Indonesian language learning in elementary schools continues to face challenges in improving students’ reading comprehension, critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills. Limited instructional media and a lack of contextual learning resources grounded in local culture often reduce student engagement and learning outcomes. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a problem-based learning model integrated with interactive folklore videos to strengthen early literacy and Indonesian language skills. The study employed a research and development approach using an instructional design model comprising analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation stages. The development process included expert validation, limited classroom trials, product revision, and large-scale implementation involving 142 students from five elementary schools. The results demonstrated that the developed learning model achieved high levels of pedagogical, technical, and cultural feasibility. Students showed significant improvement in language skills, active participation during learning activities, and positive responses to the learning media. The findings indicate that integrating problem-based learning with interactive folklore videos provides an effective, contextual, and culturally responsive approach for strengthening early literacy and improving Indonesian language learning in elementary schools.
OBJECTIVES:Dyslipidemia is prevalent among Nigerians with diabetes mellitus (DM), but its treatment has not been well-studied. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, treatment rates and control of dyslipidemia among DM patients in northern Nigeria. METHODS:We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study of dyslipidemia in DM patients, and noted cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, lipid-lowering treatments, body mass index, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid profile, glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria. Outcome measures were the rate and treatment of dyslipidemia and attainment of low density lipoprotein cholesterol target for primary prevention of CVD. Binomial logistic regression was used to analyze associations between participant characteristics and dyslipidemia. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to evaluate the model fit. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS version 25 program. RESULTS:The study enrolled 403 participants (58.8% females), of whom 59.6% had dyslipidemia. Besides DM and dyslipidemia, other risk factors for CVD were hypertension (56.8%), obesity (52.6%), chronic kidney disease (36.5%), atrial fibrillation (7.9%), heart failure (5.0%), cigarette smoking (4.7%), excess alcohol use (2.0%), and previous CVD (14.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed dyslipidemia was significantly associated with female gender (odds ratio = 1.68, P = 0.029) and proteinuria (odds ratio = 2.26, P = 0.004). Among those with dyslipidemia, 51.3% took lipid-lowering treatments comprising statins (50.8%) and clofibrate (2.9%). None took other lipid-lowering treatments, and only 17.1% attained the target for primary prevention of CVD. CONCLUSION:Three-fifths of patients had dyslipidemia, but only a sixth attained the treatment target. Treatment for dyslipidemia included statins and fibrates, but not niacin, ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, icosapent ethyl, inclisiran or PCSK9 inhibitors recommended for those who failed intensive statin therapy. There is the need for better access to non-statin treatment and physician adherence to clinical practice guidelines.
Diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing across low- and middle-income countries, yet rural communities face persistent inequities in chronic disease care. In Northeastern Nigeria, family members often provide essential support for diabetes self-management, but their role is influenced by poverty, cultural beliefs, and fragmented primary healthcare systems. This study examined healthcare providers’ perspectives on how family dynamics, socioeconomic conditions, and community resources shape diabetes care in rural Adamawa State. A descriptive qualitative design was used across five Local Government Areas. Twenty-five healthcare providers were purposively sampled based on their direct involvement in diabetes care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English or Hausa, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through inductive content analysis with triangulation across sites. Six themes emerged. Providers emphasized that poverty constrained access to medications, glucose monitoring, and recommended diets. Food insecurity and limited local substitutions made dietary adherence challenging. Knowledge gaps, spiritual interpretations of disease, and reliance on herbal treatments influenced care-seeking behaviors. Families served as frontline caregivers, assisting with transportation, food preparation, and medication adherence, although their capacity varied. Stigma and neglect were context-dependent, shaped by gender norms and misconceptions. Community support was described as sporadic and dependent on individual or religious leaders rather than structured systems. Diabetes care in rural Nigeria is shaped by intertwined socioeconomic, cultural, and structural determinants. Strengthening primary care platforms with family-centered diabetes education, culturally tailored outreach, community led home support, and affordability measures could reduce inequities and enhance self-management. Policies that institutionalize sustained community partnerships are essential for improving outcomes in low-resource settings.
This study examines factors influencing the preference for Python and Java as introductory programming languages in a Nigerian higher education institution. Using an integrated framework combining the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2), key constructs such as perceived usefulness, ease of learning, social influence, and industry relevance were identified as crucial in shaping students’ preferences. A survey of 308 second-year students revealed Python as the preferred beginner-level language, with 75.6% favoring it over Java. Python’s perceived ease of learning (M = 4.09), usefulness (M = 4.41), and alignment with industry demands (M = 4.34) were significantly higher than Java’s (M = 3.31, 3.74, and 3.78 respectively). Additionally, 70 students (over 22%) selected C++ as the best alternative, appreciating its ability to provide a deeper understanding of system-level programming. Regression analysis showed perceived usefulness (β = 0.24), ease of learning (β = 0.22), and industry relevance (β = 0.21) as strong predictors of language preference, especially for Python. Students’ perceptions of future use and social influence also significantly predicted preferences, highlighting Python’s applicability to emerging technologies and career goals. The study recommends prioritizing Python for introductory courses, retaining Java for advanced topics, and integrating Generative AI tools to enhance programming education outcomes.
IntroductionCommunity health workers (CHWs), particularly volunteer community drug distributors (CDDs), play essential roles in advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and neglected tropical disease (NTD) control, yet their responsibilities and formal recognition remain poorly defined across health systems. This creates policy-implementation disconnects, especially during mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases, where CDDs deliver critical services amid declining motivation and weak community awareness.MethodsFrom 15 September 2023 to 1 February 2024, Sightsavers, the organization for the prevention of blindness, and Chad’s Ministry of Health and public prevention co-developed and piloted the CDD passport—a training and reference tool to clarify roles, build capacity, and formally recognize CDDs. Implemented during national MDA campaigns, the passport provided accessible materials on responsibilities, treatment protocols, and safety, alongside certificates acknowledging contributions.ResultsPre-passport assessments revealed CDDs’ limited understanding of their roles, poor community knowledge of MDA objectives, and motivational challenges. Qualitative evaluations post-pilot—with health workers, CDDs, and community members—demonstrated improved knowledge retention, enhanced perceptions of CDD legitimacy, and stronger campaign performance. Government involvement highlighted broader CHW policy gaps, including how community settlement patterns affect delivery logistics.DiscussionThis community case study demonstrates how the CDD passport bridges CHW policy gaps by standardizing training, boosting motivation through recognition, and prompting national discussions on integrating volunteers into health systems. This innovation strengthens MDA effectiveness, supports sustainable NTD control, and models scalable universal health coverage (UHC) approaches for community health platforms in resource-constrained settings. Longer-term evaluation is needed to assess impacts on treatment coverage, volunteer retention, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.
