Children with Down syndrome (DS) often exhibit dyslipidaemia, contributing to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study aimed to compare plasma lipid profiles and apolipoprotein levels between children with DS and non-DS controls to understand their cardiovascular implications. A case-control study was conducted with 69 children (31 with DS, 38 without DS), aged 1-15 years, at the Paediatric Endocrinology Unit of University College Hospital, Ibadan. We used enzymatic spectrophotometry to measure lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and ELISA to measure apolipoproteins (ApoA1 and ApoB). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with significance set at p <0.05. Children with DS exhibited significantly higher triglyceride levels (183 mg/dL vs. 171 mg/dL, p = 0.028) and HDL-C levels (42.3 mg/dL vs. 31 mg/dL, p <0.001) compared to controls. LDL-C levels were significantly lower in DS children (76.6 mg/dL vs. 93.7 mg/dL, p = 0.036). No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, ApoA1, ApoB, or the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio between the groups. Children with Down syndrome (DS) have unique lipid profiles, with elevated triglycerides and HDL-C but lower LDL-C, potentially impacting long-term cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles, particularly triglycerides, in children with DS should be part of standard clinical care.
Background: The use of alletrin based mosquito coil in developing countries to kill and wade off mosquitoes is still on the increase and there is urgent needs to provide information on the potential health risk of prolonged exposure to the coil fume. Thus, this study assessed the mosquito coil fume induced damage to pulmonary tissue. Methods: Thirty six male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n =6). Rat in groups 1, 3 and 5 were exposed 8 hours to mosquito coil for 30, 60 or 90 days via whole body inhalation in wooden iron gauze cage. Rat in group 2, 4 and 6, served as non-exposed group and had access to natural air. Rats were euthanized on day 31. 61 or 91, lungs removed aseptically and effect of the fume assessed. Results: Exposure of experimental rats to the mosquito coil fume resulted in the elevation of the lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels in the lungs of exposed rats from day 30 to day 90 compared to the un-exposed rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was 2-fold decrease in lungs glutathione levels in mosquito coil fume exposed rats compared to the unexposed control rats, (P < 0.05). Also, the lung TNF-α level of mosquito coil fume exposed rats was significantly elevated starting from day 30 to day 90 relative to the un-exposed rats (P < 0.05). Histological analysis of the lungs of exposed rats showed erosion of the lining of the bronchial epithelium, numerous macrophages defoliating from the wall of the alveoli septae and foci of mild desquamation. Conclusion: Continuous exposure to allethrin based mosquito coil fume promotes oxidative stress and inflammation which are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases.
The plant drymaria cordata is folklorically used in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Investigating its phytoconstituents and their effects on mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore is of pharmacological importance. The aim of this study was to identify the possible phytochemical compounds present in the most potent sub-fraction of the plant and test them on mPT pore. The methanol extract of drymaria cordata was successively partitioned between n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol solvent using Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) technique to obtain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions. The chloroform fraction was partitioned into five different subfractions using VLC. The subfractions were tested for their potency in the induction of mPT pore opening. The subfraction D which was the most potent with respect to mPT pore opening was loaded on a column and eluted with n-hexane and chloroform varying the solvent systems in order of increasing polarity. The flow rate was 2.5ml/min. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plates were used to monitor samples with similar components. Samples with similar Rf values were pooled together. For further resolution, samples which showed the same single band on the TLC plates were further subjected to purification using micro-column chromatography. The eluents were also monitored using the TLC plates. The partially purified samples were subjected to GC-MS analysis and certain phytochemicals including hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid, Oxalic acid 2-ethylhexyl isobutyl ester, 3-(p-Fluorobenzoyl)-propionic acid and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were identified. The presence of these major compounds might be responsible for the pharmacological properties ascribed to the fraction. Also, these could give an insight into developing chemopreventive and therapeutic approaches to various diseases in human associated with dysregulated apoptosis. Keywords: Drymaria cordata, Mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore, Gas Chromatography, Thin Layer Chromatography, Apoptosis.
