Journal of Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice
The Journal of Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice (JBRCP) is a peer-reviewed, international medical journal published quarterly (March, June, September, December) by the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, under the auspices of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN). The journal publishes high-quality research across all fields of medical and biomedical sciences, including clinical practice, basic sciences, and public health. JBRCP operates a rigorous double-blind peer-review process and is available in both online and print formats. ISSN (Print): 2636-7378 ISSN (Online): 2651-5865 Scope includes but is not limited to: Obstetrics and Gynaecology Surgery and Urology Internal Medicine Paediatrics Haematology and Chemical Pathology Microbiology and Anatomical Pathology Radiology, Psychiatry, and Anaesthesia Ophthalmology, ENT, and Family Medicine Community Health, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Anatomy
Knowledge and Practice of Home Gardening Among Residents inSelected Communities of Makurdi North Central-Nigeria
Home gardening is a proven system of ensuring food security, raising income for households, and also contributing to environmental sustainability. This community-based study assessed the practice of home gardening among homeowners in Makurdi town. The majority of the respondents were aged 40 and above (64.4%), were predominantly female (80.8%), most were married (76.9%), and all had tertiary education. 88.5% lived in urban areas. The study found that the majority of Makurdi's residents are familiar with home gardening, while the remainder are not. Sources of information on home gardening included family (68.18%), friends (22.7%), and the internet (9.09%). Access to fresh vegetables and fruits (96.2%), saving cost on groceries (76.9%), physical exercise (80.8%), food security (96.2%), mental health (61.5%) and environmental benefits (76.9%) were identified as benefits of home gardening. 76.9% of the respondents owned home gardens. The study concludes that although some challenges exist, home gardening remains a significant practice with multiple benefits. Awareness Campaigns are therefore recommended to be carried out to help residents of Makurdi to see home gardening as a key strategy for achieving household food security.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice
Influence of Parents' Residential Location and Level of Knowledge ofVaccine Preventable Diseases on the Acceptance of Childhood Immumization in the North-East Zone, Nigeria
Childhood immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. This study investigated influence of parents' residential location and level of knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases on the acceptance of childhood immunization in Northeast Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design involving 400 parents of children under five years, using two step sampling procedure. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled “Influence of Parents' Residential Location and level of knowledge of Vaccine-preventable diseases on Childhood Immunization Acceptance Questionnaire (IPRLLKV-PDCIAQ)”, which was validated by experts and pilot-tested for reliability. Out of the 400- questionnaire administered, 392 (98%) were correctly completed and successfully retrieved for analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression at a significance level of p < .05. Results revealed that overall parental acceptance of childhood immunization was moderate at 52.8%. Residential location revealed that urban parents had the highest acceptance (77.3%), with urban residence significantly increasing the likelihood of acceptance (OR = 18.670, 95% CI: 9.370–37.186, p < .001). Knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases was a powerful predictor; parents with good knowledge had 94.6% acceptance rate (OR = 141.270, 95% CI: 55.375–356.943, p < .001). The study concludes that improving parental knowledge, alongside addressing geographical location gaps, are critical for boosting immunization uptake in Northeast Nigeria. Targeted health education, community engagement, and context-specific outreach programmes are recommended to close acceptance gaps and strengthen child health outcomes in the region.
Spectrum of Congenital Heart Diseases Seen in the Department ofPaediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, Nigeria: A 5-YearRetrospective Study
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the commonest birth defect worldwide, accounting for approximately 8 per 1000 live births. CHD is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and medium-income countries, which usually lack access to early diagnosis and definitive surgical treatment and care. Recent studies have shown an increasing burden of this disease. This study aimed to document the prevalence and pattern of CHD among children at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja. This was a hospital-based retrospective observational study. The records of all children seen at the Department of Paediatrics, FMC Abuja, who underwent echocardiography between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed. The clinical, demographic, and echocardiogram details were retrieved. Descriptive analysis was conducted with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 26. A total of 391 children were identified to have heart disease, out of which 343 (87.8%) had CHD. Of the 343 patients, 185 (53.9%) were male and 158 (46.1%) females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. Ventricular septal defect (24.9%) was the commonest acyanotic CHD while Tetralogy of Fallot (34.5%) was the most prevalent cyanotic CHD. The prevalence of CHD in this study gradually increased from 12% in 2020 to 33.2% in 2024. Trisomy 21 (73.2%) was the most frequently identified chromosomal abnormality. Sixteen (4.7%) of the patients died. The spectrum of CHD in our study is similar to previous documentations in the literatures. The mortality rate is still high, largely due to the non-availability of affordable surgical intervention despite early diagnosis.
