Defining the relationship between clinician-rated ECOG performance status and patient-reported health-related quality of life scores in men with metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer.

Background: Performance status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are important parameters in the management of metastatic prostate cancer. The clinician-rated Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) may not relate with the patient-reported HRQoL because the later puts into consideration some aspects of health that are not captured by the former. The aim of this study is to define the relationship between clinician-rated ECOG-PS and the patient-reported HRQoL in men with metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer (mPCa).

Developing an HIV-specific falls risk prediction model with a novel clinical index: a systematic review and meta-analysis method.

Background: Falls are a common problem experienced by people living with HIV yet predictive models specific to this population remain underdeveloped. We aimed to identify, assess and stratify the predictive strength of various physiological, behavioral, and HIV-specific factors associated with falls among people living with HIV and inform a predictive model for fall prevention.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to explore predictors of falls in people living with HIV.

Fisetin attenuates AlCl-induced neurodegeneration by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine release in adult albino wistar rats.

Aim: Natural flavonoids have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities against neurodegenerative diseases. Fisetin is a powerful flavonoid that targets a variety of neurological disorders. Aluminum (Al) has been linked to several neurological conditions, such as Parkinsons disease, autism, and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Upper limb disabilities and associated factors among breast cancer survivors: A quantitative cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Complications following breast cancer treatment result in chronic upper limb disabilities. To plan an informed and effective rehabilitation for timely intervention to prevent, mitigate, or manage the functional impairments for breast cancer survivors, especially in settings with limited resources, the burden of upper limb disabilities needs to be ascertained. This study examined upper limb disabilities and associated factors among breast cancer survivors.

Breast size, thoracic kyphosis, and thoracic spine pain: a correlational survey of Nigerian postpartum mothers.

Background: Thoracic spine postural dysfunctions are common postpartum-related health problems, compromising breastfeeding efficacy and quality of life among women. Previous studies have particularly associated these conditions with increased breast sizes in several populations. However, such empirical evidence is scarce in the Nigerian population.

Liver cell cancer surveillance practice in Nigeria: Pitfalls and future prospects.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease of public health concern in Nigeria, with chronic hepatitis B and C infections contributing most to the disease burden. Despite the increasing incidence of HCC, surveillance practices for early diagnosis and possible cure are not deeply rooted in the country. This article aims to review the current status of HCC surveillance in Nigeria, stressing the encounters, breaches, and potential prospects.

Gender differences in adolescents' perceptions of condom use in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

This paper assessed gender differences and perceptions towards condom use among in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and summarised using frequencies and proportions.

Determinants of peer education on sexual and reproductive health and rights among in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Background: Peer education has contributed to increased knowledge and preventive behaviors of adolescents toward reproductive health matters with the unique feature of maintaining peer-to-peer learning ability and sustaining intervention gains. This study examined the factors that predict the agency of in-school adolescents as peer educators on the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of adolescents.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 257 adolescent boys and girls, purposively selected from six public secondary schools that had received a package of interventions that aimed to improve peer-to-peer education on SRHR in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Hepatitis Delta Virus Surveillance Practice among Clinicians in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: The near total absence of routine Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) screening in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa is a major challenge to understanding the burden of HDV in the region.

Aim: To evaluate Hepatitis Delta Virus screening practices and associated factors among clinicians in Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June-July 2022, in which a self-administered questionnaire that inquired about HDV awareness, screening practices, and treatment options was shared electronically with consenting clinicians practicing in Nigeria.

The Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis Delta Virus in Nigeria: The Results of a Nationwide Study.

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which requires the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) for its assembly and propagation. Although countries affected by HBV infection in Africa are well identified, data on HDV infection are still scarce, like in Nigeria, where HBV infection is endemic. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HDV infection and identify the circulating genotypes/strains in the country.

Primary health care in Nigeria: best practices and quality of care in Nigeria.

Introduction: The significance of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCCs) in fostering health equity and enhancing health outcomes cannot be overstated, especially in low and middle-income countries. This paper's primary area of interest is to create evidence and innovation for PHCs, with a particular emphasis on underserved groups. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the state of primary health care in Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on best practices, challenges to best practices, and quality of care.

Non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in three tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.

Objective: This study aimed to assess hepatic fibrosis, using noninvasive tests, among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Nigeria.

Methods: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional, hospital-based, multicentered study. The data of adult Nigerians who were aged 18 years and above who had been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection and were not on treatment were extracted from three tertiary health institutions across Nigeria.

Cost-benefit analysis of haemodialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease in Abuja, Nigeria.