A number of cytokines are involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways. The involvement of these metabokines in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction associated with major mental disorders (MMD) is presently poorly understood. This study therefore, determined the plasma levels of glucose, fetuin-A and visfatin and their inter-relationship in patients with MMD. Ninety adults consisting of 65 patients with MMD and 25 apparently healthy individuals (controls) were enrolled into this study. After an overnight fast, plasma levels of glucose, visfatin and fetuin-A were determined using the glucose-oxidase method and ELISA as appropriate. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis, independent Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U and Spearman’s correlation as appropriate. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Patients with MMD had significantly higher levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), visfatin and fetuin-A compared with the controls. Fetuin-A had a significant positive correlation with visfatin and FPG in patients with MMD. Comparing the subgroups of MMD with one another, patients with schizophrenia had a significantly higher level of visfatin compared with patients with depression. The plasma levels of fetuin-A were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar compared with patients with depression. It could be concluded from this study that Patients with MMD especially, those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have elevated levels of fetuin-A and visfatin suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction associated with major mental disorders.
Aging is associated with elevated blood glucose levels, insulin resistance and pancreatic islet dysfunction. The age-related dysfunction of glucose metabolism has been well studied in humans and rodents. However, there is paucity of information on ageing and glucose metabolism in amphibians. This study was designed to investigate the effect of ageing on fasting blood glucose, liver and muscle glycogen levels in the common African toad, Bufo regularis. Toads of different sizes were randomly picked and used for the study. They were fasted for 24hours and anaesthetized with sodium thiopentone (50mg/kg) given intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected from truncus arteriosus for blood glucose determination while the liver and muscle glycogen levels were determined using anthrone reagents methods. Ages of toads were determined using modified skelectochronology technique. The fasting glucose level increased with advancing age while liver and muscle glycogen levels decreased with age in Bufo regularis. The results suggest that glucose metabolism slows down with age in the toads and demonstrated similarities between the toads, humans and rodents in relation to age-related changes in glucose and glycogen metabolism
Herbal products have gained important applications in the management and treatment of several diseases. Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. (Lemon grass) is an all season plant found throughout the entire world, particularly in the tropics with several bioactive components. Lead is a wide spread environmental pollutant reported to induce pathological conditions in humans. One possible mechanism of lead toxicity is oxidative stress. We evaluated the effects of ethanol leaf extract of C. citratus (EECC) on lead-induced toxicity in rats. Five groups of six rats each (control, EECC, lead acetate (PbAc), EECC+PbAc and PbAc recovery) were used in this study. Lead acetate (60 mg/kg) and EECC (500 mg/kg) were administered by gavage respectively. Lead toxicity reduced the antioxidants biomarkers, significantly increased the frequency of micronuclei formation in rat bone marrow cells and the level of DNA fragmentation in the liver tissue. The serum activities of the renal injury biomarkers were increased, the sperm count and motility were decreased while the percentage sperm abnormality was increased. However, administration of EECC significantly restored the antioxidant defense system, reduced the frequency of micronuclei formation and DNA fragmentation, offered protection against hepatorenal toxicities but did not protect against lead-induced damages on testicular tissues. Findings from this study, point out that the protective activity of EECC may be through its free radical scavenging properties.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus belonging to the family of lentiviruses that destroys CD4+ T-cells and resides in other immune cells that produces chemokines. Chemokines [such as Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and 1 β (MIP-1α and MIP-1β), RANTES (Regulated on Activation Normal T expressed and Secreted Protein), and SDF-1 (Stromal Derived Factor 1)] are small proteins that attract leucocytes and play complex roles in coordinating immune responses. The interaction between chemokines and their receptors expressed on immune cells inhibits HIV-1 attachment and replication. However, studies on association between these chemokines and HIV produced different results and the underlying mechanisms of chemokines during HIV infection remains unclear. A total of 90 participants were recruited in this study which included 45 HIV infected and 45 apparently healthy HIV uninfected individuals that served as control. Serum levels of chemokines were determined using ELISA as described by the manufacturer of the kits. Appropriate statistical data were employed and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. HIV infected individuals had insignificantly reduced serum levels of SDF-1, MIP1-α and RANTES compared with control. The results of this study is in agreement with previous work that chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of HIV through their receptors and could be explore as option for therapeutic strategies
Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the pineal and pituitary glands of the Greater Cane Rat (GCR) were carried out using four apparently healthy young adult males obtained from Lagos, South West Nigeria. Their brains were harvested after perfusion, the pineal and pituitary glands were carefully dissected. Tissue sections were prepared and stained using haematoxylin and eosin (HE microglial cells (IBA1+); neurons (NeuN+) and collagen fibres were localized in the pineal gland. The GCR pituitary gland is a disc-shaped organ located in the ventral part of the brain within the sella turcica. Routine staining delineated the neurohypophysis, intermediate lobe, adenohypophysis and hypophyseal cleft. Histological examination revealed fibrous and protoplasmic pituicytes which were observed among the non-myelinated fibres and herring bodies in the neurohypophysis. The acidophils, basophils and chromophobes appeared in cords and clusters in adenohypophysis, and the melanotrophs in the intermediate lobe. Immunohistochemical studies highlighted GFAP+ pituicytes as the resident astrocytes of neurohypophysis and the presence of collagen fibres in neurohypophysis. In conclusion, the histological and immunohistochemical features of pineal and pituitary glands in the GCR are similar to other rodents and mammals, though some peculiarities exist.