Effectiveness of Health Education on Safe Sex Practices and HepatitisB Vaccination Uptake Among Tertiary Students in Benue State
This study examined the Effectiveness of Health Education Intervention on Safe Sex Practices and Hepatitis B Vaccination-uptake among Tertiary Students in Benue State, using a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design involving 216 students, comprising 108 in the intervention group and 108 in the control group. The objectives were to compare mean safe sex practice and HBV vaccination uptake between the intervention and control groups, the intervention group received a one-month structured health education programme, while the control group received no education. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire (overall Cronbach α = .76) and analysed using descriptive statistics and ANCOVA at p < .05. Baseline scores did not differ significantly between groups. Postintervention findings showed that safe sex practice improved substantially in the intervention group (mean = 22.46) compared with the control group (mean = 17.97), F (1, 204) = 499.72, p < .001, partial η² = .17. HBV vaccination-uptake was significantly higher in the intervention group (30.5%) than the control group (13.7%), χ² (1, N = 207) = 8.40, p = .004. Overall, the intervention produced significant and meaningful improvements across the two domains, demonstrating that structured health education significantly improves HBV prevention outcomes among students. The study recommends that tertiary institutions institutionalize structured HBV education within their routine health programmes and orientation activities to sustain and expand gains in HBV infection prevention. However, the short duration or follow-up may limit long –term inference
Lifestyle Practices and Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:A Scoping Review of the Evidence
Background: The majority of disease conditions encountered by family physicians - including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) - are primarily facilitated by poor lifestyle practices. Lifestyle management is the foundation of chronic disease management guidelines, aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. Understanding the lifestyle practices that influence glycaemic control is essential for developing effective interventions. Objective: This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the association between lifestyle practices and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with particular attention to the six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and African Journals Online) was conducted for studies published between 2016 and 2024. Ten key studies were synthesised, including primary research from Iraq, Mexico, Nigeria, Iran, Tanzania, Guyana, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and systematic reviews with global and sub- Saharan African focus. Findings: Lifestyle practices significantly influence glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Dietary modification, particularly plant-based and low-carbohydrate approaches, reduces HbA1c by an average of 0.8-1.13%. Regular physical activity improves glycaemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk. Sleep duration, stress management, alcohol cessation, and social support are emerging as important factors. The pooled prevalence of good glycaemic control in sub-Saharan Africa was 30%. Factors associated with poor control include longer diabetes duration, poor sleep, alcohol consumption, and non-adherence to follow-up. Conclusion: Lifestyle interventions are evidence-based and effective for improving glycaemic control in T2DM. Family physicians must prioritise lifestyle counselling and advocate for supportive policies. Further research is needed on intervention feasibility, affordability, and acceptability in diverse populations.