Background: Significant gaps in scholarship on the cost-benefit analysis of haemodialysis exist in low-middle-income countries, including Nigeria. The study, therefore, assessed the cost-benefit of haemodialysis compared with comprehensive conservative care (CCC) to determine if haemodialysis is socially worthwhile and justifies public funding in Nigeria.

Methods: The study setting is Abuja, Nigeria.

Effects of family planning counselling and media messages on contraceptives use by Nigerian men: Evidence from the Nigeria demographic and health survey.

Generally, man plays a more significant role in population health in developing countries like Nigeria, as most of them show no interest in contraceptive use. Hence, to achieve the desired population control in a developing country like Nigeria, men must step up the modern use of contraceptives. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of family planning counselling and media messages about reproductive health on men's acceptance of contraceptives.

Assessing the awareness and acceptability of hepatitis B immunoglobulin among pregnant women in Enugu metropolis, Southeast, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Assessed the level of awareness of hepatitis B virus infection and hepatitis B immunoglobulin, and determined the proportion of pregnant women that will accept hepatitis B immunoglobulin if needed for their babies and the factors that were associated with the choices made by pregnant women in the Enugu metropolis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 379 pregnant women in health facilities in the Enugu metropolis was undertaken between March and November 2019. A structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.

Effect of methanol extract of Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br tuber and its fractions on indices of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Many ethnopharmacological properties (anti-tumor, etc.) have been credited to Plectranthus esculentus tuber but the scientific basis has not been established.

Aim Of The Study: To evaluate the effect of methanol extract of P.

Hepatitis B virus infection among illegal drug users in Enugu State, Nigeria: prevalence, immune status, and related risk factors.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection poses a global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income African countries. Illicit drug use exacerbates the problem, with drug users having a higher HBV infection risk and maintaining a quiet transmission pool. This study aimed to determine HBV infection prevalence, immune status, and risk factors among illegal drug users in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Can sugar taxes be used for financing surgical systems in Nigeria? A mixed-methods political economy analysis.

This study determined the feasibility of investing revenues raised through Nigeria's sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax of 10 Naira/l to support the implementation of the National, Surgical, Obstetrics, Anaesthesia and Nursing Plan, which aims to strengthen access to surgical care in the country. We conducted a mixed-methods political economy analysis. This included a modelling exercise to predict the revenues from Nigeria's SSB tax based on its current tax rate over a period of 5 years, and for several scenarios such as a 20% ad valorem tax recommended by the World Health Organization.

Sexual and reproductive health information needs; an inquiry from the lens of in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

Background: It is important to understand the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescents from the adolescents themselves to address their needs properly. Hence, this paper provides new knowledge on the information needs on SRH among adolescent boys and girls in selected secondary schools in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria.

Method: A comparative assessment was conducted among adolescent boys and girls in public secondary schools that received a specific school-based SRH intervention (group A) and those that did not receive the intervention (group B).

Is the national health insurance scheme a pathway to sustained access to medicines in Nigeria?

Objective: The debate surrounding access to medicines in Nigeria has become increasingly necessary due to the high cost of essential medicine drugs and the prevalence of counterfeit medicines in the country. The Nigerian government has proposed the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to address these issues and guarantee universal access to essential medicines. Access was investigated using the 3 A's (accessibility, affordability, and availability).

Metagenomic Detection and Genetic Characterization of Human Sapoviruses among Children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Nigeria.

Using a metagenomic sequencing approach on stool samples from children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), we describe the genetic diversity of Sapoviruses (SaVs) in children in Nigeria. We identified six complete genome sequences and two partial genome sequences. Several SaV genogroups and genotypes were detected, including GII (GII.

Curcumin abrogates cobalt-induced neuroinflammation by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines release, inhibiting microgliosis and modulation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.

Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol derived from turmeric, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. The current study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin in the hippocampal subfields (CA1 and CA3) after exposure to cobalt (Co) and the impact of ERK protein. Twenty-eight albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups, each with seven randomly selected rats as follows: Control (distilled water), Cobalt (Co) only (40 mg/kg), 120 mg/kg or 240 mg/kg curcumin + Co (40 mg/kg).

Relationship between hamstrings-quadriceps strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg's Balance Scale among stroke survivors in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Aim: The study was designed to establish the relationship between hamstrings-quadriceps (H-Q) strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg's Balance Scale among stroke survivors.

Method: Twenty-five stroke survivors participated in the study. The hamstrings and quadriceps muscle strengths of both the paretic and non-paretic sides were determined at 60° knee flexion with an electronic tensiometer.