Rabies knowledge and prevention practices in Gombe state, Nigeria: a community-based comparative cross-sectional study of rabies hotspot and non-hotspot areas.

Background: Rabies remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas with limited awareness and resources. Gombe State is recognized as a rabies hotspot, facing challenges in controlling the spread of the disease. This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge and prevention practices related to rabies among community members in hotspot and non-hotspot areas of Gombe State.

LigaSure versus conventional Milligan MORGAN hemorrhoidectomy in Nigerian patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids.

Background: Hemorrhoidectomy is considered as the most effective approach for patients with grade III and grade IV hemorrhoids; the operative procedure may be associated with significant postoperative pain and other complications. Several surgical techniques and devices have been developed to overcome these postoperative problems.

Objective: To compare perioperative and postoperative outcomes of hemorrhoidectomy performed with the LigaSure and the conventional Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy among Nigerian patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids.

THE NIGERIAN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION NATIONAL REGISTRY: RATIONALE, DESIGN AND EARLY FINDINGS.

Introduction/background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The AF Atrial Fibrillation Registry, which commenced in June 2023, was designed to provide clinical epidemiological data on patients with AF in the country.

Objective(s): The objective is to describe the rationale, design, and early findings from the registry.

Simplifying acquisition of essential diagnostics: A comprehensive costing tool for anatomic pathology.

Objectives: Histopathology is the core diagnostic tool for cancer in pathology laboratories around the world, but there are disparities in access to diagnostics globally. As recognition of the need for cancer care and treatment grows, especially in the wake of World Health Organization programs for cervical, breast, and pediatric cancers, policymakers and health care funders are seeking tools and processes that allow for the largest number of patients to receive a diagnosis at the lowest cost.

Methods: As histopathology represents the most cost-effective diagnostic method by sheer number of tumor types and volume, understanding the detailed logistics and costs for histology as well as the impactful benefits of economies of scale (ie, larger volumes are less expensive per patient) and scope (ie, the multiple stains available after basic histology sectioning) is paramount to planning an effective publicly funded or government laboratory.

Preserving nets, protecting children: an evaluation of factors influencing the utilization and physical integrity of long-lasting insecticidal nets among under-five children in Osun State, Nigeria.

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Africa where it is the most important vector-borne disease. Nigeria bears the largest burden, with pregnant women and children under 5 years being more affected. Although, long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) remain effective for control, its use has been suboptimal.

Long-term maternal outcomes 5 years after cesarean section in Sierra Leone: A prospective cohort study.

Cesarean section (CS) is a life-saving procedure when performed for the right indication but carries substantial risks, specifically during subsequent pregnancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate obstetric outcomes for women 5 years after a CS performed by medical doctors and associate clinicians. This was a prospective multi-center observational study of women who had a CS at any of nine hospitals in Sierra Leone.

Advancing Immunization in Africa: Overcoming Challenges to Achieve the 2030 Global Immunization Targets.

African immunization programs are crucial in reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases and improving public health outcomes. This review provides an overview of the current status of immunization efforts in Africa, highlights key challenges, and offers recommendations to help the continent achieve the 2030 Global Immunization Goals. While progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

Haemophilia care in Iraq; a multi-centre study.

Objective: To evaluate the level of care available for haemophilia patients.

Methods: The descriptive, retrospective analytical study was conducted from December 15, 2020, to March 1, 2021, after approval from the Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised data from 3 haemophilia treating centres in Iraq participating in the World Bleeding Disorders Registry. The data collected related to patients with haemophilia A and B enrolled in the registry since March 2018, and included age at diagnosis, type of haemophilia, disease severity, age at first bleed and at first joint bleed, type of replacement therapy and outcome.

A 7-Month Review of Clinical and Demographic Predictors of Childhood Mortality in a Tertiary Children Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Background: Sierra Leone ranks among nations with unacceptably high infant and under-5 mortality rates. Understanding the clinical and demographic dynamics that underpin paediatric mortalities is not only essential but fundamental to the formulation and implementation of effective healthcare interventions that would enhance child survival.

Subjects And Material: This was a 7-month review of all mortalities from May 24th 2021 to December 31st 2021 at Ola During Children's Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The Pattern of Thyroid Cancers in Nigeria: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. There are various histopathological types requiring different therapeutic approaches and having variable prognoses. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of thyroid cancers in Nigeria.

Examining the potentials of stem cell therapy in reducing the burden of selected non-communicable diseases in Africa.

Stem cell therapy (SCT) is a promising solution for addressing health challenges in Africa, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With their regenerative potential, stem cells have the inherent capacity to differentiate into numerous cell types for tissue repair. Despite infrastructural, ethical, and legal challenges, SCT holds immense promise for managing chronic illnesses and deep-seated tissue injuries.

Assessment of self-medication practices and safety profile of medicines utilisation among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

Background: Despite the potential foetal and maternal risks of self-medication, studies on self-medication practice and the safety profile of medicines used during pregnancy are scarce in our setting. This study determined the self-medication practice and safety profile of medicines used among pregnant women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in face-to-face interviews among 345 pregnant women at three hospitals in Sierra Leone.

The Intersection of Food Security and Mental Health in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals.

Food insecurity, a multifaceted global challenge, intertwines with mental health concerns, necessitating nuanced strategies for sustainable solutions. The intricate web of challenges posed by these intersections has made it imperative to delineate a strategic way forward, incorporating solutions and robust policy recommendations. This study aims to comprehensively examine the intricate relationship between food security and its intersection with mental health on a global scale, offering insights into case studies, responses, and innovative approaches to inform effective strategies for addressing these pressing challenges.

Risk factors for colonisation by Multidrug-Resistant bacteria in critical care units.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health challenge recognised by the WHO as an urgent global healthcare concern. Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are particularly prone to colonisation and/or infection by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

Objectives: Delineate the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for MDROs colonisation in mixed ICUs and Resuscitation Units by focusing on initial and nosocomial colonisation.

Assessment of Breast Pathology Reporting Needs and Development of Tumor Synoptic Templates in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Context.—: Breast pathology reports include many important details to guide clinical management. Reports with missing critical data elements are commonly seen in non-subspecialized pathology practices.

Coping with the economic burden of non-communicable diseases among hypertensive and diabetic patients in private and public health facilities in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Objective: To assess and compare how private and public health facilities patients cope with the economic burden of non-communicable diseases.

Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.

Setting: Thirty-nine private and eleven public health facilities in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Advanced HIV disease and associated factors among young people aged 15-24 years at a tertiary hospital in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Advanced HIV disease (AHD) in young people living with HIV (PLHIV) is an increasingly pressing public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite global progress in early HIV testing and reducing HIV-related deaths, many youths experience increased rates of HIV disease progression in sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the burden, clinical manifestations, and factors for disease progression among young PLHIV aged 15 - 24 years seeking medical services at a major public hospital in Sierra Leone.