Neonatal Survival Despite Maternal Death from Lassa Fever inNigeria: Clinical Suspicion and a Novel Exposure Bundle in Resource-Limited Endemic Settings
Background: High maternal and perinatal mortality is still largely driven by Lassa fever (LF) across West Africa, particularly when infection occurs in late pregnancy or the postpartum period. Neonatal survival after laboratoryconfirmed maternal death is exceedingly uncommon, yet such cases offer critical insights into the maternal-neonatal disease spectrum and opportunities to refine management strategies in resource-constrained endemic settings. Case Presentation: We report a 3-week-old female neonate whose mother died from RT-PCR-confirmed LF following postpartum deterioration. The neonate presented with fever, irritability, and a unilateral right-sided cervical swelling (8 × 10 cm, firm, non-fluctuant). Prompt empirical intravenous ribavirin combined with broad supportive care led to complete recovery, though RT-PCR result for Lassa virus was negative. Discussion and Conclusion: This outcome tasks the entrenched assumptions of uniformly fatal neonatal disease after severe maternal LF and death. The distinctive cervical swelling strengthened diagnostic suspicion in an endemic context. Early clinical suspicion, systematic neonatal evaluation, and timely ribavirin therapy can meaningfully improve survival. Strengthened maternal-neonatal surveillance, decentralized diagnostics, and standardised exposure protocols are highly important to reduce preventable mortality in LF-endemic regions.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Associated FactorsAmong Adult HIV Patients at the Benue State University TeachingHospital, Makurdi, Nigeria
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a major global public health problem despite significant progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In 2024, approximately 31.6 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally, while about 76% of PLHIV in West and Central Africa were on ART. However, ART coverage reflects treatment access rather than treatment success. Optimal outcomes depend on ART adherence, traditionally defined as taking ≥95% of prescribed doses. This study assessed the level of ART adherence among adult HIV patients at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria, and identified the facilitators, barriers, and determinants of adherence. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among HIV-positive adults attending the ART clinic. Respondents were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected between November and December 2025 using pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Adherence was measured by patient self-report as the proportion of prescribed doses taken over the preceding three days. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means ± SD) were used to summarize data. Crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated to identify factors associated with adherence. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 298 respondents, 91 (30.5%) were males and 207 (69.5%) females, with a mean age of 38.94 ± 12.64 years. Overall, 86.6% reported good adherence, while 13.4% were non-adherent. Reported facilitators included confidence in taking ART as prescribed (95.3%), keeping medications in visible locations (94.6%), social support (62.4%), and use of reminders (55.4%). Reported barriers included fear of disclosure or stigma (15.1%), being away from home (8.4%), running out of ARVs (7.0%), and being busy (5.7%). Confidence in taking ART as prescribed was a significant predictor of adherence (AOR = 7.60, 95% CI: 1.11–51.81, p = 0.038). Being away from home (AOR = 0.005, 95% CI: 0.001–0.032, p < 0.001) and running out of ARVs (AOR = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.000–0.038, p < 0.001) were associated with significantly lower odds of adherence. Other variables were not significant after adjustment. Conclusion: ART adherence was high among respondents. The main facilitator predicting adherence was confidence in taking ART as prescribed, while key barriers predicting lower odds of adherence were being away from home and running out of medication. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy, strengthening social support systems, promoting the use of reminders, and encouraging advance planning for medication refills - especially during travel - may further improve adherence.
Assessment of Housing Characteristics and Crowding Index in BenueSouth Senatorial District, Nigeria
Background: Housing is a fundamental component of human settlement and a key determinant of health and well-being. In Nigeria, despite numerous housing policies and reforms, implementation remains limited, leaving many citizens in substandard housing conditions. Recurrent insecurity and community displacement have further worsened the situation. This study assessed housing characteristics and the crowding index in the Benue South Senatorial District of Nigeria. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 households selected through a multistage sampling technique across nine local government areas. Data were collected using structured interviewer- administered questionnaires and direct observation of housing conditions. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics summarised in frequency tables and Chi-square tests used to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and overcrowding, with a p-value set at 5%. Results:A total of 423 respondents participated (response rate: 99.8%), aged 17–85 years (mean = 46.1 ± 15.5). Males constituted 66.7%, 94.3% had formal education, and 85.6% were gainfully employed. Overall, housing conditions were poor across most indicators. Accessibility (77.1%), thermal comfort (68.1%), and lighting (60.3%) were relatively adequate, while fewer households met standards for sanitation (39.7%), drainage (32.4%), potable water (23.4%), and ventilation (22.7%). Most houses were concrete structures with zinc roofing (60.3%), and 19.9% of households were overcrowded (mean household size = 7.4 ± 3.7). Settlement type and occupation were significantly associated with overcrowding (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001). Conclusion: Housing in Benue South Senatorial District is moderately durable but marked by deficits in sanitation, ventilation, and water access.With one-fifth of households overcrowded, the findings underscore the need for evidence- based housing policies and integrated interventions to enhance living conditions and promote public health in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Co-infection with HIV/AIDS: A Three-YearRetrospective Study at Federal University of Health Sciences TeachingHospital, Otukpo.
Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection is common and constitutes a significant global public health burden, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence. This increases the risk of complications and mortality among people living with HIV. Despite the international concern, there is a paucity of data on HBV co-infection among individuals living with HIV who attend the HIV clinic at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, Nigeria. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV co-infection among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at the FUHSO HIV/AIDS clinic. Methods: A retrospective study design was employed for this study, conducted between December 2021 and November 2024. Overall, 3000 case files were reviewed (150, 600, 850, and 1400 in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively). Individuals with incomplete clinical records were excluded from the study. Results: Three thousand (3000) case files were analyzed, and the overall prevalence of Hepatitis B Co-infection amongst the HIV patients enrolled in the study was 10.3% (310/3000). The prevalence was higher in females (6.9%) than in males (3.1%). The relationship between the age of patients and the HIV/HBV Co-infection was statistically significant. Conclusion: Though our study indicates a low prevalence of Hepatitis B co-infection in HIV infected people in our center, reduction of the rate is still strongly necessary. Reduction can be achieved by solidification of the uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccine
Assessment of School Health Programme in Benue South SenatorialDistrict, Nigeria
Background: Children of school-going age constitute approximately 18% of the global population and about 23% of Nigeria's population. The education and health of this growing demographic are critical to the sustainable development of individuals and society. In Nigeria, efforts to implement the School Health Programme have primarily remained at the policy level, with limited practical implementation. This study was therefore designed to assess the availability and effectiveness of the School Health Programme in Benue South Senatorial District, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed in 60 schools across the nine local government areas of Benue South Senatorial District, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire and a checklist administered to head teachers, who served as respondents. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The mean age of respondents was 45 ± 8.7 years; 71.7% were male, 96.7% had attained tertiary education, 93.3% were Christians, and the Idoma ethnic group accounted for 91.7%. Most schools (43.3%) operated only a primary section, while 3.3% offered both primary and secondary education. Nearly all schools (96.7%) admitted both male and female students. The average annual enrolment was 70.5 ± 49.0 students, with an average of fewer than 40 students per class. Slightly less than two-thirds (62.9%) of public schools and 50.0% of faith-based schools had 10 or fewer full-time teachers, compared to 47.4% of private schools. The proportion of schools with designated health facilities was highest among faith-based schools (66.7%), followed by private (36.8%) and public schools (31.4%). Public and faith-based schools primarily relied on water sources located outside the school premises (64.7% and 57.1%, respectively), while most private schools accessed water from within the premises (68.4%). The majority of students in public, private, and faith-based schools had access to one toilet for approximately every 30 students (68.6%, 89.5%, and 26.7%, respectively). All schools (100.0%) disposed of refuse through open dumping or burning. Public schools had the most space for outdoor games (82.9%), followed by private (57.9%) and faith-based schools (50.0%). Overall, the implementation and assessment of the School Health Programme were more favourable in faith- based schools compared to public and private schools in Benue South Senatorial District, Nigeria.