Textile dye exposure has been associated with diverse health disorders among which are infertility and adverse pregnancy outcome. Several such dyes exist in Commerce; an example of which is vat dye. It is not known if occupational exposure to vat dyes used by textile dyers in Abeokuta is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. The present study was therefore conducted to investigate the influence of occupational vat dye exposure, on fertility and adverse pregnancy outcome of dye users, by comparison with individuals not occupationally exposed. Biodata, occupational, reproductive and lifestyle characteristics were collected through interviewer administered questionnaire. The minimum duration of exposure was two years, mean age of the exposed participants was 32.5±8.1 years, and that of the unexposed was observed to be 37.7±5.9 years. Prevalence of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Low Birth Weight among the exposed versus the unexposed were 40.5%, 27% and 9.1% versus 35.5%, 22.6% and 0.0% respectively. These Percentages were higher in the exposed but no significant association was observed between Infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight and occupational exposure to vat dyes in the context of this Study. Occupational exposure to vat dyes used by textile dyers in Abeokuta is not associated with significant adverse reproductive outcomes. This Study, being retrospective type, could have been limited by recall bias. It is therefore recommended that a Prospective Study of this population be conducted and on a larger scale which may involve multicentre
Professor Dinah Mary James, OBE, (fondly called Iya Pharmacology or mother of Pharmacology) spent her entire productive years for research and training in Pharmacology at the Nigeria’s first Medical School, University of Ibadan where she rose to become the first Professor of Pharmacology in 1964
The mitochondrial membrane Permeability Transition (mPT) pore has emerged as a promising target for drug development in diseases where there is dysregulation of apoptosis. In this study, the effects of various fractions of the methanol extract of Xylopia aethiopica (XA), a potent medicinal plant, were investigated on mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. The methanol extract was partitioned in succession between dichloromethane, ethylacetate and methanol to obtain Dichloromethane (DFXA), Ethylacetate (EFXA) and Methanol (MFXA) fractions of the fruits. The effects of DFXA, the most potent fraction, on mPT pore, mitochondrial ATPase (mATPase), lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, cytochrome c release and caspases 9 and 3 activities were estimated. Varying concentrations of DFXA (20, 60, 100, 140 and 180 μg/ml) significantly induced pore opening in the absence of calcium by 9.92, 12.36, 13.75, 14.92 and 15.47 folds, respectively. Similarly, Ca 2+-induced mPT pore opening was further enhanced by 8.3, 9.14, 10.5, 18.53 and 20.5 folds and mATPase activity was significantly elevated by these concentrations of DFXA. In contract, EFXA and MFXA did not have any significant effect at lower concentrations but induced pore opening at 180μg/ml by 1.69 and 6.4 folds, respectively. In vivo, DFXA caused the induction of mPT pore in the absence of calcium, activation of the activities of caspases 9 and 3, significant DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner and also ameliorated ferrous-induced mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation. These findings reveal that the dichloromethane fraction of Xylopia aethjopica contains a bioactive agent capable of inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and may be useful for drug development in diseases where apoptosis is compromised
Introduction Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under age five worldwide. There is little evidence on determinants of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc use among under-five children in Nigeria. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify determinants of ORS and zinc use among under-five children in Abeokuta, Nigeria. A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, wherein mothers of under-five children were selected using a two-stage sampling technique. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Average marginal effect (AME) from multiple probit regression was used as a measure of association. A 2-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 280 respondents participated in the study. About 86% of the respondents were aware of ORS, and 82.9% had knowledge about ORS. Less than half (46.1%) of the respondents were aware of zinc, and 37.5% had knowledge about zinc. Usage rates of ORS and zinc were 66.4% and 22.1%, respectively. Determinants of ORS use were ORS awareness (AME = 0.47, p-value = 0.001), ORS knowledge (AME = 0.43, p-value = 0.001), and ORS availability (AME = 0.21, p-value = 0.004). Zinc knowledge (AME = 0.49, p-value < 0.001) was the only independent predictor of zinc use. There is need to intensify health education on the management of childhood diarrhea among mothers of under-five children in Nigeria. Furthermore, availability of high-quality and affordable supply of ORS and zinc should be improved in health facilities.
