Background: Central nervous infections can present with or be complicated by acute infarctions similar to those seen in acute ischaemic stroke. Multiple and extensive cortical infarctions is an uncommon complication of acute bacterial meningitis in the young adult population and is associated with a poor prognosis. Findings: We present a case of a 41year old male bar attendant with extensive cortical infarctions post-acute meningoencephalitis. He was referred to our facility with a history of sore throat, fever, headache, neck pain and irrational behaviour. Initial Brain Computerised Tomography scan (CT) at presentation was normal, however a throat swab had revealed non-haemolytic streptococci and Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed growth of streptococcal species (spp.). He was commenced on empirical intravenous antibiotics. A repeat brain CT scan ordered for after a week on admission due to patient’s deteriorating state showed extensive multiple cortical and subcortical infarctions bilaterally involving the pons, cerebellar, and cerebral cortex. Despite intensive management, we lost the patient after eighteen (18) days on admission. Conclusion: The presence of multiple infarctions portends a worse prognosis and should prompt more vigilance in the management of such patients.
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a commensal of the gastrointestinal tract but has been associated with hospital associated- and community infections. In this investigation, K. pneumoniae that was isolated from several clinical specimens of patients at a tertiary hospital in Benin City was evaluated for its multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index. Methods: A total of 100 clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae from the hospital’s inpatients and outpatients were employed. By using conventional microbiological techniques, isolates were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out and MAR index was calculated. Results: The susceptibility test showed that K. pneumoniae exhibited high level of multidrug resistance with a total of 24 isolates resistant to the 12 antibiotics tested. The MAR index ranged from 0.42 to 1.00 with the mean value of 0.7994. The K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens of inpatients showed a higher MAR index of 0.82 than that of outpatients (0.74). Conclusion: These findings present a major public health concern. Concerted efforts that emphasize antimicrobial stewardship must be put in place to mitigate this problem.
Background: Ocimum gratissimum is a plant rich in bioactive compounds believed to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects. This study was carried out to determine the antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum extracts on selected bacteria isolates. Methods: This was a prospective clinical and laboratory study in which bacteria swabs were collected from patients who presented with bacterial conjunctivitis at the Eye Clinic, Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria and transported to the Microbiology Laboratory at Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri for culturing and isolation. The zones of inhibition of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum on three bacteria isolates from the swab samples was tested for antibacterial activity. Results: The mean zones of inhibition for 100 mg/ml ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum was 18.96 ± 0.20 mm on S. aureus, 16.35 ± 0.28 mm on E. coli, and 17.80 ± 0.37 mm on K. pneumonia. For 100 mg/ml aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum, the mean zones of inhibition was 5.17 ± 0.17 on S. aureus, 3.82 ± 0.21 mm on E. coli, and 3.80 ± 0.20 mm on K. pneumonia. There was a significant antibacterial effect (p < 0.001) of both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum on the selected bacteria isolates. Conclusion: Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum showed antibacterial activity on the selected bacteria isolates. These findings support the potential of Ocimum gratissimum as alternative therapeutic agent against drug-resistant bacteria.
Cervical cancer remains a global public health problem with the annual number of new cases and deaths projected to increase to 700000 and 400,000 in 2030, respectively. Unfortunately, about 85% of woman affected by cervical cancer are young, undereducated and live in the world’s poorest regions like sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. Although high income countries (HIC) have reduced morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer by about 80% using cytology (pap smears) for population-based screening cervices in the past 60 years, many low-middle-income-countries (LMIC) in sub-Saharan Africa have not been able to replicate it due to limited resources and challenges with the personnel, laboratory and logistics requirements, competing health needs and the appropriate political commitment. Addressing the barriers to achieving the 90:70:90 targets by 2030 will help the region towards a sustainable pathway to eliminate cervical cancer by 2120.
Background: Cervical cancer, a preventable disease, is the fourth most frequent cancer in women worldwide is a major public health problem especially in developing countries. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of cervical cancer and practice of cervical cancer screening among antenatal clinic attendees in Garki Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen antenatal clinic attendees selected using systemic sampling techniques participated in this facility-based cross-sectional study. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 22.0. Statistical level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: One hundred and twenty-two (57.0%) of the respondents were aged 30 – 39 years, 191 (89.3%) were married, 202 (94.4%) had tertiary level of education while 72 (33.6%) were primipara. Majority 191 (89.3%) were awareness of cervical cancer with health care workers 81 (42.4%) and mass media 72 (37.7%) as the predominant sources of information. Majority 157 (82.2%) mentioned abnormal vaginal bleeding as a symptom of cervical cancer while 28 (14.7%) do not know the symptoms of cervical cancer. Sixty-eight (35.6%) and 30 (15.7%) mentioned multiple sexual partners and early sexual exposures as risk factors for cervical cancer, respectively. Only 31 (16.2%) had screened for cervical cancer. Socio-demographic characteristics were not significantly associated with respondents’ uptake of cervical cancer screening Conclusion: The awareness concerning cervical cancer was high but the in-depth knowledge of its symptoms and risk factors was generally poor. The uptake of cervical cancer screening was abysmally low.
