Demand and supply side factors that drive delayed referrals from traditional birth attendants to public primary healthcare facilities: Insights from three states in Nigeria.

Despite global efforts encouraging institutional deliveries with skilled attendants, many pregnant women in developing countries such as Nigeria continue to rely on traditional birth attendants (TBAs) for child delivery. Attempts at weeding off TBAs have been firmly resisted by their clients who have developed confidence and trust in their services and herald them as first and trusted responders to child delivery cases. Unfortunately, recent evidence has shown that TBAs in servicing public trust and for other reasons, often do not timely refer their clients to the closest source of formal healthcare-primary healthcare centres (PHCs).

RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY AND ASSOCIATED CHALLENGES AMONG POSTGRADUATE DOCTORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL, ENUGU.

Background: Continuous evidence-based research is crucial in medical education, guiding clinical practice and informing healthcare policy. It is a core pillar of postgraduate academia. Despite the need to generate and disseminate quality scientific evidence, there is a significant disparity in research engagement and publication rates, with a small fraction of scholars contributing the majority of publications.

Targeting the Epigenetic Marks in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Will Epigenetic Therapy Be a Valuable Adjunct to Pharmacotherapy?

Although genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors largely contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, the role of epigenetics in its pathogenesis is now well established. The epigenetic mechanisms in T2DM mainly consist of DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). For instance, DNA methylation at CpG islands in the promoter regions of specific genes encoding insulin signaling and glucose metabolism suppresses these genes.

Evaluation of Myocardial Injury Using Serum Cardiac Troponin-I in Asphyxiated Neonates at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South-East Nigeria.

Background: The burden of perinatal asphyxia remains high in our environment and when asphyxia is severe, vital organs are affected, with resultant multiorgan hypoxic-iscahemic injury to the heart, the brain, adrenals and other organs.

Study Aim: To evaluate for myocardial injury in asphyxiated term neonates with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy using serum cardiac troponin-I (cTnI).

Methods: The study was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study involving sixty term asphyxiated neonates and sixty gestational age-and sex-matched controls.

Serum leptin levels and relationship with maternal weight gain at term among obese and non-obese pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Objective: To determine and compare the mean maternal serum leptin levels, the prevalence of high serum leptin levels and mean gestational weight gain at term among obese and non-obese pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study enrolled obese and non-obese pregnant women. The serum leptin levels of the women were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Seasonal trend in the occurrence of myelomeningocele in nigeria: a hypothesis of climate-induced oxidative stress.

Purpose: Myelomeningocele is the most severe birth defect compatible with long-term survival. It accounts for 5.7% of neurological surgeries in Nigeria.

Eisenmenger Syndrome: A Revisit of a Hidden but Catastrophic Disease.

Background: Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is a rare condition seen in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). It is characterized by raised pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) arising from a shunt reversal with the presence of desaturated blood in the systemic circulation. Proper timing and early intervention in children with congenital heart disease have made the syndrome a rare occurrence.

Correlation between Lipid Profile and Left Ventricular Geometry and Function in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background: Dyslipidaemia in children with chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease especially left ventricular hypertrophy. There have been conflicting reports on the association between serum lipid levels and left ventricular structure and function in children with chronic kidney disease.

Objectives: This study is aimed to determine the correlation between lipid profile and left ventricular geometry and function in children with chronic kidney disease.

Status of Government-Funded Radiotherapy Services in Nigeria.

Purpose: Access to radiotherapy (RT) is now one of the stark examples of global cancer inequities. More than 800,000 new cancer cases require potentially curative or palliative RT services in Africa, arguably <15% of these patients currently have access to this important service. For a population of more than 206 million, Nigeria requires a minimum of 280 RT machines for the increasing number of cancer cases.

Risk Perception amongst Petrol Pump Attendants and Analysis of Indiscriminate Siting of Petrol Stations in Enugu Metropolis.

Proliferation and unregulated siting of petrol stations expose petrol pump attendants to occupational hazards. This study assessed knowledge, risk perception, occupational hazards of petrol pump attendants and site-suitability of petrol stations in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 210 pump attendants from 105 petrol stations spread within the city and highways.

Internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents in southeast Nigeria and implications for adolescent care in the post-pandemic era: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction amongst adolescents in Southeast Nigeria during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 10 randomly selected secondary schools, 2 (one urban and one rural) each from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi Enugu and Imo states of southeastern Nigeria between July and August 2021. Data on demographic variables were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire.

Left Ventricular Function and Geometry of Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in a Resource-Poor Setting of Africa.

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a multisystemic clinical condition characterized by an irreversible deterioration of renal function that invariably progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Cardiovascular affectation portends morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of changes in function, and geometry of the left ventricle in children with CKD and their controls.

Physical growth and sexual maturation of perinatally HIV-infected adolescent males in a southeast Nigerian tertiary hospital: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Background: The advent of highly-active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in the survival of children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) into adolescence. Their prolonged survival has translated into co-morbidities like endocrine deficiencies which may manifest as growth and pubertal delay. This study aimed to determine the physical growth and sexual maturation of perinatally HIV-infected adolescent males and compare them with those of age-matched HIV-negative controls.