Estimation of malaria parasite density is important in diagnosis and assessment of individuals on antimalarial drugs. The use of either patient’s actual white blood cell (WBC) counts or an assumed value of 8000/mm3 to calculate malaria parasite density is still controversially discussed in literature. This study was carried out to investigate the agreement between the two methods of calculating malaria parasite density in children. Data on parasite and WBC counts were extracted from 796 case record forms of children aged 3 to 120 months who participated in four antimalarial clinical trials conducted between 1998 and 2014. Criteria for enrolment into the clinical trials included symptoms compatible with acute uncomplicated malaria, microscopically confirmed malaria parasitaemia of at least 1000/µL and absence of danger signs of severe malaria. All the studies received relevant ethical approval. A Bland Altman plots was used to show level of agreement or bias between the two methods. Male participants constituted 54.9%. Overall mean age was 47±31 months and mean WBC was 7807±4888/mm3. Geometric mean parasite density using assumed and actual WBC were 15,870 parasite/µL and 14,139 parasite/µL (ρ<0.001) respectively. Bland Altman plots showed that mean differences between parasite densities calculated from assumed and actual WBC densities were close to zero suggesting no remarkable systematic bias. Using an assumed white blood cell counts for calculating parasite density appears appropriate in children aged 3 to 12months in Southwest Nigeria.
Pleiocarpa pycantha (PP) and Cissampellos capensis(CC) showed potential phytoprotection in vitro. We then investigated this effects against N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatiotoxicity and renal function in rat (n=5), treated as follows for 60 days: (1) Control (2) DEN, (3) DEN+PP (4) DEN+CC (5) DEN+PP+CC (6) PP, (7) CC only and group (8) PP+CC. Rats were sacrificed and organs harvested for Biochemical and histological examination. DEN-induced hepatic tumors were counted and measured, liver sections processed for histopathology. Furthermore, markers of oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and renal function including superoxide dismutase, aspartate transaminase, and creatinine were assessed in serum, in addition to α-fetoprotein and blood glucose levels. DEN treatment resulted in weight loss; elevated serum levels of hepatic transaminases, α-fetoprotein and induction of T2-4 (tumour count) in experimental animals. Tumour incidences were reduced to T1-2, T1-2 and T1 in the presence of PP, CC and PP+CC co-treatment respectively. Histological investigation revealed increased growth in hepatic stellate cells and early fibrosis in DEN only treated group, which were partly reversed by PP and CC. Significant increase in blood glucose level was observed in DEN treated animals compared to PP and CC treated groups. In addition, DEN treated group were low in cellular antioxidant activity relative to other groups, which was elevated in the presence of PP and CC. Our findings indicated that PP and CC co-treatment alleviated DEN-induced hepatic tumorigenesis in exposed rats, reinforcing earlier in vitro findings. PP and CC phytoprotective effect maybe relevant in protecting the liver against chemical carcinogens.