Background: Substance abuse among university students is an evolving concern among young person’s today with grave consequences on health and well-being. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and prevalence of substance abuse among university students in order to identify appropriate preventive measures. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 771 undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, using pretested self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were selected by a multistage sampling technique, data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.050 at 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of respondents studied was 23.2 ± 2.3 years. Six hundred and sixty-four (97.2%) of the respondents had good knowledge of substance abuse. The life time prevalence of substance use was 44.4% (n=342) while recent prevalence of substance use was 68.1% (n= 233). Faculty of students (OR=2.320; CI=1.379 - 2.434; p<0.001), religion (OR: 0.452; CI: 0.048-0.282; p<0.001), family type (OR: 0.240; CI: 1.215-3.118; p=0.006), monthly allowance (OR: 0.375; CI: 1.541-6.707; p=0.002) and knowledge of substance use (OR: 0.235; CI: 0.075-0.740; p=0.013) were identified as significant predictors of substance use. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge of substance abuse and health implications a little less than half of the respondents used substances. There is need to reduce the prevalence of substance use through targeted health educational interventions among this target population.
Background: Alterations in the expressions of ETS variant-6 (ETV6) and Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 (NFE2) may occur as part of cellular response to phenyl-hydrazine administration and the need to replenish RBCs. Understanding the relationship between phenyl-hydrazine-induced damage, erythropoiesis, and transcriptional regulation mediated by ETV6 and NFE2 provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying anaemia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of bi-herbal formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus aqueous leaf extracts on ETV6 and NFE2 gene expressions in phenyl-hydrazine induced anaemia in albino Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 60 adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, phenyl-hydrazine group, ferrous sulphate group, phenyl-hydrazine+ 100mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus, phenyl-hydrazine+ 200mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus and phenyl-hydrazine+ 400mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus respectively. Messenger RNA (mRNA) ETV6 and NFE2 were determined using polymerase chain reaction. Results: mRNA expression of ETV6 of group B was higher when compared to group A (p<0.05). Groups C and D showed statistically significant higher expression of ETV6 when compared to group A and B (p=0.001). There was a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of NFE2 of group B when compared to group A (p=0.001). Groups E and F showed statistically significant lower expressions of NFE2 when compared to groups A and B (p=0.001). Conclusion: Phenyl-hydrazine and bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus caused positive alterations in ETV6 and NFE2.
Background: Internet addiction among undergraduate students is a growing concern globally, with potential implications for academic performance and overall well-being. However, limited research has been conducted on the prevalence of internet addiction among undergraduate students in Southern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with internet addiction among undergraduate students at the University of Benin in Southern Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at the University of Benin selected by a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire adapted from the Internet Addiction Test by Young. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 22.0, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Four hundred and ninety-nine respondents participated in this study with a mean age of 20.5±2.7 years. Out of 499 respondents surveyed, 392 (78.6%) were addicted to the internet. Of these, 356 (90.8%) exhibited mild addiction, 35 (8.9%) had moderate addiction, and 1 (0.3%) had severe addiction. Male gender (p=0.037) was found to have a significant association with the prevalence of internet addiction. Conclusion: This study highlights the alarming prevalence of internet addiction among undergraduate students at the University of Benin in Southern Nigeria. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address internet addiction among undergraduate students in Nigeria.
Substance abuse has reached epidemic proportions affecting between 20 and 40 percent of youths in Nigeria. It is a public health concern that threatens the health, well-being, and future of our young generation. The alarming rise in substance abuse among youths has far-reaching and devastating consequences. This editorial highlights the commonly abused drugs, the root causes and the multifaceted approach for addressing substance abuse in Nigeria.
