape of literature concerning the precise applications of traditional medicine in managing specific oral diseases and, in doing so, to pinpoint knowledge gaps surrounding the use of traditional medicine for oral disease management in the African context.

Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. The search was conducted from the inception of the database till September 2023.

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.