The opening of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore is a crucial step for apoptotic cell death. Certain bioactive agents in medicinal plants elicit their chemo-protective effect against tumor via the induction of the mPT pore opening. This study therefore investigated the effects of different solvent fractions of Mangifera indica on mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via mPT pore opening to ascertain the most potent fraction. Methanol extract of Mangifera indica was partitioned successively to obtain n-hexane (NFMI), dichloromethane (DFMI), ethylacetate (EFMI) and methanol (MFMI) fractions. Rat liver and uterine mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation. The effects of DFMI, EFMI and MFMI on mPT pore, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation and hepatic and uterine DNA fragmentation were assessed spectrophotometrically while caspases 9 and 3 activities were determined using ELISA technique. The in vitro results showed that there was a concentration-dependent induction of mPT pore opening by MFMI and EFMI. However, MFMI was more potent than EFMI while DFMI did not have any effect. Similar pattern of results were recorded on cytochrome c release and mitochondrial ATPase activity. The in vivo results on mPT pore also showed MFMI to be the most potent, followed by EFMI while DFMI had no effect. The results on DNA fragmentation and caspases also showed MFMI to be the most potent of the three solvent fractions. The results of this study suggest that MFMI is the most potent containing the bioactive agents that may induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Keywords: Mangifera indica, apoptosis, mitochondrial permeability transition pore
HPV is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease in both men and women worldwide. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This study provided information on the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine awareness and vaccination history in relation to the level of antibodies to (HPV) in the population at risk in Nigeria. Patients attending STI clinics at Lagos and Ibadan were recruited and informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Using semi structured questionnaire, vaccination history, demography and past experiences of the patients were obtained. Whole blood samples were obtained and the sera screened for specific antibodies to HPV using ELISA test kits for determination of IgG to HPV by DIA PRO Diagnostic Bioprobes Milano-Italy according to the manufacturer's instruction. Of the170 samples analysed 50 (29.4%) samples were positive for HPV. Thirty (17.6%) were from females and 20 (11.7%) of them were males. Thirty-five (35%) of the 100 women participants were aware of HPV vaccine. 15(15%) women did not take the vaccine because they did not know where to get it while 20 (20%) of them could not afford it. It was also noted that there is higher prevalence among the middle-aged women. A high prevalence of HPV antibodies was observed in the study yet none of the participants had received the HPV vaccine thus the antibodies may be from infection. Implication is that the 30 women who tested positive for the HPV antibodies may be at risk of cervical cancer.
Finding a biomarkers that will be more sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of either prostate cancer or BPH as well as differentiating the two clinical conditions beyond the use of total PSA and all the its modifications has been of considerable interest for the Clinicians and other health care providers. This study here posited some further clarifications in this direction. This work attempted to determine the sensitivity/specificity of fibroblast growth factor23 in prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients at a tertiary centre in Ibadan Nigeria. Anthropometric characteristics, serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) were determined in 60 patients with histopathological diagnosis of BPH and Pca and thirty age matched control. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants in the study. Serum FGF-23 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) and total PSA was determined using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 and Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity for both FGF-23 and PSA. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. The mean FGF-23 was significantly higher in Pca and BPH compared to control. Expectedly, the mean total PSA was also significantly higher in Pca compared to BPH and control. There was a statistically significant AUC for FGF-23(AUC = 0.697, p = 0.009) between PCa patients and controls while PSA was not statistically significant. (AUC = 0.564, p = 0.391). At FGF-23 cut off of 221.45pg/ml, sensitivity and specificity were 66.7 and 83.3 respectively while at PSA cut off of 1.217ng/ml, sensitivity and specificity were 56.7 and 86.7 for diagnosis of prostate cancer respectively. However FGF23 has low specificity in distinguishing patients with prostate cancer from BPH. FGF-23 appears more specific in the diagnosis of both PCa and BPH than total PSA and may be promising in differentiate these two disease entities from individuals without them. Key words: Benign prostate hyperplasia, fibroblast growth factor 23, prostate cancer, sensitivity, specificity
In spite of increased use of herbal preparations in the treatment of diseases, there is dirge of scientific evidence on their possible toxic effects and most of their pharmacological claims. We investigated the toxic effect of a popular Nigerian herbal preparation (Yoyo Bitters) on the kidney and liver of Wister rats. One hundred Wister rats weighing averagely 120grams were kept in groups of 10 in separate cages. Groups 1-8 were kept for 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42days respectively while groups 9 and 10 served as controls. Groups 1-8 (cases) were fed with normal rat chow and given the herbal preparation by gavage while the control groups were fed only rat chow. Blood samples collected at the specified days above were analyzed for calcium, inorganic phosphorus, creatinine, uric acid as kidney function biomarkers while as liver function biomarkers, total protein, albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin levels along with activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate amino transaminase (AST) were also estimated spectrophotometrically. Mean values ranged from 5.50±0.70 -- 8.30±0.46; 7.50±1.80 – 24.90±10.00; 0.70±0.20 -- 0.85±0.0.01 and 1.40±0.80 – 6.50±2.20 for plasma calcium, inorganic phosphorus, creatinine and uric acid in cases respectively over the period of the experiment. Levels were significantly different for inorganic phosphorus, creatinine and uric acid in comparison to the control. Mean total and conjugated bilirubin levels ranged from 1.40±0.06 – 0.60±0.20 in cases as against 0.92±0,20 in controls while mean conjugated bilirubin levels ranged from 0.64±0.10 as against o.27±0,20 in controls. Mean enzyme activities ranged from 201±28 - 88±35 as against 340±51 in controls, mean ALT ranged between 172±100 - 52±23 in cases as against 158±61 in controls and mean AST ranged from 426±71-146±90 in cases as against 347±136 in controls. A scattered plot and correlation analysis of the days against levels of the biochemical parameters however showed no significant variation in the levels of these parameters except in the uric acid level which showed a significant proportional increase over the 42-day period of the experiment. Administration of this herbal preparation did not show a significant alteration in liver functions and may not be associated with gross abnormality in both glomerular and tubular functions of the kidney in the experimental animals. Observed hyperuricaemia may be more of antioxidant properties of the preparation.