Knowledge and Practice of Umbilical Cord Care Among MothersAttending an Immunization Clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Background: The umbilical stump, if not properly cared for, becomes a route of infection into the newborn, leading to umbilical cord infection, neonatal sepsis, and death. When caring for the newborn, some caregivers engage in harmful practices by applying various substances to the umbilical stump, and these practices are often based on local knowledge and culture. This study assessed knowledge and practice of umbilical cord care and their determinants among mothers attending an immunization clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among mothers who brought their infants for immunization. Using a systematic sampling technique, 293 mothers were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires between October and November 2023. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and associations tested with the chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The mothers' mean (SD) age was 31.31 (6.38) years; most were married (69.6%), had tertiary level education (39.6%), and were full-time housewives (33.8%). Their mean (SD) parity was 2.79 (1.14) children, the median (range) number of ANC visits was 4 (2-10) visits, and the vast majority (80.5%) delivered their index baby at a health facility. Overall, only 22 mothers (7.5%) demonstrated good knowledge of umbilical cord care (UCC), while the vast majority, 271 mothers (92.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge. Conversely, 235 (80.2%) mothers observed good UCC practices, while 58 (19.8%) observed poor practices. Predictors of good UCC practice were: health facility delivery, higher maternal age (>30 years), and tertiary level education. On the other hand, predictors of poor practice of UCC were: primary education and being a civil servant or student. Conclusion and recommendations: Knowledge about UCC was significantly poor, but most mothers were practicing good UCC. Predictors of good UCC practice were: health facility delivery, higher maternal age (>30 years), and tertiary education. On the other hand, predictors of poor UCC practice were: primary education, and being a civil servant or student. Integrating simple, umbilical cord care education into routine health education messages at antenatal, natal, and postnatal care service points will improve knowledge and practice of cord care. Healthcare providers should also give a hands-on demonstration of proper cord care before mothers are discharged after delivery.
Evaluating Ear-Care Knowledge and Practices Among Doctors andNurses in Sub-Saharan Africa
Background: The ear serves the functions of hearing and balance in an individual. Whereas the hearing function is articulated by the three parts of the ear, balance is performed alongside other structures by the vestibular system of the inner ear. Acoustic trauma and drug ototoxicity affect mainly the inner ear and are usually irreversible. Aim: To assess ear care knowledge and practices among health care practitioners (doctors and nurses) in Benue State. Methodology: The setting was the 2021 AGM and CME/CPD of NMA, Benue State which held between 2-6th August, 2021, and a 5- days CPD by NANNM, Benue State which took place from 1st - 5th March, 2021. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the ethical committee of the BSUTH, Makurdi. The sample size of 226.8 was calculated using a previous prevalence of 81.6% but 252 subjects were used because of 10% attrition rate. Pretested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to consented participants who filled and returned them same day. Data collected were analyzed and presented in simple distribution tables. Results: They were 252 respondents but 2 had incomplete data leaving 127(50.8%) Males and 123(49.2%) Females whose data were finally analyzed. One hundred and thirty-nine (55.6%) doctors: [Consultants- 53(21.2%), Medical Officers/General Practitioners-86(34.4%) and 111(44.4%) Nurses. Majority (60.8%) were unaware that childhood immunization prevent deafness and 60.3% said that deafness could not be inherited while 58.8% responded that a child born deaf could still develop speech. About 60.3% of the respondents did not know that hearing loss resulting from loud noise may not recover and use of H2O2 and syringing an infected ear were regular normal practices to many. Majority 87.9% were unaware of any warning sign of drug ototoxicity. Conclusion: A significant percentage of the studied population exhibited inadequate knowledge and still undertakes some harmful practices that are detrimental to good ear care. There is therefore the need to increase the exposure-time in ear, nose and throat postings during the trainings of or embark on regular health education at CME/CPD for these category of professionals
Barriers to Health Care Access and Quality of life Assessment AmongPeople with Disabilities in Makurdi, Benue State: ImprovingHealthcare Access.