Background: Sexual abuse is a public health problem that poses serious challenge to health and wellbeing of young persons, globally. This study assessed prevalence and predictors of sexual abuse among undergraduate students in the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria in order to develop appropriate preventive intervention Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Selfadministered questionnaires were utilized for the study. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 21.4 ± 2.8 years and 300 (60%) were females. Awareness of sexual abuse was 98.0%. Lifetime and period (one year) prevalence of sexual abuse was 320 (64.0%) and 200 (62.5%) respectively. Determinants of sexual abuse were female sex (OR=2.234, CI= 1.532 – 3.527, p<0.001), room sharing (OR=2.637, CI= 0.416 – 0.977, p = 0.039), self-support in school (OR = 2.587, CI= 0.416 – 0.977, p = 0.036), history of previous sexual abuse (OR = 6.043, CI= 3.689 – 6.238, p = 0.001) and history of abusive relationship (OR= 5.010, CI= 1.321 – 3.234, p = 0.023). Conclusion: Sexual abuse is prevalent among study population, with more females than males affected. The University of Benin Management should develop preventive measures that will aid prompt identification and reporting of sexual abuse with anonymity to appropriate authority
Background: Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral haemorraghic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The objective of this study was to describe the profile of confirmed cases of Lassa fever during an outbreak in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive review of records of cases of Lassa fever between 1st of January to 4th of March, 2019 was done. Confirmation of cases was done using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data analysis was by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 and descriptive statistics was done. Results: Out of a total of 150 suspected cases of Lassa fever recorded during the period, 63 (42.0%) were confirmed. Among the confirmed cases, the mean age was 28±16.4 years and 34 (54.0%) were males. The incidence of the disease was highest among those within the ages of 15-45 (66.7%) years. The highest proportions of confirmed cases were from Jattu 25 (39.7%) and Auchi 24 (38.1%) communities. The case fatality rate was 12 (19%). Conclusion: The incidence of Lassa fever was highest among the productive age group with about one in five deaths recorded during the outbreak. The State Government should step-up environmental sanitation activities in Jattu and Auchi Communities in Etsako West LGA.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and life-long disease characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation caused by the interplay of the host’s genetic predisposition, immune responses, and various environmental factors. It is characterized by chronic diarrhea, among other symptoms. Its spectrum comprises Crohn’s disease (CD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and indeterminate colitis (IC). Inflammatory bowel disease occurs in two peaks, the first at 15-25 years, and the second at 40-60 years. It is rarely reported in the extremes of age. Here we report the case of a 93-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed ulcerative colitis presenting as large bowel obstruction.
Background: Despite recent advances in the detection and treatment of oral cancer (OC), the rate of late presentation by patients is still high. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about the risk factors and early signs of OC among dental patients in a Nigerian secondary health facility. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study design recruited all consecutive patients at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Edo state, Nigeria. Data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire which was given to all participants that gave written informed consent. Data was collected and analysed Results: All the 250 respondents approached agreed to participate in the present study. The age range was 18 to 84 years with a mean age of 34.1±12.2 years. There were 71(28.4%) males and 179(71.6%) females. Only 140(56.0%) of the respondents were aware of OC and 70(50.0%) of them had the information from internet/ mass media. Only 65(25.6%) were certain that old age is a risk factor of OC. The age, gender, place of residence, level of education and occupation of the respondents did not significantly affect the level of awareness of the respondents (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge of risk factors and early signs of OC was unsatisfactory in the patients. The demographic features of the respondents were not related to the level of awareness of OC.
Background: Primary Health Care is the cornerstone of a sustainable national health system for the attainment of universal health coverage. There is poor demand for health services at the primary level of care. This study assessed the perceptions and factors affecting the utilization of primary health care services in a predominantly urban community in South-South Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in Egor, Benin City, Southern Nigeria. A structured, and interviewer administered questionnaire was distributed to 371 heads of household who were selected using multistage sampling method. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: Majority of the respondents were males 191 (51.6%). More than half, 195 (52.5%) were in the age group of 35-49 years. Less than half, 171 (46.1%)of the respondents had utilized primary health care services. Only, 42 (24.6%) perceived the services utilized were satisfactory. Immunization, 45 (26.3%), child, 39 (22.8%) and maternal, 32 (18.7%) health care services were the most utilized. Sex (OR = 0.599; CI = 0.38-0.94, p = 0.027), religion (OR = 2.246; CI = 1.066-4.735, p = 0.033), and occupation (OR = 2.437; CI = 1.106-5.367, p = 0.027) were factors associated with the utilization of health services in the study locale. Conclusions: The utilization of the primary health care services was low, and the perception of services utilized was not satisfactory. The Local Government Health Authority needs to strengthen the primary health care system. Also, improved community engagement and participation could enhance health services access and uptake.