INTRODUCTION:The World Health Organization's Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) is widely validated and popularly used in assessing perceived quality of life (QOL) of adolescents and the general population. Though the WHOQOL-BREF has been used in some studies in Nigeria, its theoretical structure has not been comprehensively investigated. This study examined the factor structure of the Adopted WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and it theoretical structure in a large sample of adolescents in Nigeria.METHODS:Data on demographic characteristics and QOL were extracted from 1,963 adolescents who participated in a state-wide study on psychosocial functioning and quality of life of adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics were used to present the distribution of the data while Cronbach's alpha and Polychoric ordinal alpha were used to describe the internal consistency (reliability) of the adapted WHOQOL-BREF and alpha value of 0.700 was considered reliable. Structural analysis was performed to extract the underlying factors while confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess some hypothesized structure of the adapted WHO-QOL BREF. Relative Chi-square test (χ2/df) value ≤3.0 was regarded a good fit while multiple fit indexes with values ≥0.90 (for acceptable fit) were used for assessing diverse aspects of the models. All analyses were performed at 5% significance level using IBM SPSS statistics version 20, R package and AMOS version 21.RESULTS:Participants were mostly male (54.8%) and 14.7±1.4 years old with 51.0% residing in rural areas. The overall internal consistency of the 4-factor model was 0.862 (for Cronbach's Alpha) and 0.989 (for Polychoric Alpha) while the 2-factor model had 0.870 (for Cronbach's Alpha) and 0.990 (for Polychoric Alpha). The Cattelle's Scree plot, Horn's parallel analysis and the confirmatory factor analysis revealed a 2-factor model as the best model for the WHO-QOL BREF. The 23-item 2-factor structure had a relative Chi-square test value χ2/df < 3 = 2.98, p < 0.001 with all fit indices within the acceptable range.CONCLUSION:The adapted WHO QOL BREF can be safely used to assess quality of life among Adolescents in Nigeria and related settings. Using the two factors extracted in the present study may yield better results in settings similar to the present study location.
This article described the perception of young mothers and selected informal maternity caregivers with no known antecedents of depression residing in two communities in Ibadan, Nigeria about maternal depression. This study is qualitative in design. We purposively selected fifty-one pregnant women and nursing mothers (young mothers) within the communities and the clinics. Thirty-three informal caregivers (Community Birth attendants (CBAs), elderly mothers and men of reproductive age) were also selected. We utilized Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), open-ended interviews and document consultation to obtain information about maternal depression. Discussions and interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with Nvivo version 15. Common phrases used to describe maternal depression were "severe worrying" and "chronic unhappiness". Young mothers opined that maternal depression was caused by lack of partner support while more of the men and elderly mothers felt spiritual causes were responsible. Symptoms of maternal depression described by the participants included prolonged loss of interest in pleasurable activities and being moody. Common consequences of maternal depression mentioned were premature onset of labour and low birth weight babies. The perceived help-seeking behaviour included special rituals and deliverance. CBAs mentioned referral to a psychiatrist as a last resort. Participants were aware of maternal depression and its symptoms, however, there were misconceptions about the causes which influenced the perceived help-seeking of elderly mothers and men. Health education interventions to dispel these misconceptions should therefore target the mothers and informal caregivers in the study area.