People with Disabilities (PWD) continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare, which negatively impacts their quality of life (QoL). This study explored these barriers and assessed QoL among PWD during a medical outreach held on World Family Doctor Day 2023 at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Nigeria. Seventy consenting participants were recruited consecutively and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with significance set at P<0.05. The majority of respondents were aged 21–40 years (67.1%), male (51.4%), and married (54.3%). Mobility impairment was the most common disability (37.1%). Key barriers identified included the lack of disability-friendly transportation (35.5%), absence of ramps in healthcare facilities (27.9%), lack of communication assistance (40.3%), and poor interaction with healthcare providers (31.3%). Over half (51.2%) reported the unavailability of assistive devices, and 30.6% found hospital beds uncomfortable. More than half of the participants (52.9%) had poor QoL. Factors significantly associated with poor QoL were being female, residing outside Makurdi, having a chronic health condition, current use of medication, and infrequent healthcare visits.These findings highlight the urgent need for inclusive healthcare planning that addresses both structural and interpersonal barriers faced by PWD. Improving physical accessibility, enhancing provider communication skills, and ensuring availability of assistive technologies can significantly improve QoL. Policymakers and health system stakeholders must prioritize disability- friendly services and routinely engage PWD in healthcare program design to foster equity and improve health outcomes. Keywords: Barriers, Healthcare, Accessibility, People With Disability, Quality of Life, WHOQOL-BREF.
Metachronous Contralateral Breast Cancer Following Treatment of Primary Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report.
Bilateral breast cancer is an uncommon clinical entity that may occur either synchronously or metachronously. Metachronous contralateral breast cancer refers to the development of a second primary tumour in the opposite breast after a defined interval following the initial diagnosis. Although relatively rare, it presents important diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and underscores the need for careful long-term surveillance of breast cancer survivors. We report the case of a 42-year-old multiparous woman who initially presented with a long-standing right breast mass with clinical features of locally advanced breast cancer, including peau d'orange, nipple retraction, and ulceration. A core needle biopsy confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma with negative Oestrogen and Progesterone receptors but positive HER2 expression. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by a right modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Approximately ten months after the initial diagnosis, she developed a rapidly enlarging mass in the contralateral breast. Histological examination confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma with similar immunohistochemical characteristics. The patient subsequently underwent a left mastectomy and is currently clinically stable under oncological follow-up. Metachronous contralateral breast cancer, although uncommon, remains an important clinical consideration in breast cancer survivors. This case highlights the need for vigilant surveillance of the contralateral breast and timely multidisciplinary management to facilitate early detection and improve patient outcomes.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on the Use of Seatbelts Among Commercial Bus Drivers in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State.
Background: Road traffic injuries are major public health problems and a leading cause of death and injury around the world. One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. The use of a seatbelt is a proven effective measure in reducing the risk of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the event of a crash. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of seatbelt use among commercial bus drivers in Makurdi Metropolis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using a multistage sampling method to select 173 respondents. A self-administered structured questionnaire was administered to study participants. Data collected from respondents was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The study found that 70% of the participants displayed good knowledge of seatbelts, 72% have a positive attitude score, while 57% have a fair practice on the use of seatbelts. Conclusion: Government and non-governmental organizations should launch more targeted campaigns aimed at commercial drivers, focusing on the safety benefits of seatbelts and addressing misconceptions about their use. Education campaign programs on seatbelt use, stronger law enforcement, and incentive programs to encourage seatbelt usage
Intervention of Public Policy in Ameliorating Dementia Risk Among Nigerian Women: A Sociopolitical and Structural Determinants Review
Dementia prevalence is rising globally and fastest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evidence indicates that low educational attainment, short adult stature which reflects early-life undernutrition, and chronic glucose dysfunction significantly elevate dementia risk among Nigerian women. These risk factors are deeply embedded within broader sociopolitical and structural determinants of health. This review examines sociological and political dimensions of dementia risk among Nigerian women, and highlight how gender inequality, educational disadvantage and structural poverty contribute to cognitive decline across the life course. Drawing on multidisciplinary evidence from epidemiology, endocrinology, developmental health science, gender studies, and the political economy of health, this article proposes an integrated conceptual framework linking health structural determinants to cognitive aging. A comprehensive reform agenda is proposed to include establishment of a national dementia action framework, strengthening gender-responsive education systems, expanding maternal and early-life nutrition programs, and improving diabetes prevention and management policies. This narrative review demonstrates that dementia in Nigerian women reflects structural inequities that require multisectoral policy responses to bridge the gap between biomedical care and social reform.