A comparative analysis on risk of pulmonary hypertension in children with Atrio-ventricular (AV) canal defect: a multi-centre study.

Objectives: This study is aimed at determining the risk of pulmonary hypertension in children with AV canal defect when compared with children with other congenital heart disease.

Methods: A descriptive study carried out in three institutions over a six-year period among children who presented with AV canal defect and their controls who presented with other congenital heart defects.

Results: A large proportion of the children with AV canal (77.

Interpregnancy interval after a miscarriage and obstetric outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy in a low-income setting, Nigeria: A cohort study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women with interpregnancy interval of < and ⩾6 months (short and normal interpregnancy interval, respectively) following a spontaneous miscarriage in their last pregnancies.

Methods: This was a cohort study that involved pregnant women with a spontaneous pregnancy loss in their last pregnancies. They were recruited at a gestational age of 13-15 weeks and followed up to determine the obstetric and foetal outcomes of their pregnancies at four tertiary hospitals in Nigeria from July 2018 to September 2019.

Pentazocine with rectal diclofenac versus pentazocine alone for pain relief following caesarean delivery in Enugu, Nigeria: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To measure postoperative pain relief following the use of rectal diclofenac combined with intramuscular pentazocine compared with intramuscular pentazocine alone in patients undergoing a caesarean delivery.

Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled pregnant women that had a caesarean section at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Study participants were randomized to receive either 100 mg of rectal diclofenac given every 12 h plus 30 mg of intramuscular pentazocine given every 6 h (group A) or 60 mg of intramuscular pentazocine given every 6 h (group B).

The magnitude and predictors of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions among women in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study of women in a low-resource setting.

Introduction: the prevalence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion is not well appreciated in most low-income countries. The study aimed to determine the level of awareness, prevalence and the pattern of squamous intraepithelial lesions and predictors for abnormal Pap smear reports (development of pre-malignant lesions of the cervix) among women attending various clinics in a tertiary health facility in Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: a cross-sectional study of 207 female patients attending various clinics of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu between June and August 2017 was undertaken.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Children with Ventricular Septal Defects.

Background: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a common congenital heart disease which could be complicated with pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Objectives: This study sought to establish the relationship between severity of PH and size of VSD and age.

Methods: This is a descriptive study where one hundred and fiftyone children aged 3 months to 18 years with echocardiographically confirmed VSD were studied.

Predictors of pulmonary hypertension among children with atrial septal defects (ASD).

Introduction: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart disease in children that uncommonly presents with pulmonary hypertension. Much is not known about the exact predictor of PAH in children with ASD.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the predictors of pulmonary hypertension in children with ASD.

Awareness, acceptability and uptake of cervical cancer vaccination services among female secondary school teachers in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: cervical cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in women and vaccination of adolescents with human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines is a major preventive strategy for this cancer. Despite the usefulness of cervical cancer vaccines, significant gaps still exist in the level of awareness and acceptability of the vaccine among women. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness, acceptability, and identify the factors associated with the uptake of this vaccine by female secondary school teachers in Enugu, Nigeria.

Compendium of cardiac diseases among children presenting in tertiary institutions in southern Nigeria: a rising trend.

The burdenofchildren with cardiovascular disease is on a rising trend. These rising trends are enhanced by the development of new technology in the diagnosis of cardiac lesions.This article is aimed at documenting the current trends in the occurrence of cardiac disease among children attending tertiary hospitals in Sothern Nigeria.

Prevalence and predictors of child labour among junior public secondary school students in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Globally, millions of children are involved in child labour. However, low- and middle-income countries are mostly hit. This study examined the predictors of child labour among public secondary school students in the Enugu metropolis.

The effects of ductal size on the severity of pulmonary hypertension in children with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): a multi-center study.

Introduction: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common acyanotic heart disease that presents with variable symptoms.

Objectives: This study is therefore aimed at determining the relationship between gender, age, and size of PDA and pulmonary hypertension. This study also seeks to determine the prevalence of elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure in children with PDA.

Analysis of cost burden of obstetric care among human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) positive women in Enugu metropolis, South-East Nigeria.

The cost of obstetric care could hinder the capacity of human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) positive women to receive adequate care during pregnancy and delivery. This study was aimed at determining the relationship between antenatal/delivery care cost and delivery place choice among HIV positive women in Enugu metropolis. This was a cross-sectional study of 232 post-partum HIV-positive women who came for 6-weeks post-natal visit.

Serum antioxidant micronutrient levels in pre-eclamptic pregnant women in Enugu, south-East Nigeria: a comparative cross-sectional analytical study.

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a common obstetric complication of pregnancy in Nigeria, and oxidative stress has been implicated in its aetiopathogenesis. Despite this fact, there is a paucity of information regarding the serum antioxidant micronutrient status of pre-eclamptic Nigerian women. The objective of the was to determine the mean serum levels of some antioxidant trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese) in pre-eclamptic pregnant women and compare with that of healthy pregnant women in Enugu, South-Eastern, Nigeria.