Background: The Corona Virus Disease-2019 caused by the virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus - 2 resulted in a global public health problem. Various strategies and interventions were implemented to contain the spread around the world. Despite this, the pandemic persisted with fear and anxiety leading to worsening psychological state. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the profile and predictors of psychological manifestations of COVID-19 among adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select adults aged 18 years and above. A pre-tested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 was used for data analysis and spatial mapping. Level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: More than a tenth (15.3%) of the respondents had experienced severe psychological manifestations due to COVID-19. Younger age (p<0.001), higher level of education (p<0.001), higher monthly income (p=0.013), smaller household size (p=0.001), working in the hospital environment (p=0.001), and rural residence (p=0.005) were significantly associated with psychological manifestations due to COVID-19. Younger age (p=0.030), tertiary education (p=0.020), rural location (p<0.001) and working in the hospital environment (p=0.021) were significant predictors of severe psychological manifestations due to COVID-19. Conclusion: Psychological manifestations due to COVID-19 was high among the study population and this cuts across socio-demographic and socio-economic groups. Awareness campaigns by the Ekiti State government and other relevant stakeholders could help to reduce this in the population
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, addressing healthcare service gaps. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and utilization of telemedicine among residents in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult residents of Benin City. A multi-staged sampling technique comprising four stages was employed to select respondents, and data were collected through a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS vs 25.0. Significance was established at p < 0.05, and results were presented as prose and frequency tables. Results: The study included 413 participants with a mean age (SD) of 26.9 ± 7.1 years. The majority, 279 (67.6%), were students, and 289 (70.0%) had tertiary education. Good knowledge of telemedicine was demonstrated by 192 (61.5%) of the respondents but 122 (39.1%) had used telemedicine services. Fifty-seven (46.7%) of those who used telemedicine favoured phone calls as the primary medium, citing its accessibility. Notably, 106 (86.9%) reported using telemedicine to reduce hospital waiting times, and 105 (86.1%) appreciated its ready availability. Barriers to telemedicine use included network challenges during consultations (42.6%) and inconsistent power supply (36.3%). Age (p = 0.045), sex (p = 0.038) and higher education (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with better telemedicine knowledge. Conclusion: The study revealed that while a significant proportion of residents in Benin City possessed good knowledge of telemedicine, its utilization remains low. Addressing infrastructure limitations and extending educational efforts will be pivotal in bridging the knowledge-utilization gap in telemedicine.
The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of practicing Nigerian ophthalmologists towards cornea donation and corneal graft. The responses of 160 ophthalmologists (specialists and senior registrars) in Nigeria who responded to an appropriate questionnaire on cornea donation at one of their National conferences attended mainly by practicing ophthalmologists were analysed. Through the questionnaire, the knowledge and attitude of the ophthalmologists towards cornea donation and cornea graft in Nigeria were evaluated. The questionnaire also included questions on donor materials from prisoners for themselves and their close relatives. One hundred and sixty (160) of the 191 ophthalmologists (84%) given the questionnaire responded. All the respondents have adequate information on cornea donation and corneal graft. Majority of them were favourably disposed to most of the questions asked except when it came to carrying a donor card, signing the donor form and the actual signing of the form. Only 34 (21%) of ophthalmologists agreed to donate their cornea at death. It was found that traditional beliefs, social implications and personal considerations mainly influenced those who were not favourably disposed to cornea donation and corneal graft. The majority of practicing ophthalmologists in Nigeria are not favourably disposed to donating their cornea at death Keywords : Executed prisoners, donor cards. Cornea donation, corneal graft. Ophthalmologists. Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research Vol. 5 (1&2) 2007: pp. 26-34
Forty four patients scheduled for elective surgery of short to moderate duration (< 90 minutes) were recruited into this study. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol 2.5mg/kg and maintained with continuous intravenous infusion of pre-mixed propofol and normal saline containing 2mg/ml of propofol. Suxamethonium 1mg/kg was used to facilitate endotracheal intubation. No long-acting muscle relaxant was used. Intravenous ketamine 0.5mg/kg stat dose was given for analgesic supplement, and 0.25mg/kg subsequent intermittent doses on signs of inadequate anaesthesia. The propofol infusion was stopped at the end of the surgery. Mean duration of anaesthesia was 56.5 ± 2.6 minutes while mean recovery time was 10.6 ± 4.6 minutes. The mean post-anaesthetic recovery scores (PARS) were 4.35/6, 5.17/6, 5.80/6 and 5.85/6 at admission to the recovery room and after 15 minutes, 30 minutes and discharge to the ward respectively. There were no incidents of extreme haemodynamic fluctuations or emergence phenomena noticed in any of the patients. Keywords: Anaesthesia, infusion, methods, haemodynamic, emergence, gravimetry Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research Vol. 4 (1) 2005: pp. 65-70
The altered rheological properties of the blood have been shown to precede clinically detectable diabetic vasculopathy. This study seeks to investigate whether hypoglycaemic treatment would have any impact on some haemorheological markers: haematocrit (Hct), total plasma protein (TPP) and relative plasma viscosity (RPV). We studied fifty normotensive diabetic patients that were on insulin, metformin or glibenclamide treatment and 25 non-diabetic subjects matched by age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Results showed that age, BMI, haematocrit, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were similar among all groups. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) which was significantly higher (p significantly elevated (p plasma viscosity and plasma protein levels in diabetic patients. This finding suggests that treatment with insulin, metformin or glibenclamide does not impact beneficial effects on plasma rheology. In addition, the results imply that hyperglycaemia mediates hyperviscous plasma that may exert risk factor for the initiation and/or progression of diabetic vasculopathy. Hence, it may be necessary to use rheomodulators in the management of diabetes mellitus.