Types and Associated Factors of Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Scoping Review of the Evidence
Elder abuse is a significant but under-recognised public health problem worldwide, with profound consequences for the health, well-being, and human rights of older adults. Understanding the types and associated factors of elder abuse is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the types of elder abuse and the factors associated with its occurrence, with particular attention to global patterns and regional variations. This scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Ten key studies published between 2015-2024 were synthesised, including primary research from India, Nigeria, Switzerland, Turkey, Ghana, Korea, and systematic reviews from Iran and Brazil. Elder abuse manifests in multiple forms including psychological, physical, financial abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. Psychological abuse consistently emerged as the most common type globally, followed by neglect or financial abuse depending on the setting. Prevalence estimates ranged widely from 9.9% to 81.8%. Associated factors operated at multiple levels: individual (age, gender, functional dependency, depression), relationship (caregiver stress, family dynamics, cohabitation), community (social isolation, rural residence), and societal (poverty, cultural norms, policy gaps). Notable gaps exist in research from Africa and in understanding gender-specific correlates. Elder abuse is a multifactorial phenomenon requiring comprehensive ecological approaches for prevention and intervention. Priorities include developing culturally appropriate screening tools, strengthening healthcare provider training, enacting protective legislation, and addressing structural determinants such as poverty and social isolation.
The burden of glaucoma in a tertiary hospital, Jos, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria
Global glaucoma prevalence is projected to reach 111 million by 2040. In Nigeria, it remains the primary cause of irreversible blindness. Late presentation is often driven by the disease's asymptomatic, gradual onset, coupled with low public awareness and financial constraints. This study assessed the clinical presentation and management of glaucoma patients at a tertiary eye clinic. A retrospective, hospital-based descriptive study was conducted on 446 patients newly diagnosed with glaucoma between 2018 and 2019.The mean age of participants was 55.9 years, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1.5:1 (59.6% male). Patients over age 40 comprised 79.8% of the cohort. Alarmingly, 17.5% presented with bilateral blindness, and 35.2% of all eyes were blind at first presentation. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was the predominant type (89.9%), followed by glaucoma suspects (5.6%), secondary glaucoma (2.7%), and primary angle-closure glaucoma (1.8%). Severe structural damage was evident, with 58.7% of eyes showing a vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR)0.9, and 22.6% exhibiting VCDR asymmetry 0.2. Regarding management, 94.6% opted for medical therapy while only 1.5% underwent surgery. Beta-blockers (73.7%) and prostaglandin analogues (18.4%) were the primary medications prescribed. The study highlights a significant glaucoma burden characterized by advanced disease at presentation and a high prevalence of POAG. The findings underscore an urgent need for public enlightenment and subsidized screening programs to facilitate early detection and prevention of irreversible vision loss.
Incentive-Plus, a Driver of Knowledge and Hospital Delivery Uptake among Pregnant Women in Rural Communities in Benue State
In Nigeria, less than half of pregnant women have adequate knowledge of hospital delivery, and most home deliveries occur among women who do not attend ANC, particularly in rural areas. This is largely driven by low socioeconomic status and poor education. This study assessed the effectiveness of sustained health education and mama kit incentives in improving knowledge and uptake of facility-based delivery. A quasi-experimental study was conducted across twelve communities. Sampling technique was multistage, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The overall baseline knowledge of health facility delivery was good in both the study (77.9%) and control (80.5%) groups. In the study group, a monthly income ≥₦10,000 and formal education were significant predictors of good knowledge of hospital delivery (OR = 2.21; 95% CI: 0.93–5.24) and (OR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.38–6.38), respectively. Similarly, a monthly income ≥₦10,000 was a significant predictor of hospital delivery in both the study (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.26–5.58) and control (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.32–6.08) groups. Following the intervention, there was a statistically significant increase in both knowledge and hospital delivery uptake in the study group. In conclusion, the intervention improved knowledge and uptake of hospital delivery. A coordinated state–federal partnership is recommended to scale up awareness campaigns and provide Mama Kits to pregnant women, thereby enhancing the utilization of facility-based delivery services.